Beecher Launches TIF Program to Support Small Businesses

Village of Beecher Meeting | November 10, 2025

Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board has established a new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Small Business Assistance Program, designed to provide financial incentives for local businesses to enhance the appearance, value, and functionality of their properties.

TIF Program Key Points:

• Offers reimbursement of up to 25% of total project costs.

• Assistance is capped at a maximum of $10,000 per project.

• Aims to encourage development that would not happen “but for” the financial assistance.

• Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis annually.

The Village of Beecher Board of Trustees on Monday, November 10, 2025, unanimously approved a resolution creating a new program to leverage Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to support and encourage local small businesses. The TIF Small Business Assistance Program is intended for small-to-medium projects that might not otherwise qualify for larger redevelopment agreements.

The program, outlined in Resolution 2025-08, will offer financial assistance by reimbursing up to 25% of total project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000. According to village documents, the primary goal is to spur desirable development projects that would not be financially feasible for businesses without the TIF assistance. This “but for” test is a key component, ensuring public funds are used for projects that would not otherwise occur.

“I’d like to make a motion approving resolution number 2025-08 adopting the village of Beecher tax increment financing small business assistance program and application,” said Trustee Jessica Smith, who chairs the Economic Development and Community Events Committee, before the board’s unanimous approval.

To be eligible, applicants must be the property owner, an authorized agent, or a tenant of a commercial or industrial property within Beecher’s corporate boundaries. Tenants are required to provide a lease agreement, landlord permission, and proof of a current business license. All applicants must be current on their financial obligations to the village, including taxes, utilities, and fees, and cannot have received other village financial assistance within the past three years.

Eligible projects are those that improve the aesthetics, value, or functionality of a property. Examples include façade renovations, exterior improvements like sidewalks and lighting, window and door replacements, building additions, and parking lot renovations. All projects must be located within a designated TIF district and conform to village codes.

The application cycle will run annually from May 1 through April 30. The program will be administered by the Village Administrator, and applications will be reviewed for completeness before being submitted to the Board of Trustees for final approval. Reimbursement will only occur after a project is completed and village staff has verified compliance.