NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) – Delgado Guitars has been helping Music City strum since 1928, but says none of the small business grants proposed by Nashville’s mayor would help them, writing that they are “nothing more than broken systems wrapped in cellophane sold to the public as a win for the little guy.”
Manuel Delgado took to social media to question the proposed incentives, which face one more vote from the Metro Council.
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The incentives, linked above, come in the form of a legacy business grant that helps businesses 15 years or older, a construction rebate incentive, and a payroll grant.
Delgado says construction costs and payroll for new employees are not viable for family businesses, so he believes management is catering to “well-funded corporate transplants that already have millions in capital.”
We contacted the Mayor’s Office several times over the weekend and will let you know when we hear back.
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Other opponents of small business incentives say they would prefer lower property taxes instead of incentive packages and grants.
Nashville small businesses have told us that property taxes are partially to blame for struggling or even closing doors forever.
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The mayor’s proposed incentives are moving forward in the Metro Council process and a final vote is expected on October 6.