Tomball Economic Development Corporation gives grants for business improvements

Tomball business owners can receive up to $10,000 to improve the look and property of their business.

The funds are part of a business development grant program administered by the Tomball Economic Development Corporation designed to promote the development and expansion of new and existing businesses in Tomball.

Available grants require a 50 percent match from the business owner, with a maximum of $10,000. Grants are intended for the improvement of facades, sign and property. They are reimbursable and will only be funded after completion of the project.

Requirements for eligible facade projects are improvements to businesses located on a corner or paralleling an internal public space such as a park, parking lot, pedestrian way or visible from a public right-of-way. Improvements projects can include exterior painting with a major visual change, masonry cleaning or restoration, the addition of awnings, new exterior lighting, store front entry systems and individual windows and door replacement or modification, and new or restored facade elements such as cornices, soffits, canopies and other detail elements.

Projects focused on sign improvement may include new signs or major renovations or removal of existing signs. LED signs are typically not approved, but will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Sign improvement grants are only available up to a maximum of $5,000.

Business owners with property improvement projects may apply for grants if the project includes parking lot resurfacing, striping, driveway improvement, lighting, decorative fencing, pedestrian amenities, new curb and sidewalk, demolition or removal of dilapidated structure.

Landscaping projects eligible for grants include grass, ground cover, shrubs, vines, hedges, trees or palms, landscape lighting and non-living durable materials that are commonly used in landscaping such as rocks, pebbles and sand, but excludes paving.

Applications for grants are available online at tomballtxedc.org.

For more information about the grant program, visit the chamber office, located at 29201 Quinn Road in Tomball, or call 281-401-4086.