From staff reports
An Oil City program intent on helping local business owners spruce up their building facades is looking for applicants.
“We are applying for our third round of funding and we are trying to get the word out that we can help business owners stretch their dollars,” said Kathy Bailey, manager of the city’s Main Street Program.
In the first two rounds of funding, provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Main Street Program helped 47 storefront improvement projects.
The funding incentive covers signage, awnings/canopies, windows, doors, exterior lighting, exterior cleaning/painting, masonry/woodwork/metal architectural finishes, professional design. An applicant may be a property owner or a tenant leasing space.
The grant is a 50/50 matching amount that can provide up to $5,000 per applicant.
Eligible for the funding are business properties within much of the North Side and South Side business districts.
Bailey said the program is trying to reach beyond those boundaries for the upcoming funding round.
If the application for continued funding is approved by the state, monies could be available in the spring of 2020 through June 2022.
Businesses and commercial building owners must apply to the Main Street Program by Thursday.
Forms, as well as additional information, are available by contacting Bailey at kbailey@oilregion.org or by calling (814) 677-3152, Ext. 101.
