Metro's new small-business grants cap workforce aid at $10,000 per business
Metro records outline the workforce training grant, a higher property-investment threshold and the legacy grant timeline.
NASHVILLE - Metro's new small-business grant programs would reimburse workforce training and expand property grants, according to Metro's legislative record and Nashville.gov. The Mayor's Office said in an Oct. 7 statement that the Industrial Development Board would vote on rules for the programs.
Ordinance BL2026-1536, which Metro Legistar lists as passed, says workforce advancement grants would go to businesses with at least five employees on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to funding. Grants may not exceed $1,000 per full-time employee trained or $10,000 per business, and eligible costs include tuition and training.
Nashville.gov says the property investment program now covers commercial buildings valued up to $2 million, double the prior threshold, and adds interior improvements.
The Mayor's Office says the legacy business application window is likely to open in early November for at least 30 days, with initial recipients notified in February 2027. The ordinance sets a 15-year minimum for legacy businesses, while a Nashville.gov incentives page says 10 years.
Source: Metro Legistar, BL2026-1536 (https://nashville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?FullText=1&GUID=26B534A3-7EA1-4552-A1BC-01949ABFF25B&ID=8192093); Mayor's Office statement, Oct. 7, 2026 (https://www.nashville.gov/departments/mayor/news/mayor-freddie-oconnell-issues-statement-passage-small-business-incentives-legislation); Nashville.gov Growth Incentives (https://www.nashville.gov/departments/mayor/economic-opportunity/growth-incentives)