SECTION 1: Business Incentive Program (informational text)

To help property owners and businesses improve the overall image and enhance economic vitality in Los Fresnos, matching grants are available as specified on the following pages.

SECTION 2: How to Apply (informational text, bulleted list)

• Contact the Los Fresnos Economic Development Specialist to confirm grant funds are available and whether the property is eligible.
• Obtain three written bids from contractors. Two bids are required. If possible, one proposal should be from the Los Fresnos area. Proposals should include design layouts showing dimensions, proposed colors, etc.
• Submit a complete application for the grant being applied for.
• The amount of grant requested shall equal 50% of the lowest bid amount, pre-tax.
• Submit this application and bids to the economic development office. The property owner must sign the application.
• Once submitted, the CDC will review the proposed project. The CDC reserves the right to turn down grant requests for any property, for any reason, at its own discretion. The CDC reserves the right to make design recommendations. The grant must be approved before the work begins. Any changes to the project after the grant is approved may jeopardize funding. Funds will not be issued until work is complete and approved by the CDC.
• If a grant is awarded and the area of improvement is altered for any reason within one year of construction, the CDC may request reimbursement of the full grant amount.
• An agreement must be signed between the business owner and the CDC indicating the number of jobs that will be retained or added due to the project. This number of jobs must be retained for one year, or the CDC may request reimbursement of the full grant amount.

SECTION 3: Eligibility and Types of Grants Available (informational text)

Eligibility: One grant per year

SIGN:
Option 1: Single Business 50/50 matching basis. Maximum Grant amount is $5,000.
Option 2: Multi-Tenant Monument Sign 50/50 matching basis. Maximum Grant amount is $5,000 per tenant.

Signs must be individual metal, plastic, or wood letters. Signs with neon lights, backlighting, or a plastic face are allowed. No plywood signs are allowed. All signs shall be subject to sign permits and review as provided in the City of Los Fresnos sign ordinance.

STOREFRONT:
50/50 matching basis. Maximum Grant amount is $7,500.

Exterior improvements such as awnings, sidewalk repairs, painting, murals, installation of new doors, windows, drive-throughs, and other improvements are eligible. Roof repairs and replacements of broken glass in windows or doors are not eligible. All storefront improvements shall be subject to building permits and review as provided in the City of Los Fresnos ordinances.

LANDSCAPING:
50/50 matching basis. Maximum Grant amount is $3,750.

Permanent landscaping improvements visible to traffic and in accordance with the City of Los Fresnos landscaping ordinance are eligible. All landscaping improvements shall be subject to building permits and review as provided in the City of Los Fresnos ordinances.

INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS:
50/50 matching basis. Maximum Grant amount is $5,000.

Interior improvements such as flooring, walls, painting, trim, texture, countertops, furnishings, ceilings, and similar improvements are eligible. Electrical, lighting, plumbing, mechanical, fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire suppression installation/repairs are not eligible. All interior improvements shall be subject to building permits and review as provided in the City of Los Fresnos ordinances.