The City of Rome offers a variety of programs to encourage economic development in our community.  Applications and additional information on the programs are available from the document and forms section below.

Downtown REAP

The Downtown REAP Program encourages projects that locate or expand a microenterprise (1-5 employees, including the owner) businesses to locate in the Main Streets Program target area.  New businesses must have a qualified business plan.  Project must provide a service or create a L/M job.  If job creation is the criteria used, the positions must be retained for one full year after creation.  Jobs must be at full time equivalency status.  Certified payrolls are required for verification.  All other HUD requirements apply.  Project is eligible for up to 75% reimbursement of the project cost with a maximum award of $5,000.

REAP - Citywide

Project must locate or expand a business within an appropriately zoned area in the City of Rome.  Businesses must have a detailed business plan that describes the project and budget.  Project must create one L/M job and is eligible for up to 75% reimbursement of the project cost with a maximum of $3000.  The positions must be retained for one full year after creation.  A long-term lease or deed is required for expansion projects.  Jobs must be at full time equivalency status.  Certified payrolls are required for verification.  All other HUD requirements apply.

Facade Program

The city provides assistance to businesses and property owners in targeted business district areas for improvements to the exterior of their buildings.  Depending on the location of the property, applicants could be eligible for up to 75% of the project cost to a maximum award of $15,000.