MILTON – Main Street Milton announced the Business Improvement Program in June.
The program provides grants and/or loans for façade improvements, signage, landscaping, infrastructure and business start-up/expansion expenses.
The goals of the program are to assist businesses with starting-up, expanding or relocating, upgrade the appearance of properties, increase property values, and stimulate economic activity within the Main Street Milton service area and the City of Milton’s Community Redevelopment Area.
Funds were awarded in three categories:
- Sign Grant Up to $500 to be used exclusively for new or replacement business exterior signage. No match is required.
- Commercial Façade Grant Up to $2,500 to be used for improvements to the exterior façade of a building. A 100 percent match is required.
- Business Micro-Loan Up to $5,000 to be used for commercial façade improvements, equipment, signage, etc. A 100 percent match is required and 20 percent of the loan is forgiven annually.
Applications were accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Projects were reviewed based on the criteria identified in the program guidelines: first-time applicants; applicants with projects along Caroline and Willing Streets; projects in historically significant structures; and/or projects creating a minimum of five full-time positions within the first year.
Eight applications totaling $26,000 in requests were received. The City of Milton’s Downtown CRA allocated $20,000 to MSM for the program.
Seven of the eight applicants were approved for funding.
Lil Pax’s Mini Boats at 5148 Willing Street, will receive up to $500 Grant for signage.
- Visible Changes Barber Shop at 5154 Santa Rosa Street, will receive up to $2,500 Grant for signage, painting, plumbing and ventilation.
- Beardless Brewing Co. at 6820 Caroline Street, will receive up to $5,000 Forgivable Loan for roll-up garage doors on front façade.
- Boomerang Pizza at 5227 Willing Street, will receive up to $5,000 Forgivable Loan for exterior painting and lighting.
- The Man Cave Barber at 5176 Stewart Street, will receive up to $500 Grant for signage Bagdad.
- Land & Lumber Co. at 6835 Caroline Street will receive up to $3,250 Forgivable Loan for exterior awning and signage.
- The Shack at 5168 Stewart Street, will receive up to $3,250 Forgivable Loan for signage, business equipment and exterior seating.
The eighth applicant, Mama Latte’s Coffee Shop at 5412 Stewart Street, has been invited to apply for the next round of funding expected to be in October.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Main Street Milton awards business improvement grants and loans