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RURAL Zone Tax Credits

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Georgia Department of Economic Development have designated Dallas as a Rural Zone. The Rural Zone program provides tax credits to individuals and businesses that create jobs and make qualifying investments in historic downtown areas that have received a Rural Zone designation.

Created by House Bill 73 in 2017, the Revitalizing Underdeveloped Rural Areas Legislation (RURAL) Act provides three tax incentives to encourage the purchase of properties, the rehabilitation of properties, and the creation of new businesses and jobs within rural downtowns. Investors, developers, and business owners can all benefit from these tax incentives. Georgia’s rural downtowns also benefit greatly from the program, as the projects incentivized can remove blight, create needed jobs, and spur economic revitalization in the downtown.

Dallas’ Rural Zone designation lasts for five years, and activities to begin earning tax credits will begin on January 1, 2025. Dallas is encouraged to develop strategies and share information about the benefits to local businesses and investors.

RURAL Zone Press Release
RURAL Zone Info Sheet & Map
RURAL Zone Brochure
RURAL Zone - Approved NAICS codes

For more information regarding Dallas' RURAL Zone, email sgordon@dallas-ga.gov or visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Façade Grant

The Façade Grant is intended to encourage new or existing property owners to improve the appearance of buildings in the City of Dallas Central Business District Area. Matching funds are made available for eligible improvements to business facades that are easily visible and in public right-of-ways, such as those that face a public street or a public parking area. Improvements must preserve the individual character of each building with its unique features, historic appearance and significance, as well as make a contribution and impact to the appeal of the Central Business District Area. Note that all such improvements District must meet the Historic Preservation Commission’s design guidelines if located within the Historic Commercial District and have an approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application and building permit. The Façade Grant Program is funded by the City of Dallas, GA and administered by the City of Dallas, GA Downtown Development Authority. The Dallas DDA will determine the amount of matching funds based on the proposed façade change, grant funds available and the number of request under consideration.

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BOOST Grant

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is committed to making the most of our community’s unique sense of place by harnessing local economic opportunities and creating a supportive business environment that helps our small business owners and entrepreneurs build on heir dreams by expanding economic opportunities. The BOOST program is designed to award financial assistance to Downtown Dallas business owners and entrepreneurs located within the Main Street District. Assistance granted through the BOOST program does not have to be repaid.

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Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

SBDC Programs deliver professional, high quality, individualized business advising and technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs. SBDCs provide problem-solving assistance to help small businesses access capital, develop and exchange new technologies, and improve business planning, strategy, operations, financial management, personnel administration, marketing, export assistance, sales and other areas required for small business growth and expansion, management improvement, increased productivity and innovation.

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