South Orange, NJ (January 31, 2022) South Orange Downtown recently launched a new grant program to assist small businesses and property owners located within the SID boundaries with performing façade improvements to their storefronts. The South Orange Downtown Facade Improvement Grant Program is intended to provide some financial relief and encourage small businesses to reinvest in the downtown district.
"As a business owner in town I understand how hard it is to balance the many expenses that come up everyday and many of them take priority to decorative improvements”, explains Cat Fisher, South Orange Downtown Chair. “ That is why South Orange Downtown is thrilled to announce this grant that will give business owners a chance to update their facades with our financial assistance."
South Orange Downtown recognizes the positive impact that individual building improvements can have on the overall appearance, quality and vitality of the downtown business district. The program kicked off with the transformation of two facades at 4 Village Plaza, Lucky Fortune Restaurant and the Village Smoke Shop.
“The goal is to help small businesses and property owners rehabilitate and enhance their storefronts by providing an incentive grant that covers 75% of the cost of eligible improvements with a maximum grant allowance of $2,000 per applicant,” stated Melissa Hodge, Executive Director of South Orange Downtown. “This program will benefit both the community and our small businesses.”
The South Orange Downtown Facade Improvement Grant will be managed by the organization’s Beautification Committee. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and priority will be given to storefronts in extreme disrepair. Eligible projects include business signage, awnings, exterior lighting, exterior painting and other additions or improvements that add to the visible exterior appeal of eligible.
Interested applicants can download the application online at southorangedowntown.org/grant or by contacting Melissa Hodge via email at melissa@southorangedowntown.org.
To learn more about other programs and services provided by South Orange Downtown visit South Orange Downtown’s website, southorangedowntown.org and follow them on Instagram and Facebook @southorangedowntown.
