2026 EDA Business Revitalization Fund Program

The Ellensburg Downtown Association's Economic Vitality Committee is accepting applications for business revitalization projects in Historic Downtown Ellensburg.

Special thank you to our 2026 Check Presenting Sponsor, Columbia Bank!

These revitalization grants are designed to help local businesses grow, improve operations, and increase sales, strengthening both individual businesses and the overall downtown economy. Funding can support process improvements, expansion, beautification efforts, or new opportunities.

EDA funds will support businesses adapting to today’s economic challenges. This program is intended to supplement—rather than replace—state or federal grants, addressing needs those programs may not cover.

 

Application Timeline

• Applications will be available on May 20, 2026
• Application submission will close on June 30, 2026
• Award notification and in-person check deliveries will be made in July 2026

 

Available Funds

• The total funding available through the award program is determined per cycle by the Ellensburg Downtown Association, and may fluctuate. Funds may be awarded to multiple applicants.
• Applicants may receive funding support for approved projects, but will not exceed the total cost of the project.
  • ExampleAwning Project Cost $800 (minus) Awarded Amount $800 (equals) $0 applicant’s contributionPainting Update Cost $2500 (minus) Awarded Amount $2000 (equals) $500 applicant’s contribution

 

Award Requirements

• Grant funds are reimbursable and will only be distributed upon completion of the approved project.
• Reimbursement requests must include itemized receipts and supporting documentation for all eligible expenses.
• Approved projects must begin within 45 days of the award date.
• All project activities must be completed no later than December 2026, in accordance with EDA requirements.
• Final receipts and reimbursement documentation must be submitted by December 15, 2026.
• Project extensions may be considered only under extraordinary circumstances and must receive prior approval.
• Changes in project plans must be put in writing to the EDA Business Fund Committee.

 

Eligibility

You are eligible to receive funds if you:

• Are a downtown retail and/or service businesses with a physical address within the historic downtown boundaries defined by North 7th Ave., East Ruby Street, South 2nd Ave, to West Water Street.
• Have been in business within the downtown core for the last 12 months.
• Submit a complete application with required supporting documents.
• Agree to sign a media and photography/videography release for promotional purposes.

 

Project Proposal May Include

• Façade improvements/beautification/expansion
• Infrastructure updates
• Window/signage/painting updates
• Interior and exterior design/decor updates
• Remodeling

 

Ineligible Expenses

• Owner/Employee wages
• Business operating expenses, rent/mortgage/utilities
• Funding may not be used for expenses that have been or will be reimbursed by other federal or state funding programs
• Funding may not be used for a project already completed

  

All Applications must include:

• Dollar amount requested
• Project proposal
• Detail the impact/benefit the project will have for the business and/or the Ellensburg Community
• Project budget i.e. copies of supporting documents, project quote/bid
• Tax ID number

You will need to create a business case for your request -- see example for reference.

 

Awards Decision

Decisioning of awards will be performed by a committee made up of Ellensburg businesses and members of the community outside of the Downtown core. EDA Board of Directors or volunteer committee members will not serve as a voting member of award selection committee, nor may any employee of the Ellensburg Downtown Association. 

 

Notification Process

• The contact information provided during application will be used to notify via email of the Selection Committee’s decision
• Winners will have a follow up via phone to schedule a meeting for check delivery and interview for social media post
• When your project is completed, the EDA will perform an interview to gather information that will be used to improve our process of awarding future funds
  

Questions? Contact hayley@ellensburgdowntown.org

Business Case Example

WHO: Susie’s Wonders

WHAT: Business Case for New Display Cabinets

Currently, Susie’s Wonders is displaying products on tables, refurbished hutches, and furniture.  We are adding new product lines in the fall and in order to do this we will need new display cabinets that will include hanging space and enable us to better use the vertical space.

 

BENEFITS:

We project that the new product lines will increase business by 20% initially, as there are very few apparel options for women 40-60 yrs. old.  Our current customers range in age from 25-65 yrs., so this will enhance their shopping options when they are in the store.

Cabinetry will allow us to stock more items and use our vertical space.  It is a fresh modern look that will display items nicely.

 

IMPLEMENTATION:

We will have a social media campaign beginning about a month before the grand opening of the new product lines.  We will also communicate directly with our customers and have an opening night event. We will continue to market the new product line with our other products.

 

RISKS:

Product line is not embraced by customers.  We can get feedback and change direction next season.  Cabinets will be able to re-set to change with the product lines.

 

COST:

Appraised costs are 10,000.00, including installation.  Based upon sales projections, inventory costs, we expect to pay off in 5 years, depending upon the awarded dollar amount. Bid attached.

 

TIMELINE:

April Order; July delivery: August installation; New Product September 15.

 

MEASUREMENT OF SUCCESS:

Sales of the product line will be monitored weekly, so we can adjust new product volumes and arrival dates.  Our true measure will be Christmas sales. We would think sales should jump by 15-20% as these items have a much higher price point and there are not many alternatives in Ellensburg.

The information provided in this application shall not be shared with anyone outside the EDA Business Fund selection committee and shall remain confidential.