To provide an economic incentive to promote rehabilitation in the downtown area while preserving the unique historic character of existing structures. Eligibility Any owner or tenant of a commercial or mixed use building located within the Priority I Downtown District.

Owner and tenant (if applicable) must be current on all Henderson & Vance County taxes for two years prior to the application date. Owners and tenants may not request incentive grants separately; however, any tenant must have the owner’s written permission attached to the application.

No one grant will exceed $2,500 in a fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Each property is eligible for one façade incentive grant in a fiscal year. A minimum of 50% of the awarded grant funds will be required from all participants.

Grant funds will be awarded for eligible projects on a funds-available basis. Grantees may be subject to restrictions on multiple-year applications.

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation will be used as guidelines in making improvements to the façade of the structure.

SIGNAGE INCENTIVE GRANT

ELIGIBILITY: Any owner or tenant of a commercial or mixed use building located within the Priority I area.

Owner and tenant (if applicable) must be current on all Henderson & Vance County taxes for two years prior to the application date.
Owners and tenants may not request incentive grants separately; however, any tenant must have the owner’s written permission attached to the application.
No one signage grant will exceed $1,500 in a fiscal year (July 1-June 30). A minimum of 75% of the awarded grant funds will be required from all participants. Each property is eligible for one signage grant in a fiscal year.
Grant funds will be awarded for eligible projects on a funds available basis. Grantees may be subject to restrictions on multiple-year applications.

PURPOSE :

• To ensure that all signs within the Priority 1 district of downtown Henderson or on landmark sites are compatible with the character of historic downtown Henderson.
• To help convey the sense of excitement and vitality envisioned for historic downtown Henderson.
• Encourage signage appropriate to the buildings and sites which they occupy.
• Preserve and improve the appearance of downtown Henderson as a historic community in which to live, work, and play.
• Allow each individual business to clearly identify itself.
• To promote signs as pedestrian oriented rather than automotive, which is consistent with the historic character of the Priority I area.
• Ensure that the installation of a sign does not damage the historic fabric, nor detract from the historic character of the downtown historic district.

NEW BUSINESS INCENTIVE GRANT

To provide an economic incentive to encourage new business development and entrepreneurship, while promoting rehabilitation in the downtown area and preserving the unique historic character of existing structures.

An economic incentive to encourage new business development and entrepreneurship, while promoting rehabilitation in the downtown area and preserving the unique historic character of existing structures. Reimbursement is 10% of the up fit, interior improvements and fixtures cost up to $6,000. Restaurants (including Brew Pubs) can receive 15% of the total up fit costs up to $6,000.

Eligibility:

Any owner or tenant of a commercial or mixed use building located within the Priority I Downtown District.
Owner and tenant (if applicable) must be current on all Henderson & Vance County taxes for two years prior to the application date.
Owners and tenants may not request incentive grants separately; however, any tenant must have the owner’s written permission attached to the application.
No one grant will exceed $6,000 in a fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Each property is eligible for one building incentive grant in a fiscal year. A minimum of 90% of the awarded grant funds will be required from all participants.
Grant funds will be awarded for eligible projects on a funds-available basis. Grantees may be subject to restrictions on multiple-year applications.
Guidelines
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation will be used as guidelines in making improvements to the façade of the structure.

PERMITTING INCENTIVE GRANT

An economic incentive for the new downtown business owner. Can receive a grant for ALL of the City of Henderson permitting costs, water tap fee (up to a 1” tap) excluding fire protection and meter fee. Not to exceed $300.

NEW EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE GRANT

Full-Time Employee(s) Grant: An economic incentive to provide a new downtown business $500/continuous full-time employee after the business has been open for 6 months. This would be a one-time grant not to exceed $2,000.

LOW INTEREST LOAN POOL

A low interest loan is available to qualified individuals interested in opening a business or making improvements to an existing business. Funds available for up to 80% of project costs, not to exceed $25,000.