The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is helping new and existing businesses with a grant program.
The commercial property grant program offers $15,000 to $50,000 to help businesses start or expand.
The program offers financial assistance in the form of a reimbursable, matching (50%) grant to the landlord or business owner for eligible expenses associated with the construction or renovation of a commercial space.
Phairis Luxury opened up four months ago.
The wedding and event beauty lounge is near Ocean Avenue and Federal Highway. Owner Rebecca Mousseau said the CRA grant money helped with the stress of opening a new business.
“Definitely eases some of the stress for sure,” she said.
That’s Amore is another business that has used CRA grant money while they were opening.
Natacha Kabolva said they built their pizzeria from the ground up.
“No water, no electricity no floor and no walls,” she said.
CRA Grant Manger Bonnie Nicklien said the commercial property grants can help during construction and for rent.
“It is free money, we are funded by tax dollars and we want to give those tax dollars back to the community,” said Nickilen.
Koblova said she gained a support team through the process.
“Where I could come and cry, where I could hug when we got great news it was the place where I could brainstorm and look for idea, it was not just about the money,”
The grant is divided into three tiers of eligibility. Businesses are classified into tiers based on the type of business, which then determines the amount of eligible funding.
• Tier One Businesses are eligible for the maximum amount of grant funding which is $50,000 and must be one of the following businesses: restaurant, bakery, gourmet food market.
• Tier Two Businesses are eligible for a maximum amount of $25,000 and must be one of the following businesses: professional office, fitness facility, specialty retail, boutique, hair/nail salon, take-out restaurants.
• Tier Three Businesses are eligible for a maximum amount of $15,000 and must be one of the following businesses: tattoo parlor, pawn shop, auto services facility, liquor store, kava tea bars.
The grant money can be used for a variety of things, from plumbing and flooring to landscaping and parking lot improvements.
For more information, visit the city's grants page.