The Town of Oakland, the Greater Oakland Business Association & Garrett County's Office of Economic Development prefer to work with existing businesses and potential new businesses on a case by case basis. This means that if you are a struggling business, want information on resources to expand your business practice or need incentives in order to get your new business up and running, please contact one of the offices below in order to talk about what incentives may specifically assist you and your business. These conversations can be kept confidential and there are a number of resources that may be available to help you.
Incentives for Oakland Businesses
In 2016, the Mayor and Town Council of Oakland endorsed the concept of offering incentives to potential new businesses, land owners, tenants or existing businesses that are willing to invest in the downtown Oakland area as part of the effort to revitalize the town.
The Mayor and Town Council would like to help owners of vacant buildings who encourage new business ventures or existing business owners who wish to expand. The Mayor and Town Council is able to tailor incentives for each business or building owner to best meet their needs. Examples of these incentives are as follows:
1. Reduced taxes for one year.
2. Reduced water, sewer and trash collection fees for one year.
3. Waive GOBA dues for new or struggling business owner for up to two years.
4. Help with a percentage of advertising cost for the first 6 months.
5. Reduced water and sewer connection fees (usually would only affect new businesses)
6. Help with a percentage of the cost for new signage
7. Assistance with a percentage of the total cost of building façade.
These ideas and others will be considered by the Mayor and Town Council and tailored to help the business succeed. Applications must be completely filled out and will NOT be considered without a written estimate, quote or design from a qualified professional or contractor. Please also provide photos if applicable. Applications are reviewed by the Greater Oakland Business Association on the third Tuesday of every month and then are sent to the Mayor and Town Council of Oakland on the first Monday of every month for their approval.
A printable form of the application can be found at www.oaklandmd.com. More information and the applications are also available by calling Nicole McCullough or Gwen Evans at Oakland City Hall 301-334-2691.
Applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis. The approval and distribution of incentives is at the discretion of the Oakland Mayor and Town Council. The Mayor and Town Council reserve the right to approve or reject all applications.
PLEASE NOTE: Work cannot have commenced prior to written approval of your request or the project will not be funded.
The Mayor and Town Council would like to help owners of vacant buildings who encourage new business ventures or existing business owners who wish to expand. The Mayor and Town Council is able to tailor incentives for each business or building owner to best meet their needs. Examples of these incentives are as follows:
1. Reduced taxes for one year.
2. Reduced water, sewer and trash collection fees for one year.
3. Waive GOBA dues for new or struggling business owner for up to two years.
4. Help with a percentage of advertising cost for the first 6 months.
5. Reduced water and sewer connection fees (usually would only affect new businesses)
6. Help with a percentage of the cost for new signage
7. Assistance with a percentage of the total cost of building façade.
These ideas and others will be considered by the Mayor and Town Council and tailored to help the business succeed. Applications must be completely filled out and will NOT be considered without a written estimate, quote or design from a qualified professional or contractor. Please also provide photos if applicable. Applications are reviewed by the Greater Oakland Business Association on the third Tuesday of every month and then are sent to the Mayor and Town Council of Oakland on the first Monday of every month for their approval.
A printable form of the application can be found at www.oaklandmd.com. More information and the applications are also available by calling Nicole McCullough or Gwen Evans at Oakland City Hall 301-334-2691.
Applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis. The approval and distribution of incentives is at the discretion of the Oakland Mayor and Town Council. The Mayor and Town Council reserve the right to approve or reject all applications.
PLEASE NOTE: Work cannot have commenced prior to written approval of your request or the project will not be funded.
Community Legay Facade Grants
Those interested in taking advantage of the facade program through Community Legacy which includes outside improvements to your building or business should contact Nicole McCullough or Gwen Evans at Oakland City Hall. There is a required 50% match. The grant application is due in May annually. Information needed includes the application, a scope of work, cost estimates of work and photos.
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