By Moses Leos III
The Buda Improvement Grant (BIG) finally has its successor — three months after its demise.
On May 14, the Buda Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board of Directors voted unanimously to implement the Central Downtown District Signage, Awning, and Façade Improvement Grant, and Buda Business Development Program (BBDP).
It comes after the Buda EDC nixed the BIG in March, saying the program had “run its course.”
However, with just over $43,000 left in BIG funding, the EDC was tasked with finding an alternative.
“These programs [will] split the remaining $43,587.80 of BIG Grant funds evenly,” Ann Miller, EDC Executive Director, said in an emailed response.
The new programs will focus on two separate improvement project types. However, both will require similar protocols prior to submission.
One will require the submission of a business plan along with the application.
“This requirement insures that new and existing businesses have taken the time to think about their businesses’ future and have a solid plan on which to build on,” Miller said.
A second would require two bids to be submitted from contractors registered with the city. Miller said a majority of projects would require a contractor, but “rare circumstances” could negate that requirement.
Revamping aesthetics along Main Street is the goal for the grant. Miller said it would help increase business traffic “through improved signage and visible improvements.”
The EDC will provide 75 percent of the cost of signs, up to $900, and awnings up to $5,000.
The EDC “will pay $50 per linear foot of façade frontage visible per lease year,” for facades, according to Miller. That portion will be a matching grant fund, where 50¢ per $1.00 of EDC funding must be paid back.
Prior to any project start, the Buda Historic Preservation Commission must approve all improvements. The plans must also meet specific guidelines prior to installation.
The BBDP focuses on new and existing businesses that are “renovating and occupying” existing buildings in the Heritage district.
“This program allows businesses to apply for both interior and exterior improvements, with the amount of grant funding based on the lease term, square footage for interior grants and linear footage of the frontage for exterior grants,” Miller said.
Interior grants are limited to $5,000, with a dollar for dollar match. Exterior grants are also limited to $5,000, with businesses paying $0.75 for every $1.00 the city gives. Interior funding for new businesses will be $1.00 per square foot of space occupied, per lease year; existing businesses would receive $0.70.
Miller said businesses could apply for the BBDP interior grants and the Facade Grant. However, businesses couldn’t apply for the Facade and BBDP exterior grant simultaneously.
According to Miller, several businesses have already expressed interest in the programs. One is Helen’s Casa Alde, and owner Lillie Ann Alcala.
While it’s not the BIG, Alcala feels maintaining the historic look and feel of downtown Buda is a start to revamping downtown
“I think it’s going to be great,” she said. “It would be nice to have it come back, the [historic] facade. It’s important to keep that.”
Sandra Grizzle, who is the owner of Main Street Station, which also houses Little Bluebird and The Red Door, contemplates applying for the grant.
While she continues to garner more information, Grizzle said it could be a financial asset for small businesses.
“I think it’s wonderful, if it’s something business owners can do,” she said.
