The Crookston Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the City of Crookston and has proposed a new grant that can revitalize and update local business’s storefronts and more with several grant programs.
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY
The City of Crookston, Crookston Economic Development Partnership, and Crookston Area Chamber rolled out the Storefront Revitalization Program on June 1. “The Crookston Storefront Revitalization Program is a collaboration with the City of Crookston, Crookston Economic Development Department partnership, and the Crookston Area Chamber of Commerce, and this funding is available to businesses,” said Janelle Wald, Crookston Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “Thank you again to all of those entities for including the Crookston Area Chamber of Commerce to help with business success.”
Also partnering with the Crookston Chamber is Crookston Paint and Glass, and Crookston Hardware Hank to provide businesses with paint ideas that are included in the application.
STOREFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
The Storefront Revitalization Program encourages the preservation and beautification of the buildings in the Crookston area business district. The Program consists of two Storefront Grant awards, the Beautification Match Grant and the Painting Signage Grant. The Crookston business area includes businesses within the city limits and surrounding business districts by enhancing the visual appearance. The hope is to create a more attractive and inviting shopping environment. “This is to supply businesses that are interested and to beautify the exterior of their buildings,” said Janelle Wald, Executive Director of the Crookston Chamber of Commerce.
BEAUTIFICATION GRANT
This grant is a 25/75 match up to $5,000. This is to be used for exterior storefronts only. Applications for the grant rewards are handled through the City of Crookston Economic Development Department.
PAINT AND SIGNAGE GRANT
There is no match from the applicant required for this grant. This grant is a $1,000 maximum only to be used for exterior paint or signage for storefront improvements only. Applications for the grant rewards are also handled through the City of Crookston Economic Development Department.
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
With the Storefront Grant awards and the Storefront Improvement Loans, the funds received can be used to make exterior appearance improvements. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, paint, signage, exterior lighting, landscaping, the replacement or removal of your awnings, and new steps or brick repair.
