Grants & Loan Programs

FEDERAL & STATE PROGRAMS

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
ARC uses Congressionally appropriated funds to invest in the Region’s economic and community development through grants. For a list of programs and investment priorities, visit https://www.arc.gov/

JobsOhio Programs
Ohio's private nonprofit economic development entity and its southeast Ohio regional network partner, OhioSE, are committed to supporting job creation, retention and capital investments made by companies in its 9 targeted industry sectors. Click HERE for more information on JobsOhio grants, loan and tax credit programs. Successful projects in Athens County have included support from the following programs:

USDA Rural Development
The ACEDC works closely with businesses to align their needs with programs and services offered by USDA Rural Development. Learn more at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services

TAX CREDITS & INCENTIVES

Transformational Mixed Used Development Tax Credits (ODOD Program)
The TMUD Program provides a tax credit against Development costs incurred during the construction of a project that will be a catalyst for future development in its area. A Development includes new construction and/or improvement of vacant buildings that will have a major economic impact on the site and the surrounding area. This Development must be a combination of retail, office, residential, recreation, structured parking, and other similar uses into one mixed-use Development.

New Market Tax Credits (ODOD Program)
The Ohio NMTC Program provides investors incentives to fund businesses in low-income communities by awarding tax credit allocation authority to the economic or community development entity serving as the project intermediary (Investors gives 39% of investment claimed over 7 years).

State/Local Job Creation Tax Credits (JobsOhio Program)

This is a payroll tax incentive that reduces business tax obligations for companies that commit to job creation and a certain payroll threshold in the form of refundable tax credits. Local JCTCs will be considered for projects that secure state JCTCs. Learn More HERE.

Historic Preservation Tax Credits (ODOD Program)
The HPTC provides a tax credit to owners and long-term lessees of historically designated buildings who undertake a rehabilitation project in order to leverage the private redevelopment of historic buildings.

Local Tax Incentive Programs

Ohio Enterprise Zone Program
The Ohio Enterprise Zone Program is an economic development tool that provides tax abatements on a portion of the value of new real and personal property for businesses making investment in Ohio that in conjunction with job creation.

Tax Increment Financing
TIF is an economic development tool that incentivizes redevelopment through a tax abatement on the increased assessed property value due to improvements. This captured tax can then be reinvested in the district for infrastructure improvements.

Downtown Revitalization Districts
DRDs are similar to the TIF, but more flexible in how service payments can be spent within the district for economic development purposes.

Community Reinvestment Areas
CRAs are areas of land in which property owners can receive tax incentives for investing in real property improvements. The program is administered by municipal and county government and provides real property tax exemptions for property owners who renovate existing or construct new buildings.

LOANS

Women’s Business Enterprise Loan Program
This loan program is designed to stimulate the growth of existing women-owned businesses by providing loans at or below market rate interest. Applications can be found on the Ohio Department of Development website.

Local Revolving Loan Funds (RLF)
The ACEDC offers three different RLF programs that provide minimum gap financing to compliment conventional methods of financing. Each RLF aims to grow the Athens economy by helping new or existing companies finance expansion and growth projects. For more information on the RLFs, please email mollie@athenscountyohedc.com

RLF Application Materials
Athens County RLF Policy and Procedures
City of Athens RLF Policy and Procedures
Small Business Micro RLF Policies and Procedures

Appalachia Growth Capital (AGC)
ACG is a certified U.S. Treasury federally-designated CDFI. The mission of ACG is to help small and middle size businesses in the Region grow and prosper by providing low cost loans and technical assistance. Learn more here: https://appcap.org/

Regional 166 Direct Loan Program (JobsOhio Program)
This program promotes economic development, business expansion and job creation by providing financial assistance for allowable costs of eligible projects in the State of Ohio. This program provides low-interest loans to businesses creating new jobs or preserving existing employment opportunities in the state. Application collection and review, along with initial program approvals are handled by certified local economic development agencies.

Ohio Statewide Development Corporation 504 Loan Program
The SBA 504 is designed for small businesses that want to invest in expansion but still maintain cash for working capital. As such, it provides fixed, below-market interest rates with longer loan term options and lower down payment requirements. Learn more here: https://osdc.net/sba-504-loan/