Incentives from the City of Aiken are now available to assist businesses by reducing the startup costs of new projects.
The program, approved in August, offers rebates of City fees paid by new or existing businesses over a five-year period. Those fees include business licenses, utility impact fees, building inspection and permitting expenses. To take part in the program, the business must apply with the City prior to beginning the project and be able to show a benefit to the community in the form of added jobs, new future tax revenue, increased retail sales, or any other combination of positive potential outcomes.
Once the City Manager’s office has reviewed the application and made an agreement regarding the benefits available to the new project in exchange for benefits to the City as a whole, an agreement will move before City Council in the form of an ordinance for approval. Once approved, the rebates would be paid at the end of each year that the new project achieves the goals outlined in the incentive agreement.
If you are interested in applying or learning more, please contact Community Affairs Manager Tim O’Briant at 803-502-4997 or online to discuss project details and begin the process.
