The purpose of the Downtown Chambersburg Inc. (DCI) Business Improvement Microgrant is to stimulate private business investment and better enable business attraction, retention, and expansion in the defined target area of historic downtown Chambersburg. Small businesses are the backbone of Chambersburg’s economy, and their health and growth is directly tied to the health and growth of our Main Street, and our Main Street’s ripple effect on the regional and statewide tourism and economic landscape. Businesses and properties in this core area have been described as the “front door of our community.” How we support and care for the front door in downtown Chambersburg will have a powerful impact on how we view ourselves and how others view our community.
By granting property owners and businesses within this core district financial support, we will:
- Ensure diverse, small, women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses in and around our core district share in the benefits of revitalization efforts in our downtown
- Stimulate private investment in downtown properties and businesses
- Poise the core district as an inviting and cohesive tourism destination
- Preserve the architectural heritage of downtown properties
- Provide for a safe downtown
- Support the preservation and growth of businesses in our core neighborhoods
- Create positive community enhancements and a robust job market in Franklin County’s most diverse and underserved neighbors, those in and around our downtown.
The Business Improvement Program is separate from other grants and loans offered by DCI, the Borough of Chambersburg, the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, or other organizations.
For more information, contact us at [email protected].
Microgrants
Business Improvement Microgrants (Microgrants) of up to $5,000 are available. Microgrants are funded through the Main Street Matters Program, an initiative of Pennsylvania’s Department of Economic Development and administered through DCI. Microgrants are limited to existing commercial properties and small businesses within the geographic boundaries described in these guidelines. Residential buildings are not eligible, however, commercial buildings with mixed business and residential may be eligible.
Either a property owner or an owner of a business may apply for and receive grant funding through the Microgrant program, though applications involving physical alterations to the building require approval from the property owner.
Eligible applicants:
Microgrants of up to $5,000 are available to existing businesses that are:
- Located within the geographic bounds outlined in the guidelines (linked above)
- Do not have overdue loans with DCI
- Businesses that contribute to DCI’s mission of positively affecting the look, feel, and experience of downtown Chambersburg
Priority may be given to businesses that contribute to DCI’s stated vision of downtown Chambersburg as a crossroad where art and diversity unite, local food and diverse international cuisine combine, new ideas and traditional values converge, and vibrant and healthy lifestyles abound.
Eligible expenses:
- Capital purchases
- Structural or interior improvements
- Hardware, software, and connectivity upgrades
- Professional marketing and promotions activity
Ineligible expenses:
- Salaries/benefits
- Operation costs including rent/mortgage and utilities
- Inventory
- Consumable supplies
- Fees to secure other funding
- Labor provided by the owner of property or proprietor of business
