About the Program 

The Small Business Growth Program is a matching reimbursement grant program that assists new and existing small business owners with the cost of real property improvements and major equipment necessary to start or expand their small business. The program is intended to spur entrepreneurship and small business growth while working to revitalize vacant or underutilized properties in Borger.

Grants are awarded on a matching reimbursement basis; the cost of the project must be paid in full by the business owner, but is then reimbursable up to 50% by Borger, Inc. up to the amount of $50,000.

Matching grant monies will be disbursed at the completion of improvements and with the acceptance of work by the City of Borger.. 

Download the Small Business Program Applicaton Here

Eligiblity:

In order for a small business to be considered for a matching grant through the Small Business Growth Program, the business must meet one of the following criteria: 

• Must be a new business not currently or previously operating in Borger, or
• Must be an existing business desiring to expand and able to demonstrate how the project will help in its expansion, or
• Must be an existing business that will be experiencing an ownership change or has experienced an ownership change within the last 12 months.

In addition to meeting ONE of the above criterium, the business must also meet ALL of the following:

• Must have fewer than 50 FTEs.
• Must have a physical commercial location that is open a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week. Business located in Downtown Area zoning that are open for less than thirty (30) hours per week may be eligible for a reduced (less than 50%) reimbursement grant.

Other eligibility notes:

• A business may not apply to the program in back-to-back fiscal years
• A business may apply up to 3 times or receive a maximum amount of $150,000
• No home-based businesses, unless transitioning to a commercial location as part of the application, are eligible.
• Storage buildings, RV parks, and other similar rental properties are not eligible.
• Certain noxious or adult-oriented uses, such as adult entertainment or novelty stores, vape shops, and bars are not eligible. The determination as to whether a use is eligible is at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Objectives:

1.  To encourage entrepreneurship and local business ownership.
2.  To revitalize and improve vacant or underutilized commercial buildings and spaces in Borger.
3.  To create an incentive for small businesses to expand in Borger.
4.  Encourage building safety and compliance with the ULDO, ADA, and TDLR.
5.  Improve the community image and perception of Borger through qualifying improvements focusing on both aesthetics and business vitality;
6. Encourage private investment in commercial businesses;
7. Increase sales tax revenues and property values; and
8. Encourage the continuation of small businesses in the event a current owner is ready to retire or close.

Encouraged Improvements: 

Real Property Improvements: The improvement of physical commercial space that will be occupied by the new or expanded business. 

How are applications evaluated? 

Once a complete application is submitted, the following allocation criteria and the City of Borger ULDO will serve as the basis for reviewing the impact of the proposed project:

A.    Grant Amount requested vs. impact of project (efficiency use of dollars)
B.    Increase to ad valorem tax and sales tax
C.    Occupancy of vacant buildings
D.    Enhancement of local residence quality of life
E.    Improvement to dilapidated buildings
F.    Increased safety
G.    Increased compliance to City of Borger ULDO and other laws/regulations

How Do I Apply?

Step 1: Pre-Application Meeting

While not required, a pre-application meeting is strongly recommended. This will allow Borger, Inc., and City of Borger staff to review the applicant’s site with the applicant to discuss potential recommended improvements.

1. Contact Michelle Gray at info@borgeredc.com or 806-521-0027 to schedule a pre-application meeting.
2. At the meeting discuss required reviews and permits for the improvements.
3. At the meeting discuss any site features that do not meet current code standards.
4. At the meeting discuss the impact of the project.

Step 2: Submit Application

Submit a complete application to Borger, Inc. as early as possible. Applications may be submitted in person, at the Borger, Inc. office located at 108 E. 6^th Street, Borger, Texas 79007 or by mail to Borger, Inc. Attn: Executive Director, P.O. Box 1157, Borger, TX 79008. You can download your application: HERE. A complete application contains one paper copy and one digital copy (as one (1) PDF) of the following:

1. A completed application form (the following 4 pages).
2. Comprehensive digital photos of current site conditions.
3. A narrative of the project describing the work to be completed (max. 750 words).
4. Drawings/plans detailing the proposed improvements (PDF format).
5. Two (2) itemized cost estimates from two independent sources.
   • Cost estimates from the property owner or any entity to which the property owner is associated will not be accepted.
6. Current tax statement showing no delinquent taxes for the property.
   • This can be obtained online at http://hutchinsoncountytax.com/
7. Owner’s deed to the property showing proof of ownership.
   • This can be obtained at the County Courthouse for a small fee.
8. Current W-9.
9. Complete ALL DOCUMENTS/FILES listed on checklist

*Applications missing any information or documentation will be rejected until complete. *

Step 3: Present Application to the Board for Decision 

Once your complete application is received, your project can be placed on the agenda of an upcoming Board meeting. Regular Board meetings typically occur monthly – please check with Borger, Inc. staff on the dates of upcoming Board meetings so that you can plan accordingly. At the Board meeting, you will have an opportunity to present your project and answer and questions the Board may have about your application or financials. Typically, the Board will decide to approve or deny a project the first time it is presented. Occasionally, the Board may table their decision, meaning they could decide to wait to make a decision until more information is available. If your project is approved, you will be asked to sign an incentive agreement that contains all terms applicable to the grant you are eligible to receive. 

Step 4: Complete Your Project and Submit for Reimbursement 

Once your project has been approved, it’s time to get to work! You will complete whatever improvements are part of your approved project scope. Once your project is complete, you will submit proof of completion to Borger, Inc. (including copies of paid invoices, cancelled checks, photos of completed project, etc.). The reimbursement matching grant can only be paid once your project is complete and the new or expanded business is open to the public.