Urban Renewal Funding Opportunities Can Help with Project Development!

Starting your own business is a dream come true. But it’s also a challenge! Especially when it comes to project development.

Where can you turn when you’re a small business owner who doesn’t qualify for traditional loans? What if your building needs a facelift but you’re running short on cash?

Regardless of the need, the City of La Grande, in partnership with the La Grande Urban Renewal Agency (URA), offers a variety of financial programs to help our entrepreneurs take their business to the next level. 

Urban Renewal Funding

With an eye on revitalizing the La Grande Central Business Zone, the URA has developed a variety of funding programs.

Call for Projects Grants were designed to encourage the creation of commercial and industrial projects that will create jobs within the Zone.

• Projects must be physically located within the URA District boundaries
• Projects must have a minimum of $10,000 in total costs
• The maximum funding available for any one project is 50% of the total costs up to $75,000
• New Traded Sector projects located at the La Grande Business and Technology Park may be eligible for up to $425,000, depending on the lot

This competitive grant process calls for applications to be submitted every spring. For more information, click here!

The Downtown Building Facade Grant Program helps owners of historic downtown buildings cover the cost of relatively minor exterior renovations.

• Grants are awarded between $500 and $7,500 and require a match
• Grant money must be used on building improvements only 
• Grants are accepted as they are submitted through a non-competitive process

Is your building in need of some improvement? Click here!

The Traded Sector Business Attraction Incentive Program is designed to provide cash incentives to attract new high-quality jobs, businesses, and investment from outside of Union County into La Grande's Urban Renewal District.

This cash incentive is available to qualifying businesses that are creating jobs within the District. A special focus is given to businesses operating within the La Grande Business & Technology Park, which features shovel-ready sites ranging in size from one to eight acres.

With I-84 located less than two miles from the entrance, the Park is designed to accommodate light industrial, warehousing, and general office operations.

“We are thrilled to be in such a beautiful and supportive city. Our area holds a lot of potential for growth in the clothing retail category, which makes it ideal for a company like Dainty Jewells. Our community also does such a great job of supporting local; it’s our pleasure to be based out of La Grande!” said Charity Walters, President of Dainty Jewells located in the La Grande Business Park.

For more details, click here!