Share the Future Initiative
FY 2020

Grant programs help local businesses add new jobs and create opportunities for their community.

The Share the Future Initiative was developed to give local area business access to capital to help grow and promote their business.

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 grants for 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. façade improvement, landscaping, signage, etc.)
Grant will match dollar for dollar and be paid upon receipt of an invoice for completed work
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 grant, please answer a few questions.

Questionnaire

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 grants for projects with the following parameters:

Must be a business that makes a product (e.g. manufacturing, software, creative, etc.)
Grants 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 grant 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 grant, please answer a few questions.

Questionnaire

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.

Twice annually, the Authority will host a call for area businesses to submit stories that illustrate the success of their business. All submitted stories will be reviewed and three finalists will be chosen based on the criteria outlined for the specific call. Each finalist will receive a grant of $500 to go towards the marketing of their business. A grand prize winner will be chosen by the Authority and will receive an additional $1,500 to use for a specific marketing initiative that will support the growth of their business. Examples of marketing initiatives include:

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.

Success Stories & Announcements

Read

INNOVATING

Success Story FY19-20

sml surf co.

Read

PLACEMAKING

Success Story FY19-20

Haven Manufacturing

Read

STORYTELLING

Success Story FY19-20

Soul Work RX

Read

Read More

Doing well, by doing good. Starting the new year helping small businesses.

July 27, 2020
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The Golden Isles Development Authority announces finalists for first-ever Storytelling Grant

February 4, 2020
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Brunswick & Glynn County Development Authority Board approves first Share the Future Grant projects of the fiscal year 2019-2020

October 1, 2019