The Lee District Welcomes New Business

Development Incentive Program

The Development Incentive Program (DIP) provides partial funding to Lee District property owners and new or expanding Lee District business tenants. The intent of the DIP is to strengthen the economic viability of the Lee District by providing financial incentives in these categories:

 

• FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
• NEW BUSINESS RECRUITMENT LOANS
• CLUSTER MARKETING GRANTS

 

The DIP promotes the intent by focusing on these reimbursement and/or loan programs as primary business recruitment and retention tools. Click here for an overview of the Lee District Development Incentive Program.

DIP Facade Program

 

The DIP Façade Program focuses on improving the exterior of existing buildings and constructing new commercial buildings. Funds: The DIP Façade Program has two levels of funding: 

Mini Grants (up to $3,499 per award) – requires $2 applicant funds for every $1 grant funds. SDI has a maximum of $15,000 to award in 2010.

Forgivable Loans (up to $15,000 per award) – requires $1.50 applicant funds for every $1 loan funds. SDI has a maximum of $35,000 to award in 2010.

Eligibility

Any Lee District property owners and/or tenants of structures located within the Lee District, who are in good standing (Lee District Service Fees current), may apply for DIP funds.  Priority will be given to Lee District members. However, non-profit Salina Downtown, Inc. partner businesses whose principal location lies within the Lee District boundary are also eligible to apply for DIP funds. The building’s eligibility is renewed annually.          

Application Period

Applications are accepted twice annually in March and August.  

See the DIP Facade Improvement Program Guidelines and Application for complete details.

 

DIP New Business Recruitment 

DIP New Business Recruitment promotes the recruitment of new businesses or relocation of existing businesses into the historic Salina downtown Lee District.

Funds

This is a revolving loan fund. The New Business Recruitment will accept applications for a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000. SDI has a maximum of $5,000 to award on a competitive basis in 2010. Awarded funds will NOT be released until the business has opened for business in the Lee District.  

Eligibility

All applicants must be a participant in Project Open and must plan to locate in the Lee District within twelve months of application. (See Project Open below)

Application Period

Applications are accepted quarterly (if funds are available).  

See the DIP New Business Recruitment Loan Guidelines and Application for complete details.  

DIP Cluster Marketing

DIP Cluster Marketing promotes cooperative marketing of two or more Lee District businesses.  

Funds

The DIP Cluster Marketing will accept applications for a minimum of $250 grant to $1,000 grant – requires $2 applicant funds for every $1 of grant funds. SDI has a maximum of $5,000 to award on a competitive basis in 2010. 

Eligibility

Any Lee District business in good standing (Lee District Service Fees current), may participate in an application for DIP Cluster Marketing funds.  The cluster must include at least two eligible businesses. Applications are NOT accepted from businesses located outside the Lee District.

Application Period:  Applications are accepted twice annually in July and October (if funds are available).  

See the DIP Cluster Marketing Grant Guidelines and Application for complete details.

 

Project Open  

Project Open is for you if you want to start your own business or if you already own and operate a start up business.

Project Open can help you...

* Take your idea to a business reality
* Develop your business knowledge and skills for success
* Develop a realistic business plan
* Expand your existing business
* Find financial resources
* Build your support network of successful, experienced business people

 

Project Open Intake Application
Project Open Grant Guidelines

Project Open Grant Application

Project Open is the result of extensive collaboration between leading Salina business agencies including the City of Salina, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Salina Economic Development Incentive Council (SEDIC), and Salina Downtown, Inc., as well as regional agencies including North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) and North Central Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC).

Contact Project Open for complete details:

Project Open

785-827-9301
open@salinakansas.org