Share the Future Initiative FY 2020
The Golden Isles Development Authority believes in our local entrepreneurs. The Share the Future Initiative was developed to give local area *business access to capital to help grow and promote their business. The following opportunities for support are available for companies that are incorporated in Glynn County and whose majority of owners live in Glynn County. View our announcements for recent recipients and projects funded by the Share the Future Initiative.
Placemaking
Businesses that are attractive and create a point of interest are more competitive in the marketplace. Creating a sense of place helps to attract new residents and grow area businesses. The Development Authority has funding available for placemaking projects with the following parameters:
- Must be used to improve the exterior of the facility in a way that increases the attractiveness and/or competitiveness of the business (e.g. landscaping, new sign, etc.)
- Funds will match dollar for dollar and be paid upon receipt of an invoice for completed work. For example, if the total project cost is $4,000 the business is expected to pay the invoice total and GIDA will reimburse the company $2,000.
- Dollar amounts up to $7,500
- Applicant must demonstrate a need for improved aesthetics in the area immediately surrounding the business
- Preference will be given to projects that contain an artistic or cultural component
- Preference will be given to projects where job creation may result from the improvements
- All projects subject to Board approval and restricted by the availability of funding
To start a conversation about this funding opportunity, please answer a few questions by clicking here.
Innovating
The Development Authority recognizes that investments in innovation are integral to business growth. The Development Authority invests in businesses that leverage new technology to their benefit. The Development Authority has funding available for innovation funds for projects with the following parameters:
- Must be a business that makes a product (e.g. manufacturing, software, creative, etc.)
- Funds must be used for the purchase of new equipment or software that increases efficiency or productivity of the business and will result in the creation of new full-time employment
- The maximum funding amount is $10,000, if the equipment exceeds $10,000, the business must show available funding for the remainder of the cost
- All projects subject to Board approval and restricted by the availability of funding
To start a conversation about this funding opportunity, please answer a few questions by clicking here.
Educating
The recruitment and development of a skilled workforce are essential to our region’s economic stability and prosperity. GIDA aims to support local businesses’ efforts to attract and retain the best talent by helping to fund local training and development programs or certifications.
- Must demonstrate that the training program or certification helps retain existing jobs, or adds new jobs to the company.
- Training programs must be approved by the Technical College System of Georgia.
- Funds will match dollar for dollar and be paid upon receipt of an invoice for completed work. For example, if the total training cost is $4,000 the business is expected to pay the invoice total and GIDA will reimburse the company $2,000.
- Dollar amounts up to $5,000.
- All projects subject to Board approval and restricted by the availability of funding.
*Staff and board at GIDA prioritize applicants where the organization is within one of our targeted industries and if the project will result in the retention or creation of jobs.
The Share the Future Initiative is not intended for non-profit organizations or foundations. If you operate a regional non-profit that supports our local businesses in workforce development, education, or another community initiative, we’d be happy to discuss how we can share your program with the appropriate audience. Please contact sherripruitt@bwkeda.com.