In order to encourage the establishment of for-profit, new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses in the City of Hamilton, the City created and implemented the Design Assistance Program. The program provides business owners interested in renovating an existing or constructing a new building with a grant of up to $2,500, to be used for professional architectural/technical services. Design services eligible for funding include those that provide the following:
• Floor plans showing existing and/or new construction;
• Building façade improvements; and
• Preliminary building, zoning and safety code analysis.
Qualifications for Funding
• Small business must have no more than 30 employees
• Personal financial statement is required from all applicants
• Grant proceeds may not be used for in-house or staff design
• Business plan must be submitted
• Project must be consistent with zoning requirements and business district plans
• Only one grant per business address per year
• Minimum project investment of $10,000
• Maximum grant award is $2,500
• Project must be completed within 12 months of the filing of the application
• Applicant is required to file a $250 application fee, which is refunded upon the issuance of a certificate of occupancy
Process
The following is the basic process of the Program:
• Business owner files their application
• City reviews application and give go-ahead to proceed
• Small business owner selects their design professional
• Design professional completes plans and permits are issued
• Small business owner submits paid invoices for design services
• City reimburses owner for invoices after construction in underway
• Application fee is refunded upon issuance of certificate of occupancy
Last updated: 5/24/2012 3:49:32 PM