Town Incentives & Grants

Apply For Incentives

Townwide Incentives

Available across South Hill to support new and expanding businesses:

  • Water & Sewer Connection Reimbursement – For commercial projects ($100,000+ investment) and new housing developments (3–10 homes).

  • Building Permit Incentive – Reimbursement of up to $5,000 for new or expanding businesses with $500,000+ investment.

  • Business License Tax Incentive – Up to $15,000 over three years for businesses creating at least 3 permanent full-time jobs.

  • Real Estate & Property Tax Incentive – Tiered reimbursement (up to 75% in year one) for projects with $1M+ investment and job creation.

  • Historic Structure Incentive – Grants and tax relief for restoring historic buildings.

  • Façade Improvement Incentive – Matching funds up to $5,000 townwide, $10,000 downtown if restoring historic look.

  • Demolition Incentive – Up to $10,000 for removing blighted or unsafe structures.

  • Parking Lot Improvement – Up to $10,000 to upgrade or resurface deteriorated lots.

  • Dumpster Enclosure Incentive – Up to $3,000 to improve waste area appearance.

  • Crime Prevention Incentive – Up to $2,000 for installation of security cameras.

Downtown Incentives

Designed to revitalize South Hill’s historic downtown district:

  • Signage Grant – Up to $5,000 match for attractive, historically consistent signage.

  • Building Permit Incentive – Stimulus for permits with $10,000+ investment.

  • Downtown Tax Incentive – Reimbursement of real estate and personal property taxes (50% year one, scaling down over three years).

  • Building Up-fit Program – Up to $20,000 for interior improvements; up to $40,000 for commercial kitchen installation.

  • Business Incubation Incentive – Up to $5,000 to cover first-year rent or mortgage costs for new start-ups.

  • Business Utilities & Services Grant – Up to $1,500 to cover water, sewer, and trash pickup in the first year.

  • Landscaping Incentive – Up to $5,000 for exterior beautification projects such as planters, greenery, and decorative fencing.

Application Process

  1. Review guidelines – Ensure eligibility and confirm project is within South Hill limits.

  2. Optional pre-application meeting – Discuss plans with Town staff.

  3. Submit application – Include project details, estimates, photos, and proof of ownership/lease.

  4. Town review & approval – Typically within 30 days.

  5. Project completion – Must be finished within 6–12 months.

  6. Reimbursement request – Provide receipts, proof of payment, and final photos for grant payout.