Nashville mayor pitches plan to help small businesses

Driving the news: O'Connell unveiled a a three-pronged approach to helping small businesses. Businesses that have operated for at least 15 years would be eligible for program grants under a $300,000 pilot program proposed by the mayor's office.

• The workforce advancement incentive program would offer grants up to $10,000 for small businesses to recruit and retain talent. The incentives would cover a wide range of training programs.
• O'Connell's administration is also proposing to make more commercial buildings eligible for the city's property investment program. Under the proposed expansion, properties worth at least $2 million would be eligible for city matching grants — up to $50,000 — to reimburse for construction or rehabilitation costs.

What he's saying: "Small and legacy businesses are the backbone of our communities," said Mayor Freddie O'Connell. "They're places of friendship and fellowship. They make us feel like we belong here."

What's next: Metro Council must sign off on the small business aid programs.