REVOLVING
LOAN PROGRAM
Over the past few years, the City of Fowler has been awarded
more than two million dollars in economic development grants
from the State of California’s Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) Program. The purpose of the grants are to promote
economic development and create jobs in small communities. With
the aid of these funds, the City has implemented a “Revolving
Business Loan Program” for local business development
and expansion projects. Some of the businesses that have already
benefited from this program are: Dave’s Auto Service,
Bobby Salazar’s Taqueria, H & H Tire, Central Valley
Honda-Polaris, Empire Equipment Company, and Picker Parts. The
business loans are provided as “gap financing” in
conjunction with the business’ own primary financing for
their project. The interest rate offered on the loans is extremely
low - only two (2) percent! One of the requirements of qualifying
for a business loan is that the project must create a minimum
amount of jobs for a targeted income group, calculated at 80%
of the area median income. The City has also used the CDBG funds
to provide infrastructure improvement grants, which have helped
make facilities available for businesses to locate to properties
in Fowler.
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR BUSINESS EXPANSION
Fowler has much to offer to businesses wishing to expand or
relocate, with prime land available in its large industrial
corridor. The area is conveniently located next to Highway
99, Golden State Boulevard, Southern Pacific railroad and
Manning Avenue.
Commercial growth in the corridor increased
in momentum with the new millennium. Several major
businesses such as Bobby Salazar’s Taqueria, Vermeer
Inc., Central Valley Honda-Polaris, Empire Equipment Company,
Seattle-Tacoma Box Company, El Mexicano Restaurant, and an
Arco Gas Station/Mini-mart have chosen this area as the place
to locate their growing business. Many of these businesses
were able to expand with the assistance of the City’s
Revolving Loan Program. McDonald’s/ Chevron and DataWorks,
an educational research facility, have also chosen Fowler
as their business location. A new Johnny Quik Mini Mart/gas
station, combined with a fast food restaurant, is currently
being planned for the area near Hwy 99 and Golden State Boulevard.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
The City of Fowler contracts with the EDC
to assist with recruitment of businesses and industries, and
also retention and expansion of existing businesses. They
also assist in job creation.
Contact: Bruce O'Neal, Planning Consultant
City of Fowler
128 S. 5th Street
Fowler, CA 93625
(559) 834-3113 extension 122
(559) 834-0185 Fax
boneal@ci.fowler.ca.us
OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
LUNCH: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
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