**APPLICATIONS DUE BY 5 PM ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024**
The Wabasha Port Authority is launching a Facade Improvement Grant program to help local businesses fund improvements to the exterior of commercial or industrial buildings. The grant program is a 50/50 match (50% provided by the business and 50% provided by the grant program). The minimum grant amount is $500. The maximum grant amount is $2,500 for non-historical buildings and $5,000 for historical buildings. All businesses with a Wabasha address are eligible to apply. Businesses owners can apply for grant funding to do projects such as exterior signage and improvements to the exterior of their business. The project funding is on a first-come, first -served basis (while funding is available). Final grant approval is at the discretion of the Wabasha Port Authority.
Dusty Liston, Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA), who serves as staff for the Wabasha Port Authority, surveyed Wabasha businesses about their needs. “Many businesses identified negative impacts from the road project and the need for a grant, not a loan,” Liston stated regarding the results of the survey. “The facade grant also is a great opportunity for business owners to enhance the exteriors of commercial buildings and promote economic development.” City of Wabasha Finance Director, Tyler Grabau, identified economic development funds available to support the facade grants.
The Facade Improvement Grant Program application and guidelines are available here: https://www.wabasha.org/economic-development/business-assistance/.
“The Port Authority is very grateful to the city for their financial assistance and support in making this grant available to all small businesses in this community. Having the proper tools to make our community more welcoming makes a huge impact on each of our daily lives. Thank you for keeping your business in Wabasha!” said John Friedmeyer, Wabasha Port Authority President.
