Anniversary Discount Program rewards business longevity

On Friday, the City of Greenville will mail checks to 532 business owners as part of its Anniversary Discount Program, which is designed to reward longevity and recognize city businesses’ contributions and long-term commitment to the community. The respective discounts, which total $115,164, are based on the business’ start date and the amount of business license tax paid for the 2018 license year.

Creation of the Anniversary Discount Program was among several changes City Council made to the business license policy in 2012 in an effort to improve the City’s overall business license program. Over the past six years, the City has returned approximately $565,000 to resident businesses through the discount program.

According to City Council member Amy Doyle, the Anniversary Discount Program is an example of City Council’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthy climate for new and existing businesses, providing employment opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship. “We can’t overstate the role that these businesses have played in Greenville’s continued economic vitality or the importance of keeping dollars in our local economy,” said Doyle. “The businesses that will receive these checks make up the diverse fabric of Greenville, representing a balance of small, medium and large employers, and we are grateful to all of them for choosing to invest in the city of Greenville.”

Resident businesses that have a current 2018 business license, are in good standing with the City and have been located in the city of Greenville for at least 10 years (indicated by their business start date) are eligible for discounts based on the longevity milestones shown below. The maximum anniversary discount that a business can receive is $10,000. This year, the City is celebrating five businesses’ 50-year anniversary.

Start Date                                          Longevity Milestone                                      Discount                                         

2007                                                    10 year anniversary                                        5%

2002                                                    15 year anniversary                                        7.5%

1997                                                    20 year anniversary                                        10%

1992                                                    25 year anniversary                                        10%

1987                                                    30 year anniversary                                        10%

1982                                                    35 year anniversary                                        10%

1977                                                    40 year anniversary                                        10%

1972                                                    45 year anniversary                                        10%

1967                                                    50 year anniversary                                        10%

For more information about the Anniversary Discount Program, visit www.greenvillesc.gov/incentives.