Business Improvement Grant Program (BIG)

About the Program

The BIG Program provides financial assistance for building/business owners to make exterior building improvements in the Central Area Commercial District (CA) of Gainesville, Texas. The BIG Façade Program provides funds toward fixed site improvements in compliance with Section 501.103 of the Texas Local Government Code. Below are the program policies and qualifying business types. An application for this program is subject to GEDC Board approval. 

See Big Improvement Program Success Stories Here

Qualified Applicants:

A building owner (or a business owner with the building owner’s written authorization) may receive financial assistance from the BIG Program for pre-approved façade improvements. Single-use residential buildings are not eligible.

Qualified Area:

Central Area Commercial District (CA), zoned by the City of Gainesville (See Zoning Map) 

Grant Calculations, Minimum, and Maximums:

Qualified applicants that receive an Approval Letter from the Gainesville EDC Board are eligible to receive up to 50% reimbursement with a maximum reimbursement of $25,000 subject to the square footage of the building facade with grant values based on $7.00/sf for street frontage façade and $2.00/sf for non-street frontage façade and excludes insets, bump-outs, etc. Projects must meet a minimum of $2,500 to qualify (i.e., the project total is $2,500 and the BIG Program reimbursement would equal $1,250). Grants may not be used for the refinance of existing loans, working capital or for purchase of inventory or interior projects. Grant applicants must secure their portion of the project cost before the start of the improvements and submit written documentation to the GEDC. Total BIG Façade Program Award amount will be reduced by any prior façade grant proceeds received at a specific property in the previous ten (10) years.

All projects shall be completed by contractors who meet all licensing requirements and shall comply with all applicable building codes of the City of Gainesville. Project owners and/or contractors shall acquire all necessary permits.

Applicants may want to consult their accountant when applying for this incentive as it may be subject to federal income taxes.

Grant Application Process: 

Applicants must fill out an application and cannot begin work until such application is approved by the GEDC Board of Directors. Documents needed as part of a complete application include: total project budget, site plans, current before photos (digital preferred) of the building, proposed renderings of changes, bid statement(s) from contractor(s), detailed spreadsheet with lists of improvement subtotals and total project cost, proof of insurance, and completed IRS W-9 Form (for reimbursement payment). If the applicant does not own the building, they may still apply but must have written authorization from the building owner and submit the document as part of the application.

Applicants will need to complete a full application and submit to the GEDC. Upon application, GEDC Staff will meet with the applicant and verify all submitted documentation. Depending on the design and scope of the project, GEDC Staff may seek feedback from the City of Gainesville Staff. GEDC Staff may request additional follow-up documentation, including company financial information. Upon verification, the complete application will be placed on the next agenda for the GEDC Board of Directors meeting. The GEDC Board will vet the application and vote whether to approve, deny, request additional information, or request changes, within 30 days from presentation and is at the sole discretion of the GEDC Board of Directors. Approval is not guaranteed. Should the application be rejected, the GEDC Board of Directors may suggest changes or improvements. If the applicant complies with the changes, the grant application can be reconsidered at the next meeting. Upon approval, the applicant will receive a BIG Façade Program Award Letter from Gainesville EDC. The applicant and their contractor(s) must comply with all City of Gainesville ordinances and development standards. This includes obtaining all necessary permits from the City of Gainesville. Work done out of compliance with City of Gainesville requirements may result in breach of contract with the GEDC and forfeiture of funding eligibility. Upon completion of improvements and GEDC receipt of paid receipts, GEDC and City of Gainesville Staff shall verify compliance (including removal of any code violations) and process a reimbursement based on applicant’s proof of paid receipt(s).

Time to Complete:

Applicants will have up to eighteen (18) months upon approval by the GEDC Board to complete their project, unless approved for an amended timeline or as otherwise provided in the Performance Agreement.

Marketing: 

Applicant/Grantee acknowledges that information provided by applicant and obtained by GEDC may be used in GEDC marketing, press releases, social media posts, websites, etc.