Access to Space Program

Power Up: Access to Space aims to help small businesses find physical space to continue their growth in Spartanburg County.

The first phase will match participating businesses with owners of vacant, commercial spaces to foster economic growth, attract more new businesses, and enhance the vitality of municipal areas countywide.

This program offers comprehensive support to businesses, including financial, technical, and community assistance.

Access to Space Details

Rental assistance is provided for participating businesses, covering 100% of the first six months of lease payments.

  • After that, Power Up Spartanburg reduces its contribution by 10% each month until Month 12

  • Business-owners are responsible for each lease after a 12-month period

    • Business must be located in, or planning to relocate to, Spartanburg County

    • Business must have been in business for at least 3 years (tax returns required)

    • Business must be willing and financially able to commit to a 3-year-minimum lease in one of the pre-qualified locations countywide

    • Business must have passed the mandatory Spartanburg County Entrepreneurship Academy

    • Business must commit to commercial lease terms for a street-level, retail, service, warehouse, or office location in a pre-determined area

    • Business must open to the public within 60 days of lease execution

    • Business must operate during normal/customary business hours

    • Business must also participate in Power Up: Mentoring

  • Participating businesses are also:

    • Encouraged to participate in their town’s public activities (Ex: Harvest Day in Inman, the Mighty Moo Festival in Cowpens)

    • Granted access to a complimentary Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union account, qualifying them for a Line of Credit or low-interest loan (max.: $50,000)

    • Participate in monthly check-ins with the Power Up Spartanburg team, providing requested business metrics

    • Complete a Form: including a detailed narrative of business or business concept, with all documents submitted

    • Financial Review: financials will be reviewed by Carolina Foothills Credit Union, a Power Up Spartanburg CDFI partner

    • Selection Committee: Applicants are presented and selected by a committee to determine participation

    • Landlord Addendum: once your application is submitted, Power Up will connect with designated landlords to complete lease addendum

    • Contract with Business: Power Up will sign an agreement with the business-owner

    • Move-In: businesses will move in based on lease terms, and will be provided with a complementary ribbon cutting celebration

Apply Now

Need more help?

JAY JENKINS
Director of Small and Minority Business Development

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