“Over the past six years, the Commercial Facade Grant program has made a tremendous difference in our community,” said Mayor Henry. “When you drive along business corridors such as Broadway and North Anthony, you immediately see the impact of the program; the storefronts look attractive and welcoming.”

Since Mayor Henry kicked off the Commercial Facade Grant program in 2008, 63 facade improvement projects have been completed or are in the process of being completed, generating a private investment of $2,966,030. The city requires applicants to provide matching funds in order to receive the grant.

The program makes funds available to businesses in the core of the city in areas designated as Economic Development Target Areas, or EDTAs. Business corridors along Wells, State, Calhoun and Taylor streets, as well as Broadway, are all located in EDTAs. Through the program, grants are made to businesses to help offset the costs of facade renovations, signage, lighting, awnings, parking improvements, decorative fencing, and other exterior enhancements.

Businesses are eligible for up to a $20,000 matching grant; multi-business or multi-tenant buildings are eligible for up to $40,000. Funding comes from the Community Economic Development Income Tax, or CEDIT fund.

Applications for the grants will be accepted from November 13-December 13 and are available online now at www.cityoffortwayne.org/commercial-programs.html or by calling 3-1-1. Questions may be directed to Aliza Tourkow, grants manager, at 427-2792 or aliza.tourkow@cityoffortwayne.org.