Tax Incentives & Loans

Tax Incentives, Loan Programs & Procurement Opportunities

Lowell's Economic Development Office of the Department of Planning and Development offers a host of financial incentives such as non-traditional loan programs as well as tax incentives. These incentive programs are provided directly by the City of in partnership with other local, state and federal economic development agencies:

Tax Incentives

Companies creating a significant number of jobs within Lowell and making significant capital investment may be eligible for investment tax credits and a real estate tax exemption under the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP). This program is offered in partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

Any company located in Lowell that is engaged in research and development and is classified as R&D with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue can qualify for an exemption on corporate sales tax from the state. In addition, the City of Lowell is one of the few communities in MA offering 100% tax exemption on any core equipment directly related to its R&D activities.

The Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) allows developers of market-rate housing in "gateway cities" such as Lowell to take advantage of state and municipal tax exemptions and deductions. -

To find out if you are eligible for these tax incentives please contact our -Economic Development Office at 978-674-4252

Loan Programs

Lowell's Economic Development staff works with traditional and non-traditional finance lenders and can offer businesses a full gamut of options. The following are just some examples:

The Small Business Retention Program

is a new program being offered to assist well established small businesses in Lowell, to grow and prosper. Applicant for this program will need to be in business for a minimum period of 3 years. The program will offer eligible applicants with a combination of grants, loans and technical assistance with the goal of providing business owners with the tools to grow their business and prosper in the City of Lowell.

MassDevelopment

MassDevelopment has financed companies of all sizes across the Commonwealth with loans, guarantees, and tax-exempt bonds. Financing can be used to purchase real estate, building rehabilitation, equipment, as well as providing export financing to access global markets.

Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation

Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) provides loans, lines of credit and guarantees to eligible businesses in Massachusetts.

Lowell Development & Financial Corporation

The Lowell Development and Financial Corporation (LDFC) offers low-interest loans for the acquisition, construction or renovation of commercial, industrial or office facilities containing at least 10,000 square feet. The LDFC in partnership with the City and other local banks also offers the Downtown Venture Fund Program, a low-interest loan fund available to new retail and restaurant ventures to be located in Downtown Lowell.

Property & Casualty Initiative, LLC

The Property and Casualty Initiative, LLC (PCI) offers financing to companies that are unable to obtain the required financing from conventional sources. Loans can be used for working capital, equipment and real estate purchases. Priority is given to companies located in an economic target area (i.e. Lowell ETA), minority and women-owned businesses and companies that are creating new jobs and/or employ low and moderate-income Massachusetts residents.

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers business loans, guarantees and equity financing such as the Advantage Loan 7 (A) loan Program, real estate and equipment loans; disaster recovery, exporting and more.

Merrimack Valley Small Business Center

The Merrimack Valley Small Business Center (MVSBC), as a recipient of a Small Business Administration (SBA) PRIME, administers a microloan fund available to small businesses and start-ups. Loans range from $2,000 to $50,000. Fund can be used for capacity building, working capital, and startup expenses.

Historically Underutilized Business Zones Program (HUB Zones) & Procurement Opportunities

Established by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Historically Underutilized Business Zones Program (HUBZones) promotes economic development and creates job opportunities by providing federal contracting preferences to small businesses that obtain HUBZone certification. To qualify for the HUBZone program, your business must:

Be a small business
Be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe
Have its principal office located in a HUBZone
Have at least 35 percent of its employees live in a HUBZone

To see if your business or property is located within Lowell's HUBZone view the HUB Zone map.