The Ellensburg Downtown Association if offering a Business Revitalization Fund Program that is available to downtown businesses within the downtown core.
This fund is sponsored by EDA Supporters Contributions and Umpqua Bank who have contributed to this fund.
Our goal is to offer funding available to businesses that will help them succeed and bring additional sales to their businesses and our downtown core through process improvements, new opportunities, and/or expansion.
We believe in the strength, endurance, and longevity of our downtown businesses and will continue to find ways to support their growth and stability. We feel strongly in the transformative nature of independent business owners and those who continue to show a commitment to our historic downtown core.
The EDA will award funds to companies who are transforming their business to thrive in the changing reality of today’s economy. This money will not replace any State or Federal Grants that are available, but rather add to your specific needs, not available in those government funds.
Our Mission: Our mission is to empower and preserve community by amplifying our economy and creating a sense of place for all.
Business Revitalization Funds Available
- The total funding available through the award program will be determined per cycle by the EDA 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
- Award amounts may be between $1000-$2000 depending on the scope of the project.
Example
Awning Project Cost $800 (minus) Awarded Amount $800 (equals) $0 applicant’s contribution
Painting Update Cost $2500 (minus) Awarded Amount $2000 (equals) $500 applicant’s contribution
Eligibility
- Downtown retail and/or service businesses who have a physical address within the downtown boundaries. Those boundaries are 2nd Avenue to 6th Avenue South to North and Ruby St. to Water St. East to West
- Must submit complete application with required supporting documents
- Winners will be required to sign media release for promotional purposes
- Must have been in business within the downtown core for the last 12 months
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
Application Timeline
Applications will be available on April 1st, 2024
Application submission will close on April 30th, 2024 at 11:45PM
Award notification will be made on June 1st 2024
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.
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 from the EDA Director 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
Award Requirements
- The approved project must be started within 45 days of the award.
- EDA requires projects to be completed within 180 days of funding. Project extensions are available in extraordinary circumstances
- Changes in project plans must be put in writing to the EDA Business Fund Committee