Want to start your own business in Columbia?

I'm trying to get a building re-use grant to help restore my building on N. Elm St.(damaged in fire last month) Looking for people who want to open a small business in downtown Columbia. We will be offering a year's free rent to help you launch. If you have an idea, drop me a line at bcwar1@yahoo.com

As a lover of second hand shops - I wish someone would open a consignment shop!

If this is in a good location, why don't YOU open a small business? As for seeking a grant, why should taxpayers be spending money to restore your building?

didn't you have a thriving business in there and would not renew the lease ?

Ask B. Owens, I hear he has some very good ideas on what to do with your building.

coman wrote:

If this is in a good location, why don't YOU open a small business? As for seeking a grant, why should taxpayers be spending money to restore your building?

Once again - Mac did not renew his lease - I did not ask him to leave. I plan to open a business in the building.

As for the grant.... from the NC Rural Economic Development Center

Putting vacant buildings back to work
Whether it's an empty storefront on Main Street or a shuttered factory out on the highway, vacant buildings serve as daily reminders of the economic hardships being visited upon small towns throughout North Carolina. They are a source of discouragement to local residents and to anyone considering starting a new business. But these buildings also represent a town's potential. Restored, renovated, equipped, they can once again become thriving centers of commerce, creating jobs and adding much-needed tax base for struggling communities.

The Building Reuse and Restoration Program assists communities in transforming the potential these buildings represent into economic reality. Grants help local governments prepare the buildings for reuse by new and expanding businesses. The Rural Center oversees the program on behalf of the N.C. General Assembly.

We still have one space available in the business incubator. Free rent for 6 months, and below market rent if you stay longer! Applications available at the Community Development Corp. on Main Street. The CDC also has micro loans for prime plus four, for people who have low credit scores. We find out if our grant application is sponsored next Monday.

I would put up $48,000 in cash and the NC Rural Center would put up $48,000. It cost the town no money and it will create at least 4 new jobs, restore a historic building, raise money through sales tax and increased property value tax. It will also be work for local builders and provide income for local building suppliers. If I don't meet the grant guidelines, I'm on the hook for the $48,000.

If you would like to show your support for this project, contact a member of the town board. If I don't get the grant, I'll fix the building to the point it was at before and it will be just another vacant building in Columbia. One more reason for investors not to come in and start new businesses that create new jobs.

Like I said, pissing away our tax money.

coman wrote:

Like I said, pissing away our tax money.

I respect your opinion. If you haven't done so already, I urge you to contact your Congressman.
Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC Third District)
Rep. Walter Jones
422 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
http://jones.house.gov/

Glad to see the aldermen take a closer look at this fiasco.

We were approved by the board! Next we submit our application.

Still have space, drop into the Community Development Corp. for an application.

Great, the taxpayers are paying to restore YOUR building...This is a bunch of crap!!!!

As an outsider, I question the integrity of the building. It was by the grace of God the firemen were so near the evening of the fire and were able to contain the fire quickly. Such a "tinderbox" needs mass renovation and/or complete rebuilding before any business should be allowed to occupy the structure by any building inspector. Where are the building inspectors in all of this? Why hasn't the Town, County and CDC ask to see proof the building will pass inspection for occupancy (3 new business'listed in Coastland Times) before giving their blessing to apply for grant money the taxpayer has to cough up? The 3 new tenants mentioned should also check to see what kind of insurance they will be able to acquire prior to signing any lease. This is good business practice. What happened to the 12 months free rent that went to 6 months, both here on this forum and in the Coastland Times article? It's important that we all have free will in what we do and ask of ourselves. It's something else to use taxpayer dollars to make our dreams come true. You bought this beloved buiding so it should be up to you to bring it up to code and/or repair it at your expense.

A year's free rent was stated to the Town Board at their last meeting not six months!!!

ncgal wrote:

As an outsider, I question the integrity of the building. It was by the grace of God the firemen were so near the evening of the fire and were able to contain the fire quickly. Such a "tinderbox" needs mass renovation and/or complete rebuilding before any business should be allowed to occupy the structure by any building inspector. Where are the building inspectors in all of this? Why hasn't the Town, County and CDC ask to see proof the building will pass inspection for occupancy (3 new business'listed in Coastland Times) before giving their blessing to apply for grant money the taxpayer has to cough up? The 3 new tenants mentioned should also check to see what kind of insurance they will be able to acquire prior to signing any lease. This is good business practice. What happened to the 12 months free rent that went to 6 months, both here on this forum and in the Coastland Times article? It's important that we all have free will in what we do and ask of ourselves. It's something else to use taxpayer dollars to make our dreams come true. You bought this beloved buiding so it should be up to you to bring it up to code and/or repair it at your expense.

, I'd be happy to dispell the rumors.

just give me a call

Another sad day for Columbia.

Native wrote:

A year's free rent was stated to the Town Board at their last meeting not six months!!!

The brave people who signed letters of intent and who joined me at the Town Board meeting - will be given one years free rent. If you aren't familiar with the letter of intent instrument, it is the agreement from which a lease is drawn.

I hope this answer addresses any concerns you may have had.

Our grant was denied. Thanks to my few supporters!

After reading all the comments on this site and the ones left on my blog, I can see investing in Tyrrell, by an "outsider" is not appreciated or wanted. I thank you for your candor, it's really opened my eyes, and helped me make the decision not to invest any more time or money in the town.

Sweety, we don't mind you investing YOUR money here, we are just tired of investing OUR money(grants) in the same old, tired, failed, plans.

Columbia has lost it's heart.
Why locals would object to matching grants to repair a building that is a part of their history is beyond understanding. People that have moved here from other places that have intergrated seem to be shown the door, whereas folks that are changing the town negitively are embraced.
Columbia has lost thier heart when a bar is supported over history, when smart loving people are hated and families bad habits are justified.