Community Futures Powell River and the City of Powell River are teaming up again in 2020 to offer a one-time matching grant, preferred lending, and design services for eligible businesses to improve their storefront façades.
According to a media release from the city, based on the success of last year’s Business Façade Improvement Program, Community Futures and the city are expanding the campaign.
From Tuesday, February 11, to Friday, February 28, Community Futures will be accepting expressions of interest from businesses to participate in the program. The city and Community Futures will select 10 eligible businesses to work with an architectural designer to improve storefronts.
“We are so pleased with the improvements made by our local businesses on Marine Avenue last year,” stated Community Futures executive director Allison Boulanger in the release. “Business façade improvement programs often help businesses increase sales and improving the appearance of our business corridors one building at a time helps to make our community more attractive. We’re looking forward to making this program available to more businesses in 2020.”
The program is intended to improve the appearance of businesses along Marine Avenue, in Townsite and Cranberry. Eligible applicants will propose improvements to the street fronts of commercial buildings. According to the media release, examples of improvements include outside lighting, awnings, doors, windows, architectural elements, paint, siding, moulding, and trim. The program does not include landscaping, outdoor furniture, interior improvements, routine maintenance or structural repairs.
“This is a great opportunity for businesses to access design services and stretch their dollars a bit further,” stated City of Powell River senior planner Daniella Fergusson.
The program includes a 50 per cent matching grant of up to $3,000 per building or project, or up to $6,000 if the building is on a street corner.
“For no charge, we will connect you with an architect to design improvements that match your budget,” added Fergusson.
To apply, businesses and building owners must complete an expression of interest form. Construction must be completed by the end of 2020.
To support businesses or building owners requiring a loan to participate, Community Futures has a loan program with competitive terms for businesses that qualify.
For more information about the Business Façade Improvement Program and to download an application form, go to powellriver.ca.
