Business Incentives, Grant and Loan Programs in the City of Wilmington
Innovative programs to assist businesses are offered by the City of Wilmington and Clinton County.
City of Wilmington Green Enterprise Zone (GEZ)
The entire city has been designated as a Green Enterprise Zone. Certain building improvements that qualify as "green" are eligible for grant funding of up to 50% (more for vacant buildings or buildings c. 1950 or earlier). Reduction in building/permit fees are also available.
Clinton County Enterprise Zone Incentives
Qualified real property improvements that are approved by the Commissioners are eligible for a real property tax rebate. All of Clinton County Ohio is designated as an Ohio Department of Development Enterprise Zone. This real property tax abatement is 75% for 10 years without local school board approval. Please contact Clinton County Administrator Mark Brooker for more information at (937) 383-1170 or Clinton County Regional Planning Director Chris Schock at (937) 382-3582.
City of Wilmington Microloan Program for Small Businesses
This program is in progress and expected to be available by early 2010. Microloan grants of up to $35,000 will fund small business inventory and equipment costs. Contact Laura Curliss, Mayor's Office, City of Wilmington at (937) 382-5458.
Clinton County Revolving Loan Fund
This business loan program is also expected to be available by early 2010. This program provides business loans for larger businesses. Contact Rafeal Underwood, Clinton County Economic Recovery Coordinator at (937) 527-9294.
Urban Development Assistance Grant (UDAG)
The City of Wilmington currently offers below market rate loans to building owners for the purpose of rehabilitating or re-fitting their buildings for commercial purposes. A UDAG loan is in the form of a construction loan. A below-market rate of interest is set for each loan by the Judiciary Committee of Wilmington City Council based on current market conditions. The maximum loan amount is $50,000 and borrowers have up to seven years to pay back the loan. Other conditions apply. The UDAG Fund provides owners with capital for façade improvements, code improvements, and structural changes needed for commercial buildings. Contact the Mayor's office at (937) 382-5458 for more information.
CDBG Tier II Downtown Revitalization Grant Program
The City will be applying for these funds in October 2009 and will request $400,000. If received, buildings in the H-1 Zone (the Wilmington Commercial Historic District in downtown Wilmington) would be eligible for improvement with these funds. Tier II grants are reimbursement grants and provide building owners with a 50% or more reimbursement for eligible improvements to the façade of the building and for any code improvements. Signage is also an eligible expense. CDBG requirements apply. Building owners must be a member of Main Street Wilmington to qualify. Contact Laura Curliss, Mayor's office, (937) 382-5458 for more information. If awarded, grants to building owners will be available starting in the Spring of 2010.