The town, in partnership with the Economic Development Commission, has launched a new Property Enhancement Grant Program for businesses located in Guilford, according to Economic Development Director Sheri Cote. Grants up to $1,000 in reimbursable expenses are available to businesses in Guilford for the purpose of improved streetscape and store front design, improved marketability, and positive visual impacts and/or accessibility, according to town officials.

“I have a pretty wide connection to colleagues across the state, so I was aware that this type of program was something other towns have done,” said Cote. “When we received notice that the town was going to receive [American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA] funds, [First Selectman] Matt [Hoey] asked me to put together a list of what I’d like to be able to initiate if we had funding. So, I put together a list and this was one of those projects.”

This past September the Board of Selectman (BOS) approved an initial $25,000 commitment of ARPA funds for this initiative.

“We know many of our businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we wanted to launch a program that not only supports them immediately, but also fosters a commitment for further investment in Guilford. This initiative also has a trickle effect as many of our businesses will most likely hire local contractors for these projects,” Hoey said.

According to Cote, grant funds can be used to reimburse businesses for minor façade improvements costs directly associated with the rehabilitation of a commercial façade, including but not limited to, façade repairs, signage, awnings or canopies, exterior lighting, handicap accessibility, and façade landscaping.

“It’s exciting about the potential for something for our businesses who have been struggling through COVID,” Cote said. “We were struggling about how to help our businesses and this possibility of helping our businesses and provide a little funding was a great first step, but also a project that would help enhance the town.”

According to Cote, that though the amount is currently limited, her office is looking forward to input from businesses about the program, and also about the potential of making these funds a permanent source of funds for Guilford commercial properties.

“We are quite excited to see what the feedback and response from our businesses will be,” Cote said. “And possibly we can come up with some more funding to make this an on-going type of program. We would love to help our businesses any way we can. This effort is not just about beautification, it can also be used for handicap ramps and other projects, so we feel that is a great way to support the town’s businesses.”

Interested business owners can submit grant applications beginning on Tuesday, March 15 and grants will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis upon submission of a complete application and all supporting documentation. Grant guidelines and the application can be found on the Guilford Economic Development Commission’s webpage www.ci.guilford.ct.us/departments/economic-development-and-tourism.

For more information, contact Cote at cotes@guilfordct.gov or 203-453-8071.