The CRA utilizes several incentives to assist small businesses and developers within designated Redevelopment areas. 

1. REVOLVING LOAN FUND - The CRA's Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is used to assist businessses and developers by providing low interest loans for business start-ups, business expansion, building rehabilitation and other designated uses.  Most often the CRA will participate with partner financial institutions to buy down the borrowers interest rate by blending the RLF low interest loan with the bank rate loan.  RLF rates range from 0% to 5%.
   
   
2. MICROENTERPRISE LOAN PROGRAM - The CRA's Microenterprise Program provides business counseling, technical assistance and training for small business owners as well as low interest loans to small businesses with 5 employees or less.  The maximum loan amount is $35,000 and the current interest rate is 6%.  Loan proceeds may be used for the purchase of inventory, fixtures, business start up costs, working capital or property acquisition.  Any low to moderate income small business owner in Adams County is eligible to apply.
   
   
3. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING - Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is primarily designed to finance the public costs associated with a private development project.  Property tax increases resulting from a new development are targeted to repay the public investment required by a project.  There are 8 Redevelopment Areas within the Hastings community where TIF can be utilized as an incentive.  TIF provides a means of encouraging private investment in deteriorating areas by allowing city governments to capture all property tax revenue increases to repay the public investment needed to attract development.  Under Under Nebraska law, TIF can only be used in redeveloping substandard and blighted areas within a community.  TIF projects may be commercial, residential, industrial, or mixed use. Generally, TIF funds can be used for land acquisition, public improvements and amenities, infrastructure, and utilities.  Every TIF project evaluation must include a cost-benefit analysis.
   
   
4. FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM - The purpose of the Facade Grant Program is to restore, improve or create historic architectural features to facades of commercial buildings anywhere within the dowtown Central Business District.  Funds are allocated on a first come, first serve basis and applicants may only apply in one category.  Tenants may qualify if the building owner provides written consent.  Applicants may be awarded up to $7,500 for facades, storefronts and awnings or up to $1,000 for signage with a matching dollar for dollar expenditure by the owner/tenant.  To qualify for grant funds an application and appropriate plans must be submitted to the Community redevelopment Authority office at 301 S. Burlington.