What We Do

Starting a Business

The DDA offers services to those looking to start a business in the downtown area. We can assist with locating a property, navigating the business license process and if needed, the building rehabilitation process. We have grants for starting your business and getting your location ready. There are also a number of state & federal programs available, depending on the location.

Grants & Incentives for Starting a Business

Jump Start Grant

The Jump Start Grant program is a joint project of the Brunswick DDA and the City of Brunswick. The program is a reimbursement grant available to business start-ups based in the Brunswick DDA district. Grant covers up to 100% of eligible costs to a maximum grant of $2,000.

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Facade Grant

This program encourages meaningful exterior improvements to properties and promotes economic development in the DDA district. This reimbursement matching grant is intended to preserve and restore historic properties and details and encourage projects that are compatible with Downtown’s historic character.

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Commercial Property Enhancement Grant

The Commercial Property Enhancement Grant program is a joint project of the Brunswick DDA and the City of Brunswick. The program is a reimbursement grant available for buildings in the Brunswick DDA district. Grant covers up to 50% of costs for: Safety improvements, ADA Compliance, Sanitary improvements and other improvements / repairs.

Application Portal

Growing Your Business

A number of the programs available to start up businesses can be utilized for those seeking to expand. The Façade Grant (if it has been two years since the last grant was funded), Enterprise Zone Incentives (for fitting out more space) and marketing your new or expanded services.

Grants & Incentives for Growing Your Business

Enterprise Zone Incentives

Specific areas of the City (Including Downton) are designated “Enterprise Zones.” These zones allow the City Commission, on a case by case basis to provide incentives to qualifying business and service enterprises. These incentives can include: City property tax abatement; exemption from various fees including occupation taxes, permitting fees, and rezoning fees.

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Promoting Your Business

DDA Staff is available to assist with promoting your business. Whether it’s advertising in the downtown insert, boosting social media posts or electronic billboard ad space, we’re here to help. The DDA offers Ribbon Cuttings for new businesses, contact us to schedule one.

Grants & Incentives for Promoting Your Business

Ribbon Cutting

Preservation/Improvement Grants & Incentives

Brunswick Historic Preservation Board Plaques

The historic plaque program offers an opportunity for owners of local historic landmarks and contributing properties within the local historic districts to visually identify their structures as historic.

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Civic Improvement Project Grant

The Historic Plaque Program matching grant fund for the Historic District of Downtown Brunswick (CIP Grant) was established by the Magnolia Garden Club. Grant applications will be accepted starting in January, 2023.

Have an Idea?

If you would like to be a part of the planning and organizing of downtown Brunswick and are interested in volunteer opportunities or would like further information on starting a business, fill out our idea form.

The Brunswick DDA was created in 1981, and became a Main Street in 1986.