City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities launched the Commercial Retention & Redevelopment Program
February 26, 2018
City of Columbia’s, Office of Business Opportunities (OBO), launched the Commercial Retention & Redevelopment Program (CRR) on Monday, February 26, 2018, at Columbia Water, 4011 West Beltline Blvd.
OBO will utilize their highly successful Façade Improvement Program for exterior building improvements and Commercial Loan programs for inventory, equipment, or physical property improvements as a redevelopment tool for the revitalization effort in the Eau Claire Redevelopment Area that includes the Booker Washington Heights Redevelopment Area of Farrow Road & West Beltline.
“I’m thankful along with the Columbia City Councilmembers for allowing us to come together and making this project happen for our residents,” said Mayor Steve Benjamin. “I’m also thankful for our staff for making sure this remained at the top of the priority list as we except this project to be opened to the public later this year.”
Councilman Howard E. Duvall, Jr. said, “Everyone deserves good water & sewer and as we stand in our new Columbia Water building that reflects the pride that we have in our water & sewer systems, but we also deserve good police and fire services, streets and parks, small and large businesses. Several more projects are in the creating and planning process and we look forward to hearing about in near future.”
“I want to provide you with information about the Office of Business Opportunities,” said Melissa Lindler. “We have three different divisions in our office we provide financial assistance, education, technical assistance and advocacy for all small businesses. We also have a division that only focuses on contractors supplier diversity. It has been a great opportunity for me to see all of the great work that’s going on in the City of Columbia.
Façade Improvement Program: (FARROW ROAD (Colonial Drive – West Beltline) & WEST BELTLINE (Bailey St – Brookland Ave.)): The CRR is a two-year, forgivable loan opportunity with funding limits up to $15,000 for exterior commercial building improvements in this specific target area. The project cost is split so thatthe applicant pays ONLY 20%; the remaining 80% is paid by the City. Retail/Commercial property owners and/or their tenants are eligible to apply. Forgivable grants arealso available for improvements costing less than $2,000.
Forgivable Commercial loans (Farrow Road & West Beltline Target Areas same as Façade Improvement Program): Candidates applying for a façade improvement project are also eligible to apply for a forgivable commercial loan up to $10,000 for interior/ exterior improvements, or other general business needs.
All interested business owners can apply for the Commercial Retention & Redevelopment Program at www.columbiasc.net/obo or contact the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities at 803.545.3950.
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