Grants for downtown Washington business transformation available

WASHINGTON - Main Street Washington announced its ninth round of the Washington Incentive Fund.

Since 2008, the grant program has assisted downtown property and business owners transform their buildings, said Main Street Director Sarah Grunewaldt.

The goal of this program is to encourage remodeling and repair work on commercial buildings in the Main Street District. It aims to encourage work that retains unique historical elements and uses 'green” materials.

New construction is also eligible.

Each grant application is scored on five criteria on a scale of 1-4: aesthetic, safety, green improvements, supporting development and historical preservation.

Grunewaldt said they never anticipate a project to score a 4 on any of the areas, they are just looking to have the project support the community.

Grants are offered on a sliding scale from $1,000 to $10,000. All projects require owner funding. Grant funds may pay up to half of costs.

There is $25,000 to give away this year.

Main Street Washington has given away around $350,000 in grants and has tracked more than $13 million in private dollars in building rehabilitation with the first eight rounds of the program.

Previous grant recipients are eligible to apply, as long as they did not receive a grant in Round 8.

Applicants must be part of the downtown Main Street district to participate. If interested, contact Grunewaldt at Main Street Washington or email sarah@washingtoniowa.org for a copy of the letter of intent. The letter must be returned by Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m.