Child Care Loan Program - Provide a forgivable loan of up to $2,000 per licensed childcare provider towards approved expenses related to the cost of opening a childcare business in Mower County Community Housing Improvement Program - CHIP - Home improvement loans with 2% interest rate not exceeding $10,000 for rehabilitating existing homes. Eligible projects include electrical/furnace service replacement, painting, roofing, siding, windows, etc. - Home remodeling loans with 2% interest rate up to $25,000. Eligible projects include additions, decks, new garages, etc. Curb Appeal Project - CAP (Hormel Foundation grant) - Provide a 20% portion of project costs (maximum reimbursement of $5,000) to homeowners to enhance curb appeal of residential properties Home Ownership Fund - Austin/Mower County Home Ownership Fund (A/MCF) - Provide loans with 2% interest rate up to $6,000 to use towards down payment and closing costs or rehabilitation necessary to purchase a home. Potential homebuyers must attend homebuyer training workshops. Tax Abatement program - Provide up to 5 years of tax abatement for Mower County portion of property taxes on qualifying housing units. Eligible units of housing include a single-family house or multi-family complexes. A house may be new construction, modular, or manufactured provided it is on a permanent foundation and is valued and assessed as real property for property tax purposes. Visit website for more information and application form.