 Investment in Downtowns and Facade Grant Programs Bolsters Small Businesses in Newaygo County NEWAYGO COUNTY, MICH (FEB, 22, 2024): Community leaders across Newaygo County are prioritizing downtown development through façade grant programs. The City of White Cloud recently announced a new façade grant program, focusing on their downtown and commercial corridor. The Cities of Newaygo and Fremont are also celebrating success with implementation of facade grant programs aimed at supporting small businesses and revitalizing downtown areas. These initiatives signify a concerted effort to invest in the economic vibrancy and aesthetic appeal of local communities. Recognizing the pivotal role that small businesses play in driving local economies, the City of Fremont initiated a facade grant program designed to assist downtown businesses in enhancing their storefronts in 2006 with initial seed funding from the Fremont Downtown Development District. Through this program, eligible businesses were provided with financial assistance via a 50% match to undertake facade improvements, such as window replacement, exterior painting, and architectural enhancements. The result has been a noticeable transformation of downtown Fremont, attracting more visitors and bolstering the overall attractiveness of the area. Since 2006, over $1.1M has been invested in Fremont’s downtown district, with grant awards of $480,000. Similarly, the City of Newaygo, launched its own facade grant program in 2022 to support small businesses in their tax increment finance authority district. By providing matching funds for facade improvements, the program has empowered local entrepreneurs to invest in their storefronts, contributing to a more vibrant and inviting downtown atmosphere. The positive impact of this initiative has been felt throughout the community, with increased foot traffic and renewed interest from residents and visitors alike. In less than 2 years, Newaygo TIFA’s investment of over $20,000 has leveraged an additional $22,000 in private investment, supporting six projects. Thanks to support from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, the City of White Cloud is implementing a facade grant program aimed at revitalizing its historic downtown area, with applications open now through March 31st, 2024. The City of White Cloud was awarded $20,000 of funding for its facade improvement program. Through this program, the city is offering eligible businesses and commercial property owners a 50% project match, up to $5,000. It is the City’s hope to support at least four projects. Applications for Newaygo’s program are due February 28th, 2024 and May 31st, 2024. Applications for Fremont’s program are accepted on a rolling basis.
The Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership’s Mission is to drive sustainable economic growth in Newaygo County & surrounding areas. By investing in facade improvements, the cities of Newaygo, Fremont, and White Cloud are not only enhancing the visual appeal of their downtown areas but also laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and prosperity. For more information about the facade grant programs in Newaygo County, please contact: City of Newaygo Jon Schneider 231.652.1657 [email protected] City of Fremont Andy Harrington 231-924-2101 [email protected] City of White Cloud Andrew Stafford 231-689-1194 [email protected]
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