Valparaiso leaders are sending a clear message to entrepreneurs and established businesses alike: Valparaiso is open for business, and support comes in many forms. The City of Valparaiso and its Redevelopment Commission offer a variety of grants and incentives. The Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation (VEDC) supports these efforts by helping businesses understand and access available programs.
"Valpo offers a lot," said Vanessa Lynch, VEDC board secretary. "The top two benefits would be tax abatement and the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district."
These programs prove particularly beneficial for companies planning expansions or new developments in the city. TIF districts allow municipalities to capture increased property tax revenue from development projects to fund infrastructure improvements and other economic development initiatives.
George Douglas, City of Valparaiso Economic Development Director, said officials are refining tax abatement guidelines to improve clarity and transparency for potential applicants.
"In the past, the city looked at several qualifications when considering incentives like tax abatement," Douglas said. "These include the background of the applicant, types of proposed improvements, number of jobs created or retained, average salaries and benefits, and the potential for future investment in Valparaiso."
The evaluation process extends beyond basic job creation metrics.
Douglas said the city also considers collateral benefits to local businesses, especially construction-related work, and whether projects could catalyze additional investment in surrounding areas. Environmental considerations and companies' past performance with incentives factor into decisions as well.
"This is not an exhaustive list, but it is a starting point for the city to consider before presenting projects to the City Council,” Douglas said.
The city's business support extends well beyond tax abatements. Douglas outlined several other programs available to local entrepreneurs and established businesses seeking to expand or improve their operations.
"Some of the more widely known and available include sign/façade grants, TIF for infrastructure, and pledges of TIF to support economic development revenue bonds," Douglas said.
Additional offerings include the Valpo fiber infrastructure initiative and a historic liquor license program specifically designed to support downtown businesses.
The façade grant program has already produced visible improvements throughout the city. This program allows Valparaiso businesses to receive support for exterior improvements.
The city's approach emphasizes flexibility over rigid requirements, according to Lynch.
"We're a flexible community," Lynch said. "Maybe a company doesn't want a tax abatement or isn't in a TIF district — that's fine. We can work with them to find an incentive that fits their project."
VEDC Board Chair Dale Clapp stressed the importance of making information about available programs accessible to business owners, particularly those seeking smaller-scale support.
"A lot of the small grants might be lesser known, but they're out there," Clapp said. "Those dollars make a real difference if people know they exist."
City officials say it’s the combination of personalized support, diverse program offerings, and community-focused approach that positions Valparaiso as an attractive destination for business investment.
To learn more about the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation, please visit valpoedc.com.
