The City of Taylor is launching four new grant programs aimed at supporting existing downtown businesses, attracting new investment and preserving the historic character of the city’s downtown district.
City officials announced the programs as part of a broader $500,000 investment in Downtown Taylor that also includes infrastructure and beautification projects.
“These grants illustrate how the City’s Downtown Department supports Downtown businesses, encourages growth and revitalization in the Downtown District, and works to preserve Downtown’s historical assets,” Downtown Director Niecy Baum said in a statement. “Taylor is the Front Porch of Texas, and these grants are designed to support our business owners’ efforts to make Taylor even more inviting to locals and visitors.”
The largest of the new programs is the Economic Development Recruitment Grant, which offers matching reimbursements of up to $50,000 for new retail, dining and entertainment businesses locating within the Downtown Tax Increment Financing District No. 1. Eligible expenses include interior build-out costs such as HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical work, fire suppression systems, permit fees and design or engineering services. The program has $100,000 in total funding available.
The city is also offering the Front Porch Package Grant, a program designed to create a more welcoming and unified downtown appearance. Eligible businesses can receive a coordinated storefront package that includes rocking chairs, an A-frame sign or reimbursement, an open flag and floral reimbursement. The program has $75,000 available.
A second matching reimbursement program, the Stay-A-While Grant, provides up to $2,000 for outdoor seating and comfort features such as patio furniture. The city said the grant is intended to encourage visitors to spend more time downtown and support local businesses. Total funding for the program is $20,000.
The Multi-Business Event Grant offers reimbursements of $100 per participating business for qualifying public events organized by three or more downtown businesses. Participants must contribute to the event beyond marketing efforts alone. Reimbursements cannot be used for alcohol, hemp or tobacco products. The program has $5,000 in available funding.
In addition to the grant programs, the city is investing $350,000 in downtown improvements. Planned projects include new trash cans and bicycle racks, upgraded electrical service in Heritage Square Park, roadway resurfacing through the city’s Level-Up program and restoration work and signage highlighting Taylor’s historic wood brick road.
City officials said the grants and capital improvements are intended to strengthen the downtown business environment, increase foot traffic and preserve the historic character that helps define Taylor’s downtown district.
Applications for all four grant programs are now being accepted through the city. Additional information and application materials are available on Taylor’s website.
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