ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) — The Facade Improvement Grant Program is now open to all qualified small businesses in the downtown Ishpeming area. The program strives to better the downtown appearance and growth. The City of Ishpeming, will accept applications now until close of business, March 20, 2023.
According to Ishpeming city officials, these improvements are already making a difference and many businesses have benefitted, but small businesses need to take the initiative to apply.
Ishpeming City Manager Craig Cugini, “The best thing an applicant can do, is just not tell themselves no. They, let the city rule out whether you are or are not eligible. If you think you want to do a project, bring it to the town and let’s see if we can make it work in one way shape or form and, apply.
We were fortunate to catch up with the Mayor of Ishpeming Jason Chapman who shared his excitement with so much diversity joining to the downtown community. Chapman said, “We are really starting to attract a lot of businesses and we’ve been trying to be a very business friendly community, focused on Ishpeming thriving and hopefully expanding our population.”
Many have already reaped the benefits of this program and two of them we spoke with couldn’t say enough for how much the grant helped them. Both would like to see more small business owners apply and strengthen the business community.
Claire & DJ Morgan-Heredia owners of DOOZERS visited with us about how the grant provided them with funds that really helped take them to the next level. Claire Morgan-Heredia told us, “A professional photo shoot, has been super helpful. Because before having a store front our business took place a lot, it did anyway, online. Those images really helped us create content and get close attention.”
Brice Sturmer, Velodrome Coffee Company told us he received funds just a year ago from this program and couldn’t be happier with the roll up window giving them the outside feel from inside during the summer months. With the grant he told us, “That allowed us to do some kind of innovative façade that we probably couldn’t afford otherwise.”
The common theme from all we spoke to is this grant is available and for the most part the only thing standing in the way of those who qualify, would be the businesses who fail to apply. To see if you are eligible or if you have any questions, Cugini welcomes and encourages all to apply.
To learn more about this opportunity and eligibility, please go to: https://ishpemingcity.org/dda/downtown-development-authority-facade-grant-boundary/.
