Programs & Incentives
A variety of business assistance programs and resources are available through the City of Longwood and partner agencies. Prior to opening a new business, expanding a current or re-locating your company, engaging with the City or any of its partners may prove to be helpful in realizing a successful project. If you have any questions regarding the various programs and incentives, call or email Tom Krueger, Economic Development Manager, at 407-260-3430.
Small Business Improvement Grant
The City of Longwood has established a Small Business Improvement Grant Program to facilitate the attraction and retention of certain qualifying small businesses. In particular, the grant is intended to support small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance to overcome hurdles related to opening a business or to make improvements that will help an existing business grow in the City of Longwood, with an emphasis on those improvements that will run with the building and support future users. For more on the Small Business Improvement Grant Program, click here.
Longwood Economic Development Tax Abatement Program
(LEDTA)
The program provides a City of Longwood Ad Valorem Tax Abatement for new businesses to the City of Longwood or the expansion of a current business. There are requirements to be met and the granting or refusal of exemptions is at the sole discretion of the Longwood City Commissioners. For more information concerning the LEDTA program, see Chapter 82 - Taxation (Sec. 82-252) of the Longwood Code of Ordinances. Application forms may be picked up at the Longwood Community Development Building at 174 West Church Ave.
PACE Financing
The City of Longwood offers commercial and multifamily building owners access to C-PACE program financing in order to encourage the installation of energy-efficient, renewable and resilient building infrastructure elements. The program offers the developer 100% financing, fixed interest rates, a net positive cash flow in the first year, preserves internal capital, reduces operating costs and much more. This program can change the whole dynamic of your investment. For more information go here.
Longwood Economic Enhancement Program (Brownfields)
The City of Longwood has designated current Brownfield Areas. The funding to assist in the assessment and redevelopment of these areas is state and federally funded. Be aware that recent legislation has changed the requirements for receiving the various incentives. Although a parcel may be in a designated Brownfield Area, the parcel must have a Brownfield Site designation and have a Brownfield Site Rehabilitation Agreement or abut a Brownfield Site to be eligible for incentives and funding. For additional information regarding the Brownfield Program visit the following link; Florida Department of Environmental Protection - Brownfields Program.
Seminole County Jobs Growth Incentive Trust Fund
The program is funded through an agreement between Seminole County and the City of Longwood and provides monetary incentives for qualified target industries and businesses. The funds may be used for relocation, impact fee, permitting or any other legitimate business costs. Applicants must demonstrate the creation of high paying jobs and substantial capital investment to be eligible to receive funds. Preference is given to projects that are constructing new buildings. The program is available to new, relocating and expanding companies in Seminole County.
Companies must increase their employment base by a minimum of 10 employees and the jobs must earn 100% of the county's average annual wage. The county's current average annual wage is $50,314. Incentives are awarded on a case-by-case basis by the Board of County Commission. For more information concerning the JGI program, please contact Tom Krueger, Economic Development Manager, City of Longwood at tkrueger@longwoodfl.org or 407-260-3430.
Downtown Historic District Matching Grant Program
The purpose of the Downtown Historic District Matching Grant Program is to provide assistance to property owners to restore, improve or re-create historic architectural features of facades of structures anywhere within the City of Longwood Downtown Historic District. All grant funds awarded require a matching dollar-for-dollar expenditure by the owner. The allocation is on a first come basis and availability basis. The funds may be awarded as follows: 1) Contributing Structures, up to $5,000 and 2) Supporting Structure, up to $3,000. Application forms may be picked up at the Longwood Community Development Building at 174 West Church Ave or contact planning@longwoodfl.org.