COOS BAY - The tightening economy hasn't slowed business for Tracy Mueller. Owner of Art Signs in the Bunker Hill area, Mueller said people still find money in their budgets to pay for his signature product.

"It's an excellent means of advertising and you only pay for it once," he said.

One thing he has noticed recently is that more people are asking for price estimates, particularly business owners in Coos Bay's urban renewal districts. Since the city unveiled its Virtual Business Incubator program last year, at least 20 businesses have inquired about his services, Mueller said. He helped the first recipient of city funds, Hair Co. Etc., and three more are in the works.

"Most of them are small jobs compared to what we normally do," Mueller said. But, "it keeps everything going."

Art Signs isn't the only local company to see a boost from the new program.

Local media outlets have seen new companies looking for advertising, or old customers returning for more. Ken Croes, station manager at KCBY, said the grant recipients have modest needs compared to a car dealer or furniture store, but they make a difference. And it encourages residents to shop locally.

"I think it's a very positive thing for the community," he said. "We hope it continues."

There should be plenty of businesses looking for advertising, new signs and other services. Joyce Jansen, the city's economic and community development manager, said she has met with more than 35 business owners about the business incubator program.

The Urban Renewal Agency has approved 12 applications, totaling more than $85,000, and more are on the way, Jansen said.

The funds to help local businesses come from the urban renewal agency. It has allocated another $75,000 to distribute to downtown business applications. The Empire district has a balance of about $35,000, Java Jones Coffee being the only business that has received funds.

Jansen said money can be allocated for a variety of purposes. Bay Area Enterprises' application included the purchase of a new cash register to train new workers, while Rife's Home Furniture plans to install new energy-efficient lighting.

To qualify for the grant, businesses must prepare a business plan and attend a class at the Business Develo-pment Center in North Bend.

None of the businesses with grants from the city's virtual business incubator has purchased advertising from The World newspaper, said to Denese Hale, the paper's business manager.