[quote style=”2″]Funding Available for Expansion, New Business Relocation[/quote]
Bringing new business and growing existing ones are the goals of the business incentive program recently launched by the Boardman Community Development Association.
The non-profit association received funding from the Columbia River Enterprise Zone committee and has awarded three grants since the program launched March 1. BCDA may contribute up to $25,000 or 50 percent of the improvement, whichever is less, to new business relocation and existing business expansion. The amount is also subject to available funding.
“This program is intended to help existing local businesses and new businesses that want to locate in our city limits,” said Jill Parker, BCDA past president.
The Business Incentive program will fund façade improvements, interior leasehold/building improvements, inventory purchases, rental assistance, landscaping and parking improvements, and relocation assistance within Boardman city limits.
“The Boardman Community Development Association is excited about new business investment in the community,” said Lisa Mittelsdorf, BCDA President. “This Business Incentive Fund is the missing link that is needed to incentivize home-based business owners to take the next step to creating a storefront presence or current business owners to expand or locate in the Boardman community.”
Robert Bose, owner of Predator’s Den, a sporting goods retailer, is one of the recipients of the grant. He is moving his formerly home-based business into a storefront in Boardman. Bose currently focuses on gun sales and archery supplies. With his nearly 2-year-old business, he plans to add fishing and camping gear. In the future Bose plans to add apparel and other sports equipment to his inventory.
Half of his funding will go toward part of his first year’s lease and the other half will go toward inventory, shelving and other relocation expenses. Parker said two other grants have also been awarded; one helping an existing Boardman business expand and the other to help a salon in Stanfield add a Boardman branch.
“I think Boardman really needs this,” Bose said. “This program is really good for Boardman and…is what is helping me get started.”
Funding is still available for interested businesses and is disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information contact Jill Parker at (541) 481-3445.
