Sonora Economic Development Corporation
Special Grants Assistance Program
As part of Sonora's economic development progress, the SEDC has established four grant programs specifically designed to encourage redevelopment of mature business corridors in the Sonora area by providing financial resources to small business owners for exterior property and environmental improvements. The four programs are:
(1) Paint Grant, (2) Landscape Grant, (3) Signage Update Grant and (4) Restaurant Grease Trap Replacement Grant.
Paint Grant Program
The Paint Grant Program is to assist small business owners with the costs associated with refurbishing the exterior of a commercial building in need of fresh paint. This program pays 50% of the cost, including the cost to appropriately prepare the surface of the building as well as labor cost, up to a maximum amount of $2,500. Only buildings that have been previously painted and need to be repainted are eligible. New construction projects are NOT eligible to receive a Paint Grant.
Landscape Grant Program
The Landscape Grant Program is intended to broaden the city's focus on curb appeal and enhancement of Sonora's business image. Existing commercial properties as well as new construction projects that have not received landscape assistance under another SEDC grant are eligible to apply for this grant. This Program pays 50% of the cost for materials, labor and permit/tap fees up to a maximum amount of $2,500. Landscape projects must include an irrigation system to receive consideration for the Landscape Grant.
Note: Regarding painting and landscaping, it is recognized that in some cases, an applicant's employees or family/friends may provide labor. On a case-by-case basis, this ‘in-kind labor' may be considered by SEDC in calculating the overall grant. In such cases, the same standards of workmanship will be required and a documented agreement with SEDC must be attached to the Application.
Signage Update Grant Program
The Signage Update Grant is intended to encourage and assist businesses with costs associated with replacing and updating their signs in conformance with existing City standards. This Program pays 50% of the cost to replace or update a legally conforming commercial business sign, including the cost of labor, up to a maximum amount of $1,500.
Restaurant Grease Trap Replacement Grant Program
In 2005 the City of Sonora adopted a new Grease Trap ordinance. Due to this new ordinance, some Sonora business properties have grease traps that do not meet the new standards and therefore are considered legally nonconforming. The Restaurant Grease Trap Replacement Grant is intended to assist businesses with costs associated with replacing and updating their grease trap facilities to the new city standards. This Program pays 100% of the cost of equipment and installation up to a maximum of $3,500.
Individual grants will be approved and funded by the SEDC and, except for grease trap replacement, will be administered with the assistance of the Keep Sonora Beautiful organization in accordance with requirements of a performance agreement between SEDC and Grantees. The program has set a maximum limit of $40,000 total spending on these exterior property and environmental improvement projects in fiscal year 2016-present.
For additional information call the SEDC office at 325-387-6280 or email [email protected].
Application forms may be obtained at the SEDC office at 307 East Oak Street, Sonora, TX 76950 or download the application and fax to 325-387-6261.
On October 1, 2023 the "Special Grants" will be replaced with "Facade Grants", Grease Trap grant requests will no longer be accepted after August 30, 2023.
The following applications are for testing purposes only and are not currently being accepted by the SEDC until October 1, 2023.
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