Development Authority Launches Grant to Spur New Retail Development
The Turner County Development Authority (TCDA) has announced the launch of Project Golden Grant, a new retail development incentive designed to attract investment, create jobs, and bring new shopping and dining opportunities to Ashburn.
The program offers up to $50,000 in performance-based reimbursement for qualified retail development at 616 E. Washington Avenue, a 2.32-acre commercial site located near Interstate 75 with more than 7,100 vehicles passing the property each day.
The property is where the former county hospital stood, and it is now rented by the peanut stand and the ice machine, but is currently listed for $299,999. The TCDA bought the property from the County Commission back in December of 2025 for $250,000.
Unlike traditional grants, Project Golden Grant reimburses developers only after specific milestones are achieved, ensuring accountability while encouraging long-term business success.
“This program is about creating opportunities that benefit both the developer and the community,” said Ashley Miller, Executive Director of the Turner County Development Authority. “We’re investing in a property that has tremendous visibility and potential while protecting taxpayer dollars through a performance-based approach.”
The incentive is distributed over three phases:
- Tier One – $15,000 upon completion of construction and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
- Tier Two – $15,000 after 12 months of continuous operation and verification of at least $300,000 in annual taxable retail sales.
- Tier Three – $20,000 after 24 months of successful operation while maintaining the required sales threshold.
Eligible reimbursements include permanent capital improvements such as commercial HVAC systems, parking lot construction, and entrance and access improvements. Funds are reimbursed only after eligible work has been completed and verified.
The property has remained off the tax rolls since 2015 despite occupying one of Ashburn’s most visible commercial corridors. Located adjacent to established businesses including McDonald’s, Zaxby’s, Circle K, and Carroll’s Sausage, the site offers three-sided road frontage and convenient interstate access.
TCDA believes the program represents a sound long-term investment for the community. Based on projected sales tax revenue, the local investment is expected to reach a community breakeven point in approximately four years, after which the development is projected to generate ongoing positive local tax revenue while providing additional retail choices for residents and travelers.
Project Golden Grant is intended for businesses such as quick-service and fast-casual restaurants, discount retailers, regional retail chains, convenience-oriented retail, and other high-traffic commercial uses.
To ensure transparency and accountability, all sales thresholds are verified through Georgia Department of Revenue sales tax records, and reimbursements are tied to documented project milestones.
“What we’re doing most doers haven’t done,” said Miller, “We have thoughtfully put in place guards to protect incentives so they don’t get taken advantage of, but sometimes you have to be creative and try new things to see what pays off.”
Developers and retail operators interested in learning more about Project Golden Grant or discussing eligibility are encouraged to contact the Turner County Development Authority at 229-567-9696 or email ashley@turnergrowth.com