Financing Tools

Financial Support and Resources for Downtown Development

Our Financing Tools page offers a variety of resources to help support the revitalization and development of downtown areas. From low-interest loans to grants and incentives, these tools are designed to assist businesses, municipalities, and development authorities in creating vibrant, economically thriving communities. Explore the options available to enhance your downtown project and learn how you can access financial support to bring your vision to life.

In addition to local financing options, we work to connect our local businesses with regional and state resources that can further support downtown development. Through partnerships with organizations like the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, we help local businesses access funding opportunities, technical assistance, and strategic planning services. Our goal is to ensure that businesses in our community have the tools and resources they need to succeed and contribute to the vibrant growth of our downtown area.

Tools to Support

Interested in taking advantage of one of these tools? Give us at call at (706) 465-9604 or email [email protected]

Georgia cities foundation Revolving loan fund

The Georgia Cities Foundation Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) provides financing for projects aimed at enhancing downtown areas, with applications accepted year-round. Eligible projects include real estate acquisition, building rehabilitation, new construction, and green space development. Loans of up to $250,000 are available with below-market interest rates, 10-year terms, and 15-year amortization. Projects are evaluated based on their economic impact, leadership, sustainability, and potential for private investment. The recommended financing structure is 50% from conventional lenders, 40% from low-interest loan programs, and 10% from the developer's equity. Ineligible uses of funds include operating expenses and public infrastructure projects. For more information, contact Chris Higdon at [email protected].

For information on the Revolving Loan Fund, follow this link.
For information the Green Communities Fund, follow this link .

Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DDRLF)

The Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DDRLF) provides below-market rate financing to support cities, counties, and development authorities in revitalizing downtown areas. Eligible applicants include municipalities and counties with populations under 100,000, as well as development authorities, for projects located in core historic commercial areas. Loan funds can be used for activities such as real estate acquisition, development, redevelopment, new construction, infrastructure rehabilitation, and limited equipment purchases. The maximum loan amount is $250,000 per project, and applications are accepted year-round based on available funding.

For information on Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund, follow this link.

United States Department of Agriculture: Business Programs

The USDA's Business Programs provide financial and technical assistance to stimulate business growth and job creation in rural areas. They offer loans, loan guarantees, and grants to businesses, cooperatives, farmers, public bodies, and nonprofits. These programs help with capital investment, equipment, job training, and entrepreneurial skills development. The goal is to enhance economic opportunities and promote self-sustainability in rural communities by leveraging both public and private resources. For more information, visit USDA Business Programs.

Example 1: Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)
This program provides grants to support the growth and development of small and emerging businesses in rural areas. Eligible entities include public bodies, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. The grants may be used for activities such as training, technical assistance, or the purchase of equipment.
Example 2: Business & Industry Loan Guarantees
This program offers loan guarantees to help rural businesses access financing for growth, modernization, and job creation. Eligible uses include business conversion, expansion, repair, and equipment acquisition.

CSRA Business Lending

CSRA Business Lending is a non-profit small business lending corporation serving Georgia and South Carolina. As a Certified Development Company (CDC) of the SBA, they offer SBA-504 loans with long-term fixed rates for businesses looking to acquire or construct real estate, as well as CSRA Direct Loans, providing up to $500,000 for growing businesses that may not meet SBA guidelines. These programs are designed to reduce financial risks for small businesses while offering low down payments and flexible terms. For more details, visit CSRA Business Lending.

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center

The Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides expert consulting, training, and resources to help businesses start, grow, and succeed across the state. Their services include business planning, financial analysis, and market research for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The Augusta office of the Georgia SBDC serves business owners in the region, offering one-on-one consultations, educational workshops, and access to a network of industry experts to help local businesses thrive. For more information, visit Georgia SBDC Augusta Office.

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) provides loans and business advisory services to small businesses in Georgia. ACE specializes in helping underserved communities by offering small business loans ranging from $15,000 to $1 million, alongside ongoing coaching and educational support. Their goal is to foster economic growth and create jobs in local communities. ACE also operates the Women’s Business Center, which provides additional resources and training to female entrepreneurs. For more information, visit ACE.

Federal Qualified Opportunity Zone

The Federal Qualified Opportunity Zone program, created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, encourages investment in economically distressed communities by offering tax deferrals and reductions on capital gains. Investors can defer federal taxes by reinvesting gains in designated Opportunity Zones through Qualified Opportunity Funds. Warrenton is included as an Opportunity Zone, allowing projects in the area to benefit from these tax incentives. Investments held for certain periods may receive tax reductions or even full forgiveness on gains after 10 years.
For more information, visit DCA Federal Opportunity Zones.