Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association - BUEA

Incentives and Programs for Businesses:

By contributing to economic growth in the area, businesses located within the Enterprise Zone are eligible for several state tax benefits. Businesses can also participate in a variety of programs to help with capital improvements and training. These include competitive facility improvement loans, historic facade preservation grants, and training and support for entrepreneurial activity.

- BUEA Historic Facade Preservation Grants

Annually, the BUEA allocates a limited dollar amount to provide funding to businesses to rehabilitate and preserve historic facades in the Urban Enterprise Zone. Grants are awarded by the BUEA Board of Directors in an amount not to exceed $10,000. Commercial and industrial properties are eligible for the grant which may be used only for the costs associated with actual and approved façade rehabilitation and other costs relating to the requirement of various building codes.

Incentives for Investors:

Individuals and corporations may lower their state income tax liability by making investments in the Urban Enterprise Zone. These incentives apply to those purchasing an ownership interest in a Zone Business or making a Qualified Loan.

Incentives for Residents:

Residents living in the Urban Enterprise Zone are eligible for a variety of programs. Residents who live and work within the Zone are eligible for deduction from their state income taxes. In addition, those who have lived in the Zone for at least 12 months may apply for a scholarship to attend college. The BUEA also supports schools serving Zone residents through the provision of Annual School Technology Grants.

Zone Arts Grant Program:

Offered in partnership with the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District, (BEAD), the Zone Arts Grant Program is designed to help support arts activities within the boundaries of the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Zone.

Citizens, artists, teams of artists, local businesses, and non-profit organizations (including neighborhood groups) are eligible to apply for project support that will do one or more of the following for residents and businesses within the Urban Enterprise Zone: facilitate involvement in arts and cultural activities; provide an opportunity to participate in the creative process; advance the quality and availability of the arts in the Zone; or celebrate or enhance the identity of the Zone. Exhibits, concerts, performances, festivals, art markets, art space development and public art (including murals) are all examples of the types of projects eligible for funding through the BUEA and BEAD Zone Arts Grant program.

The first round of applications are due April 15th, 2016 and the second round of applications are due October 14th, 2016.

Special Projects:

Each year, the BUEA funds several projects for zoned schools, businesses and residents. Those projects include beautification, scholarships to attend Bradford Woods, equipment for schools including electronic and audiovisual materials, and numerous projects along the B-Line Trail.

For more information about any of these incentives or grants, visit our website or contact Jason Carnes at carnesj@bloomington.in.gov or (812) 349-3419.