Gaia community Betterment Grant Program

GAIA Business Improvement Grant

Program Guidelines

Purpose: The purpose of this program is to provide the businesses of the Garrison trade area an incentive to improve or expand their business.
Eligible Locations: Any business in the Garrison trade area where the applicant can provide supporting data to indicate that the improvement will be beneficial to that business and the community of Garrison.
Eligible Person/Entity: Any commercial business operating in the Garrison trade area with the exception of businesses already utilizing the GAIA loan program.
Maximum Grant: The maximum amount of reimbursement per business application is up to 50% of the improvement cost - not to exceed $2500.00. Grant amounts will be based on the impact to the community as determined by the GAIA Board of Directors.
Grant Application: To be considered a written application accompanied by a detailed description of the improvement project shall be submitted to the board of GAIA.
Grant Approvals: Approvals will only be granted for requests made prior to the beginning of any expansion or improvement work. All approvals are subject to funds being available for this program. Awarded grants are limited to one per existing businesses for improvements one where expansions involving new products and/or services are to be offered. Special grant terms may be available on a case-by-case basis. Projects will be individually reviewed for acceptability by the GAIA board of directors before approval. Once an application is approved the applicant has 6 months to complete the improvement project and file for payment. Extensions may be granted due to reasons beyond the control of the applicant, but will be done only with board approval. Note: Materials and hired labor used in the project must be purchased locally unless not otherwise available.

APPLICATION PROCESS

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  All applicants must submit an application form - a brief synopsis of the project should also be attached. Further supporting information may be requested by the board of directors. Application forms are available at the GAIA office.
  

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  All applications must be submitted at least one week prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board of directors. A schedule will be provided to the applicant at the time the application is picked up.
  

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  Applicants will be notified by the GAIA office as to board decisions within one week of review.
  

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer
GAIA BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION

Name of business applicant: _________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ___________________________________________________
Amount requested (not to exceed $2,500 match): __________________________
Brief description of project: __________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Est. date of project start: ____________________________________________

Est. date of project completion: _______________________________________
As a recipient of GAIA Business Improvement Grant funds, I (we) agree to the grant requirements as outlined in the guidelines I (we) received. I (we) agree to complete the project within six months. I (we) also understand that one 30 day extension may be requested and approved due to reasons beyond my (our) control.

X______________________________________ _____________

Grant Recipient or Representative Date

GAIA BOARD ACTION

Amount of funds granted: ________________________ Date: ___________

X ___________________________________________ Date: ___________

GAIA Representative

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer