GUYMON- The City of Guymon’s Business Improvement Grant is designed to support local business growth and reinvestment by helping offset the cost of exterior, structural, landscaping, and compliancerelated improvements. Created in 2022, Economic Development Director Sheila Martin, and point of contact for the grant, has worked to promote the grant and ensure it is accessible for every business in Guymon. “The Business Improvement Grant was designed to empower our local businesses with the tools they need to grow, reinvest, and improve our downtown landscape. It’s incredibly rewarding to see it working just as intended — and even more exciting to see the creative transformations our business owners are bringing to life,” Martin shared.

Since its inception, the Business Improvement Grant has approved over $52,000 in funding across 12 local businesses, which in turn has generated more than $157,000 in total community improvements. From fresh coats of paint and new signage to safer, more compliant structures and inviting storefronts, the program is actively shaping the look and feel of Guymon’s business corridors.

Eligible improvements include façade upgrades, signage, property renovations, landscaping (with enhanced incentives for waterwise ‘zeroscape’ projects), and code compliance work — including for mobile food vendors. The City will reimburse up to 50 % of eligible improvement costs (up to $5,000), and up to 75 % for approved zeroscaping, making this a meaningful investment in the vitality and appearance of our business community.

To qualify for the BIG program, applicants must operate for a for-profit business within Guymon city limits, be current on all State, County, and City taxes, hold a valid Oklahoma sales tax certificate, and ensure proposed improvements comply with all local regulations. If a business meets the requirements, they are eligible to apply for any of the five categories included in the grant: Façade Improvement, Sign Improvement, Property Improvement, Landscaping Improvement and Compliance Improvements.
The Business Improvement Grant serves as support for businesses to enhance their storefronts and commercial properties. The City of Guymon hopes to promote economic vitality, encourage reinvestment in Guymon’s businesses and commit to long-term economic development and quality of life by offering a meaningful financial incentive.