Mayor Andy Berke announced on Wednesday the first three businesses to receive the City of Chattanooga’s new Growing Small Business (GSB) incentives. Bellhops, a local small business that serves over 121 cities in 42 states, will add 19 new jobs to their Chattanooga-based office and Wafflez Factory, on East M.L.King Blvd., will add 14 new jobs. In addition, a California-based company with plans to relocate to Chattanooga will create 60 new jobs to our local workforce. The total amount awarded to the three small businesses will be $22,503.65.
"Each job created in Chattanooga has the potential to change someone’s story. That’s why we are focused on both economic development incentives for large companies and as well helping small, local businesses expand,” said Mayor Berke. “When a local company with 15 employees adds another five good paying, middle class jobs, it strengthens Chattanooga.”
During the State of the City last April, Mayor Berke announced a new initiative called Growing Small Businesses (GSB) to provide small businesses who make a substantial workforce expansion with a cash grant per new employee. Implemented by the City’s new Economic Development Office, the GSB initiative was allotted $100,000 in the City’s FY2014/2015 budget.
The City’s GSB Incentive is for businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Businesses must hire five or more new employees in prior 12-month period beginning July 1. All newly-hired employees must be located inside the limits of the City of Chattanooga and eligible employees must be full-time employees working 30 hours per week. Grants will be made on a reimbursable basis to qualifying businesses and there is a $10,000 cap per business.
Small businesses interested in applying should fill out an online application at: http://www.chattanooga.gov/economic-community-development/economic-development.