TOWN OF GORHAM LAUNCHES FAÇADE & LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM
Eight Local Businesses Awarded Matching Grant Funding Up to $5,000
Gorham, Maine – On April 4, 2023, the Gorham Town Council voted unanimously in support of grant funding awarded to local businesses as part of a new Façade & Leasehold Improvement grant program. Eight local businesses were awarded matching grants up to a maximum $5,000, as part of a competitive application process.
The Façade & Leasehold Improvement grant program provides matching funding to commercial property owners and leaseholder tenants for the purposes of addressing the following priorities:
- Support upgrades to building façades on highly visible commercial properties;
- Improve overall energy efficiency and sustainability;
- Encourage public accessibility and inclusion to address ADA requirements and community needs;
The program intends to spur investment in targeted commercial zones, funding important upgrades to properties that will support small business growth and future development. The list of awardees included several locations in the Gorham Village Center, as well as businesses in the Gorham Industrial Park and North Gorham area.
“This was a great opportunity for the Town to partner with Gorham businesses while helping give more curb appeal to the community,” said Gorham Town Council Chairperson Lee Pratt. “Hopefully, this is a program we can continue into the future.”
The Town administers an active revolving loan fund program for business loans up to $150,000. The façade improvement program was created as a result of conversations between local businesses and Town staff on ways to further support the Gorham business community. In addition, the Town is exploring additional supports in the way of matching grant funding to spur growth and boost commercial activity.
“The Town is committed to supporting our local businesses and working with them to address what they see as priorities and opportunities,” says Kevin Jensen, Economic Development Director for Gorham. “This is the first step in establishing local grant funding that is responsive to the needs of the Gorham business community.”
CONTACT:
Kevin Jensen
Economic Development Director
Town of Gorham
(207) 222-1628