Meanwhile, the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG), which covers Coconino and Yavapai counties, Flagstaff, Winslow and Camp Verde, has extended its Brownfield Assessment Grant program, to assist owners of properties where use or redevelopment might be complicated by the presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
Funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this is not an enforcement program. Unless there is a threat to public health and safety, property owners are not required to clean up their properties. Instead, the free assessments are intended to provide owners with information that can help them find financing, buyers, and/or partners that could assist with future development.
Originally slated to end last year, the program has been extended to September 2023. Funds are awarded on a first come, first served basis. For more information, click here or attend the free luncheon and presentation on this program on January 31 from 11:30 am to 1 pm at Flagstaff City Hall. RSVP by January 26 to cznetko@flagstaffaz.gov.
One financial boon to small businesses that is not being offered by a government entity is the third annual Barclays Small Business Big Wins contest. The bank is inviting small business owners to submit an essay of up to 500 words (and a compelling photograph) that shares their small business journey and the challenges they have faced along with way.
Winners of the contest will divvy up a prize pool of $255,000, ranging from a Grand Prize of $60,000 to 50 sweepstake prizes of $2,000 each. Deadline to apply is February 28 and the winners will be announced on May 2 to coincide with National Small Business Week. For more information – and to view profiles of previous winners – visit the contest website, BarclaysSmallBizBigWins.com.
We wish good luck to everyone who applies for these opportunities!
