This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
02/14/2023 01:28 PMIn partnership with the Economic Development Commission (EDC), the Town has launched a new Property Improvement Grant Program for Madison businesses. Funded through Madison’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) award, grants of up to $2,500 in reimbursable expenses are available for a number of improvement purposes, according to joint Guilford/Madison Economic Development Director Sheri Cote.
Cote said that grants can be utilized for improved streetscape and storefront design, improved marketability, and positive visual impacts and/or accessibility. Grant funds can be used to reimburse a business for minor improvements costs directly associated with the rehabilitation of a commercial facade, including, but not limited to, facade repairs, signage, awnings or canopies, exterior lighting, handicap accessibility, and facade landscaping, according to the grant criteria.
“The program will have a positive impact in Madison because it provides resources to help our businesses and nonprofits improve their brick-and-mortar facilities. This makes Madison an even more attractive town for visitors and residents and encourages other growth and enhancements,” said Cote. “Our grant recipients will most likely hire local contractors, landscapers, sign-makers, etc., to do the work. That multiplier effect supports our economic vitality.”
According to Cote, she assisted in administering the same program in Guilford, and they have seen a large investment by businesses in improvement allocations sparked by the grant funds. Guilford businesses have invested far more than the grant amount, which drives other businesses’ economic factors.
“I can speak to the great return on investment that we’ve seen in Guilford. We’ve seen an expenditure from our businesses of nearly $112,000 so far, with a grant commitment from the Town of just over $13,000,” Cote said.
Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said the grants are a direct way to partner with local merchants to ensure the viability of the Town’s commercial health.
“As we continue to focus on a strong recovery from the impacts of the pandemic, these grants show that we are committed to the businesses and nonprofits here in Madison,” said Lyons. “They are important drivers of vitality in our town, and these investments will foster visible improvements throughout the community that everyone can enjoy.”
Madison’s ARPA Funding Advisory Committee recommended a $30,000 commitment of American Rescue Plan funds at an October 2022 meeting for this initiative. According to Cote, the Board of Selectmen subsequently approved the request later that month.
Cote said interested business owners should complete the Property Enhancement Grant Program Application and submit it with all the required application materials to the Economic Development Department by March 1 for Round 1, and by April 1 for Round 2, contingent upon available funds.
Lyons added that this program doesn’t just assist the individual companies utilizing the funding.
“The purpose of the ARPA funding is to help in bringing back local economies after COVID. We wanted these funds to be used in a way in which the entire community could benefit. We thought the façade improvement grant was a great way to do that,” Lyons said. “Where businesses can make improvements to their exteriors, but everyone can enjoy it, and it really makes the town look better. We thought this program is a great way to achieve that. These ARPA grants can really spark more investment by our businesses, and that goes on to help other businesses that aren’t even applying for the program.”
For more information, including grant guidelines and an application, visit www.madisonct.org/1235/Property-Improvement-Grant-Application or contact Sheri Cote at 203-245-5630 or at cotes@madisonct.org.