Business Improvement Grant

Business Improvement Grant

Wilson Economic Development was established in 1973 with a mission to promote population and economic growth by improving the availability of housing, supporting local businesses and engaging in projects to enhance the quality of life for all individuals in Wilson. In 2024, the Wilson Economic Development and the Wilson Chamber of Commerce joined forces to allow a unified and more powerful platform for promoting economic growth and business development in our community. This partnership brings together the strengths of both organizations whose programs play a vital role in fostering the growth of local businesses and attracting new investments for our community members by allowing us to expand our services, advocacy, and community development efforts.

Program Overview
The Business Improvement Grant Program is designed to support local businesses for improvements or repairs that contribute to enhancing their business operations or create a positive impact on the community.

Program Goals
The goals of this grant program are to support the growth and sustainability of local businesses, improve the appearance and accessibility of commercial properties, stimulate economic development and to enhance the overall appeal of the Wilson community.

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

•	Be a legally registered business located in Wilson, Kansas
•	Be a current member of the Wilson Economic Development and the Wilson Chamber of Commerce
•	Be current on all local taxes and fees and membership dues
•	Operate out of a commercial storefront (brick-and-mortar)
•	Provide proof of property ownership or written landlord consent for improvements

Eligible Improvements
Funding can be used for projects including but not limited to:

•	Exterior façade improvements (e.g., painting, signage, windows, lighting)
•	Interior renovations that improve customer experience or business efficiency
•	ADA accessibility upgrades
•	Energy-efficient equipment or upgrades
•	Safety and code compliance improvements
•	Emergency building repairs

Note: Routine maintenance and purely cosmetic upgrades are not eligible.

Grant Details
A grant review committee will evaluate applications based on business need, project impact, and alignment with program goals. Recipients will have one year from date the funds are dispersed to complete projects. Applicants will be responsible for submitting proof of project completion, including after photos.

Terms of Grant

This agreement details the responsibilities of the Wilson Economic Development (Eco Devo) and your business (grantee) and the terms and conditions of the grant.

Use of Funds

•	The funds received will be used solely for the purposes outlined in the grant proposal and will not be used for any other project or expense without the expressed consent of the Eco Devo.
•	Grant funds will be expended within one year of receipt. Any unexpended fund or any portion of the grant not used for the specified purposes will be returned to the Eco Devo.
•	The Grantee will notify the Eco Devo immediately of any change in their legal or tax status, any change in executive or key staff responsible for this grant, or thier ability to fulfill the grant's intended purposes.
•	The Grantee will provide the Eco Devo with access to files and records pertaining to this grant should a financial audit, verification, or other review be deemed necessary.
•	The Grantee will include the Eco Devo in any publicity directly associated with the project including media stories.
•	The Grantee agrees to allow the Eco Devo to include information about this grant in any press releases or other public documents.

Grant Reporting
A grant report is due within 30 days of the completion of the project.
An online grant report will be assigned to you that may include the following:

•	How were the grant funds spent?
•	Upload photos - Photos must not exceed 7 MB.
•	Share a story or summarize the impact.

Information from this grant report may be used by the Eco Devo. If any of the information submitted to the Eco Devo is sensitive or subject to privacy laws, please contact the Eco Devo. Grantees who have not submitted a report within one year from when the grant was awarded are required to return any unexpended funds or request a grant extension. Failure to report in a timely fashion will be considered when applying for future grants from the Eco Devo.

Application
Business Name*
Contact Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Tax ID*
Business Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Main Contact Number*
Please enter the best contact number if different from the Business Number
Amount Requested*
Will you accept a lesser amount?*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Improvement Project Summary*

0/400
Expected Outcomes*

0/1500
Definition of Need*

0/1500
Project Beginning Date *

MonthDayYear
Beginning Date
Project Completion Date*

MonthDayYear
Completion Date

Project Budget
Expense
List of Expenses (Be Specific)---------------------Price/Unit -------------Total Cost*
Total Expense*
Revenue
List Revenue Sources ------ Secured Funds--------Pending Funds -------In-kind Donations*
Total Revenue*
*Revenue & Expense Totals should match.
Should be Empty:

Business Improvement Grant

Terms of Grant

Application

Project Budget

Expense

Revenue