Small Business Grant Program
Funding for Growing Allen Businesses
The Allen Economic Development Corporation's Small Business Grant Program (SBGP) is designed to support primary businesses—those that produce goods or services exported beyond the local economy, bringing external revenue and job opportunities to our community. Whether you're an existing Allen business ready to expand or a company considering relocation, the SBGP offers financial incentives of up to $50,000 to help you reach your next milestone.
Supporting Allen's Primary Businesses
Primary businesses are typically found in offices, manufacturing facilities, and tech hubs. They play a vital role in strengthening our local economy by creating quality jobs and increasing the tax base.
The SBGP is tailored specifically for small primary businesses that may not qualify for traditional economic development incentives, ensuring that growing companies of all sizes have the support they need to thrive in Allen.
Why Apply for a Small Business Grant?
The SBGP is designed as a versatile tool for both business retention and recruitment, supporting companies already in Allen or planning to relocate here.
Grant funds can be used for space improvements, new construction, employee training, relocation expenses, equipment purchases, and infrastructure enhancements.
Program Guidelines
To qualify, your company must meet the following baseline criteria.
- Primary Business: Your company must produce goods or services that are generally exported outside the local economy (as defined by State Law). Most primary businesses operate in offices, manufacturing, or tech facilities. Retail and restaurant operations typically do not qualify.
- Business Age: Your company must have been in operation for at least 2 years.
- Team Size: Your company must have 25 or fewer employees.
- Financial Standing: Your company must have no outstanding local tax liens or judgments.
- Annual Revenue: Your company must have up to $15 million in Gross Annual Revenue. (Note: AEDC staff may evaluate companies with revenue levels outside this range based on industry-specific factors.)
Eligible uses of grant funds include:
- Improvements to current business space
- New building construction
- Employee training and attraction initiatives
- Relocation expenses (moving supplies, transportation, etc.)
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E)
- Infrastructure improvements (parking lots, utilities, etc.)
The following business are ineligible.
- Non-Profits
- Home-based businesses (that are not intending to move to a commercial space)
- Corporate-owned franchises
- Retail/Restaurant
- Businesses in default or having arrears on past or current federal or state financing or
funding programs - Businesses involved or affiliated with personal or corporate indictments, arraignment, or conviction of criminal offenses
- Lobbying organizations and political organizations
- Concerns of engagement in illegal activities under federal, state or local laws
Small Business Grant Program FAQ
What is the Small Business Grant Program?
The Small Business Grant Program (SBGP) is designed for small primary businesses that wouldn't typically qualify for other Allen EDC incentives. Primary businesses produce goods/services exported outside the local economy, bringing external wealth into Allen. Maximum grants range from $35,000-$50,000 depending on qualifications.
Who is eligible for the Small Business Grant Program?
Eligible businesses must: be a primary business (as defined by State Law), have been operating for at least 2 years, employ 25 or fewer people, have no outstanding local tax liens or judgments, and have up to $15 million in Gross Annual Revenue. Home-based businesses, non-profits, retail/restaurants, and corporate-owned franchises are ineligible.
What is the applicaton process for the grant?
The application process includes: 1) Completing the SBGP Questionnaire, 2) If qualified, submitting required documentation like financial statements and business tax returns, 3) AEDC staff review and scoring of your application, and 4) Final approval by the AEDC Board of Directors. The application period remains open until funds are depleted for the fiscal year.
How can grant funds be used?
Grant funds can be used for: improvements to current space, new building construction, employee training/attraction, relocation expenses, furniture/fixtures/equipment, and infrastructure improvements such as parking lot enhancements or utility additions. Businesses receiving grants must remain in Allen for at least 36 months and execute an Economic Development Agreement.
How does AEDC support businesses through this program?
The AEDC has a proven track record of assisting businesses with incentives at local, state, and federal levels. We evaluate applications based on industry type, projected capital investment, financial and employment growth potential, and community engagement. Our staff works closely with businesses on a case-by-case basis to provide tailored support for both existing Allen businesses and those relocating to our community.
Ready to Apply?
If your business meetings the baseline criteria and you're ready to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you. Complete the form and a member of our team will reach out to discuss your project and guide you through the application process.
Allen EDC: Your Partner in Business Growth
The Allen Economic Development Corporation has a proven track record of assisting businesses with incentives at local, state and federal levels. Our five-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Allen City Council, strategically approves grant funding to bring additional tax revenue, local spending and job opportunities to our community.
NO CORPORATE INCOME TAX
NO PERSONAL INCOME TAX
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900 West Bethany Drive, Suite 280, Allen, TX 75013 Phone (972) 727-0250