Revitalization Loan Available to Chamber Members
The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support economic development efforts through its Revitalization Loan program. The program was established in 2008 to encourage small businesses to reinvest in buildings downtown, but has since expanded to include properties located throughout the city. The program is offered in partnership with Badger Bank, Fort Community Credit Union, and PremierBank, each of whom have committed to support an aggregate fund of $250,000.
Business property owners may apply for up to $50,000 interest-free for 24 months, to enhance exterior improvements to retail or commercial properties. All work must comply with city codes and ordinances, and borrowers must meet acceptable credit standards and provide collateral if deemed necessary. In addition, the property owner must maintain the majority of his/her banking relationship with at least one of the participating lenders. Loans granted to any one borrower for any single building may not be less than $5,000, and the maximum loan term cannot exceed ten years.
Projects are selected through a competitive application process with attention given to the degree to which the project contributes to the property’s preservation, restoration, or maintenance, its location and historic value, the scope of the project, and whether the project design blends well with surrounding structures. The City of Fort Atkinson’s Comprehensive Master Plan is also considered by the selection committee before final approval.
Interested chamber member businesses can access the Revitalization Loan application HERE.
A loan application may also be picked up at the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce located at 244 North Main Street in Fort Atkinson during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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