The Decatur Downtown Development Authority announced renewed funding for three grant programs providing specified financial support to local businesses: the Commercial Facade Improvement Grant (CFIG), Commercial Buildout Improvement Grant (CBIG) and Marketing and Digital Connectivity Grant (MDCG).
The bulk of the funding is for the CFIG program, which was replenished with $100,000 to support projects focused on enhancing and beautifying storefronts and awnings. Additionally, $50,000 has been allocated to the CBIG, which aims to reinforce the interior aspects of commercial buildings in Downtown Decatur – especially retail shops, restaurants, bakeries and breweries – by repairing walls, constructing new internal spaces or making HVAC repairs and upgrades. Finally, $25,000 was earmarked for the MDCG, which aims to help restaurant and small business owners upgrade their online presence through the design and production of marketing materials and content for digital platforms.
“As we carefully built these grant programs over the last 18 months, we saw an enthusiastic response from our small businesses that made it clear we were making a difference,” said Conor McNally, DDA chair. “These targeted grants are helping our small businesses make critical improvements, and since they are the beating heart of Downtown Decatur, we are proud to do our part to keep them strong.”
Applications are accepted semiannually, with the latest window open as of October 23 and closing on November 15. Grants will cover up to 75% of the eligible costs of any approved project, with the business owner covering a minimum of 25%. The CFIG and CBIG will allow for minimum contributions from the DDA of $2,500 and a maximum of $10,000, while the MDCG will have a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $2,500 for approved projects. Microgrants up to $1,000 are also available for the CFIG grants covering small expenses such as broken doors, windows, or graffiti removal.
Once the application window is closed, the DDA oversight committee will review all submissions, with applicants being notified of their status following the Development Authority’s final review and approval. Once approved, CFIG and CBIG projects must begin within six months and be completed within 18 months, consistent with the City of Decatur’s permitting process. MDCG grants must begin within six months and be completed within 12 months.
For more information on the grant programs and how to apply, please visit http://decaturdda.com/grants.
About the Decatur Downtown Development Authority
The Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was founded in 1982 to implement the Decatur Town Center Plan and to provide day-to-day management of the downtown development program. Since that time, our role has expanded to include responsibility for all of Decatur’s commercial districts. The Downtown Development Authority works with the traditional, downtown business district and the Development Authority has jurisdiction over the neighborhood districts. Both Authorities share a board and staff and exist to provide assistance to prospective business owners and developers interested in investing in Decatur’s economic development plans. These programs are housed within the City’s Community & Economic Development Department.
About the City of Decatur
The City of Decatur, located just east of Atlanta and home to 25,000 people, is characterized by world class big-city business assets, progressive attitudes, highly educated residents, an accessible local government, and superb quality of life for those who live and/or work here. The city was recently listed as the 2018 Best Neighborhood in Atlanta by Creative Loafing. Decatur already is home to Emory Health Care, Agnes Scott College, Columbia Seminary, and the Task Force for Global Health, and a vibrant mix of small, local professional firms.
