Downtown Revitalization & Economic Assistance Mission (GO! DREAM)

Downtown Revitalization & Economic Assistance Mission (GO! DREAM) is sponsored by Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC). This program aims to restore and improve buildings in the downtown core, especially those with historic architectural features, in all Phelps County communities, including Holdrege.

Helping Grow Opportunities in Phelps County The GO! Programs are grants and incentives for businesses, individuals, and future residents in Phelps County. These programs make it easier to launch your entrepreneurial career or invest in workforce development.

Many of these programs come in the form of grants or low-interest loans. Explore some of the active GO! Programs to determine which ones are a good fit for your needs.

Phelps County continues to invest in its residents and business owners, fostering long-term growth so everyone in the community has a chance to succeed. GO! BUSINESS: Help for Every Stage of Small Business GO!

BUSINESS: Help for every stage of small business. Click Here Business & Franchise Development Program Steps to Start Up Program Building Exterior Impact Grant Rural Enterprise Assistance Project - REAP Loans Always start with your local banker!

Click here to see a list of our friendly local lenders Business & Franchise Development Program Reimbursement grant for costs of facility build-out, remodeling, equipment, initial rent or deposits up to $5,000 Grant for demolition, landfill, and permitting fees up to $1,000 government agencies Grant for initial inventory up to $1,000 Grant for digital, electronic, and online support up to $1,000 Research and site selection services in conjunction with the franchisor at no cost Low-interest gap financing not to exceed 50% of the total amount borrowed Click here for Guidelines & Application Steps to Start Up Program Program Low interest loans are available for clients who complete the Steps to Start Up Program through PCDC.

Building Exterior Impact Grant Up to $1,000 matching grant to improve exterior appearance and branding of buildings. Limited funds are available and may be applied to projects that are impactful within corporate boundaries of any Phelps County municipality, or in other strategically important location at the staff's discretion. Grants are for materials and professionally performed labor.

Click here for Guidelines & Application Program PCDC can sometimes take the risk that a bank cannot to supplement the financing needed for a business to expand, start up or, or transition. Gap Financing is defined as the difference between the cost of a project and the combination of money available from the owner and the bank.

Project cost - Owner’s Equity - Bank Financing = Gap Gap Financing Loans may be used for: Low interest short-term loans (1 – 3 years) to help existing businesses expand their customer base, inventory or to improve operations. Long-term gap financing loans to facilitate ownership transition of existing businesses. (loan percentage is subject to adjustment based on market conditions.)

Funds may be used for equipment, improvements, or purchase of a business. PCDC funds will not exceed 50% of the total capital costs. Funds may not be used for working capital.

To apply for a PCDC loan, click here to download an Application. Rural Enterprise Assistance Project - REAP Loans Program Loans for small businesses are available through the Center for Rural Affairs. Contact Becky Parker, Loan Specialist - Central Region GO!

DREAM: Downtown Revitalization Economic Assistance Mission GO! DREAM: Downtown Revitalization Economic Assistance Mission First Impression & Signage Grants Downtown Revitalization & Economic Assistance Mission PCDC’s DOWNTOWN VISION: The Central Downtown Business District is a Vibrant, Visually Distinctive Destination. GO!

DREAM aims to restore and improve buildings in the downtown core especially those with historic architectural features. Recognizing the unique significance of the downtown core, the program will address both exterior facades of commercial buildings and certain interior renovations anywhere within the Central Business District. All Phelps County communities qualify for GO!

DREAM funding. Program First Impression & Signage Grants Up to $7,500 match Building Integrity Grant Up to $5,000 match GO! Sparkle Up to $250 match Download full program details and applications here .

GO! HOME: PCDC Housing Incentives & Assistance Programs GO! HOME: PCDC Housing Incentives & Assistance Programs Need help finding a home?

Contact a Local Realtor Visit Realtor. com to view listed houses in Holdrege , Bertrand , Loomis , Funk , and Atlanta . Are you employed in Phelps County but not a current resident?

Are you a new or existing resident ready to purchase a new home? Are you interested in renovating houses? Or are you interested in building a house?

We want to help you be a part of one of our great communities. Here are PCDC's programs that can help make that happen: See the full summary of GO! HOME Programs here.

