The Rice EDC Board voted to include grant money as part of their 2023 Fiscal Budget, to use as a Business Building Initiative. They have since been accepting Business Assistance Grant applications from businesses in Rice, Texas. The grants allow businesses to invest in improvements they otherwise might be unable to make.
Dolce Beauty Bar, Soggy Peso, and Huffman Tire & Brake were among the first recipients, and each received $1,500. The funds will be used to upgrade facilities, and purchase computer equipment to help them better serve their customers, and strengthen their place in the community.
More recently, grants were awarded to S Bar C Tack & Feed to purchase new inventory, and Bee Well Doula & Massage who plans to renovate her office and massage studio.