Downtown Destination Creation Grant

To encourage new destination business investments and extended hours of operation in Downtown Gainesville, Texas, the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation created the Downtown Destination Creation (DDC) Loan-To-Grant Program to incentivize businesses that primarily work to attract new customers from outside of Gainesville to patronize businesses in Downtown Gainesville. The Downtown Destination Creation Loan-To-Grant program provides matching Loan-To-Grant funds toward qualified primary jobs and fixed site improvements in compliance with Sections 501.101 and 501.103 of the Texas Local Government Code. Interested parties can view Downtown Destination Creation Grant information and application or contact the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation with questions at (940) 665-5241 or info@gainesvilletxedc.com. Financial assistance will be reviewed, approved, and awarded at the sole discretion of the GEDC Board of Directors.

Qualified Applicants:

For-profit businesses (existing or new to Gainesville) with a successful record in business and/or prospective business owners with a detailed business plan and financial support.  

• New/Unique Dining Concepts • Wineries/Breweries/Distilleries • Entertainment
• Production Facilities & Studios with Retail Space/Customer Experiential Space (i.e., Artisans & Makers)
• Commercial uses for upper floor spaces (i.e., office space, vacation rentals, rooftop venue, balcony)
• Existing businesses making destination creation investments and expansion will be considered.

Loan-To-Grant Award:

Qualified applicants that receive an Approval Letter from the Gainesville EDC Board are eligible to receive up to $100,000 in DDC Loan-To-Grant funds reimbursed upon Certificate of Occupancy and proof of receipts.  Businesses open until at least 8:00 p.m. two nights per week will receive priority consideration over competing projects.  The minimum Loan-To-Grant available for this program is $10,000 (project at least $67,000 in total qualified expenditures). The maximum Loan-To-Grant available for this program is $100,000 (project at least $670,000 in total qualified expenditures).