NEW HOUSE CONSTRUCTION DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Program Down Payment Assistance Reimbursement Grant to Employer ($3 for $1 match) • Download Application $7,500 PCDC max match Public Employee/Self Employed Down Payment Assistance Grant (no employer match) • Download Application $2,500 No employer match Mobile Home Down Payment Assistance Grant to Employer ($2 for $1 match) • Download Application $2,500 PCDC max match EXISTING HOUSE DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Program Down Payment Assistance Reimbursement Grant to Employer ($2 for $1 match) • Download Application $5,000 PCDC max match Public Employee/Self Employed Down Payment Assistance Grant (no employer match) • Download Application $2,500 No employer match RENTER RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Program Renter Relocation Assistance Grant for new residents to Phelps County only $0 (Suspended for 2026) CODE COMPLIANCE / RISK MITIGATION PROGRAMS FOR DEVELOPERS: Program Renovation Reimbursement, Grant for contractors-developers upgrading existing rental properties (per unit) • Download Application $1,500 max match Site Improvement, Demolition or Landfill Fees Reimbursement Grant – Housing Only • Download Application $2,500 Residential Code Compliance Grant – address deficiencies presented by outdated spaces to create new rental units in existing downtown buildings • Download Application $2,500 APPROVAL PROCESS FOR HOMEOWNERS & CONTRACTORS INCENTIVES: Completed application that conforms to its specific guidelines must be turned in prior to closing Internal Review to determine eligibility (typically 1 to 3 days after completed application) Approval notification via phone or email with written confirmation to follow Complete description of requirements included in the applications Site Improvement Reimbursement Grant may be combined with any other programs.

Applicants must comply with detailed guidelines in the application. Award of financial assistance from PCDC is not guaranteed and the award is dependent upon availability of funds. PCDC may make changes at any time during the life of the programs.

GO! WORK: Training and Retaining Workforce to Meet Local Employer Needs GO! WORK: Training and retaining workforce to meet local employer needs.

Click Here High Demand Job Scholarship The unemployment rate in both Nebraska and Phelps County is less than half the national average. We have work and we have jobs All we need is YOU to join "the good life"! Chamber Member Job Postings Holdrege Area Jobs Facebook Page High Demand Job Scholarship PCDC partners with the Phelps County Community Foundation offer scholarships annually for training in high demand job areas.

Recipients must return to work for a Phelps County employer. High Demand Jobs Include : Welders, Machinist, Manufacturing Technicians, Electricians, Plumbers, Masonry, Nursing, Dietary Specialists, Diesel Mechanics, CDL, and more! To apply, or refer someone to apply, visit the Phelps County Community Foundation website or contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 Applications are available beginning December 1st of each year.

Phelps Memorial Health Center CHS - Agri Service Center Central Community College - Holdrege Learning Center Central Community College - Kearney Campus (35 minutes) Central Community College - Hastings Campus (55 minutes) University of Nebraska at Kearney (35 minutes) GO! BUILD: Encouraging Local Development and Partnering to Make it Happen GO!

BUILD: Encouraging local development and partnering to make it happen Permitting Assistance and Project Advocacy Site Acquisition or Preparation Assistance Just a few of the ways we can help with your next big project! Permitting Assistance and Project Advocacy Process navigation assistance and building permit acquisition. Legal reviews and research to support project permit applications.

Site Acquisition or Preparation Assistance Iron Horse Business & Industry Park property available at discounted rates. Site preparation assistance available on a case-by-case basis. Infrastructure development assistance available on a case-by-case basis.

Coordination of financial assistance programs at State of Nebraska and City level, such as Tax Increment Financing. Deferred property payment option for PCDC owned properties. A group of Phelps County contractors & builders who meet to facilitate communication, coordinate advocacy for building trades and pursue opportunities.

View the member list by clicking HERE . Open to all Phelps County area construction trade organizations and related service providers No cost to PCDC investors Non investors can pay a $50 annual fee to become a member Will meet as needed, but at least twice annually. Committee will provide input to PCDC regarding positions on legislation, ordinances and policies that impact the construction trades Phelps County Communities