ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Enid Regional Development Alliance is eager to work with existing and new companies to help provide financial assistance for their projects.
Criteria and Guidelines for all ERDA Grants
- ERDA Grants are reimbursable grants. Awarded funds are paid to the business after paid receipts associated with the project are received from the business and verified as paid in full.
- In some instances, a certificate of occupancy from the City of Enid may be required before grant funds are reimbursed.
- No company or principal owner may receive a grant within 24 months of completing a grant issued by ERDA.
- Home-based, remote or multi-level marketing businesses do not qualify for ERDA Assistance Grants.
- Incentives are awarded first come, first served until the annual budgeted amount is met each fiscal year.
- Requested documents noted on the application along with current financial documents will be evaluated by ERDA staff to determine if eligibility criteria have been met before applications are considered by the ERDA Board of Directors at their next regularly scheduled board meeting.
- Grant application cycle is open throughout the year.
- Awarded funds are dependent on qualifications and availability of funds.
- Grants may be forfeited if all work is not completed within the timeline provided at time of application and/or award.
Business Opportunity Grant
The Business Opportunity Grant will award 50% of the cost of new equipment or cost of adding public infrastructure up to a $25,000 award (whichever is less). Proposed new equipment should either increase efficiency for the business by increasing sales with less operational expense or add a new product line to the business. A business may require new, repaired, or improved public infrastructure to serve their location (road, water, sewer, broadband). Proposed public infrastructure must be infill development only and may not extend the boundaries of existing City utilities. The infrastructure must be new to the site or expanded to allow the business to do something that would not otherwise be possible. This should lead to increased efficiencies, increased sales, and adding employees.
Qualification: 10 or more Full Time Employees (FTE)
Small Business Renovation Grant
Small Business Renovation grants are for renovation or repair costs to owned or leased commercial spaces where small business is planned or currently taking place. Grant amount would be calculated at 50% of the cost of renovations up to a maximum grant of $10,000. Funds will be provided as a reimbursement of expenses to renovate, expand, or redesign a commercial, retail, or industrial space.
Qualifications: 25 or less Full Time Employees (FTE)
Downtown Sprinkler Grant
This program is designed to encourage the redevelopment of Enid’s historical downtown buildings for commercial use by offsetting a portion of the cost to install fire suppression sprinklers. Buildings located within the boundaries of Main Street Enid – between the Railroad Track and Adams (east to west) and Elm and Owen K. Garriott (north to south). Applications are subject to approval by the ERDA Board of Directors.
Reimbursement would be for installation of the exterior fire line, not to exceed an award of $30,000. The award is paid upon installation and receipt of the Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Enid. The award will expire 12 months from the award date and will then be forfeited. A 30-day extension may be requested but is not guaranteed.
Application Requirements: To qualify for reimbursement, grant must be awarded by the ERDA Board of Directors prior to beginning installation. Include at least two bids for the cost of installing the exterior fire line to the building and complete the ERDA funding application to be considered for this grant.
Intern Housing Assistance
ERDA is pleased to support ERDA member companies by offering housing assistance for interns at no cost. Housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limited number of rooms offered. If space remains, non-member companies may also participate by paying a rental fee.
Work in Enid Award
The Work in Enid Award is a talent attraction program that pays successful applicant’s student loan balances up to $10,000 for professionals who agree to move to and work in the Enid area. ERDA partners with Cherokee Strip Community Foundation to support this program.
Apprenticeship Grant Pilot Program
The Apprenticeship Pilot Program will support businesses in building a strong workforce through registered apprenticeships. This reimbursement grant offers companies up to $5,000 per approved apprentice to help cover training and education expenses, as well as supportive services for the employer. Grants are available until allocated funds are fully awarded each fiscal year. Priority consideration given to ERDA Member Companies.