By: Sharee Dempewolf; O-DAEDC Executive Director
Oberlin, Norcatur, Jennings, & Dresden Downtown Businesses Eligible for Funding
Downtown businesses in Oberlin, Norcatur, Jennings, & Dresden have an opportunity to give their storefronts a fresh new look with help from the Kansas Commerce SIGNS Grant, now available. The initiative is aimed at improving downtown aesthetics through financial support for new business signage—and it’s now open.
The Oberlin-Decatur County Area Economic Development Corporation (O-DAEDC) will coordinate the grant application process and is calling on local businesses to take part.
To participate, business owners must submit signage bids to the O-DAEDC office by the 1st of each month. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis until state funding is exhausted.
This is a fantastic opportunity for our communities to boost their visibility and downtown appeal. We encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this funding while it’s available.
Key Details:
• Businesses are required to have a 25% cash match on total project costs
• A minimum of three or more businesses must participate per grant application, so collaboration is encouraged.
What Qualifies as a sign:
Building signs: A building sign is attached to the exterior of the building. A building sign can be attached flat on the storefront or façade of the building or can be a Blade Sign, which is a projecting sign perpendicular to the building. Pole signs that are historic or being restored are eligible.
• Sign lighting: Exterior lighting that is installed specifically to illuminate a new sign installed under this sign grant program can be included as an eligible cost as part of a sign package.
• Awning signs: Any type of graphic or text that is permanently affixed or incorporated into a storefront awning is eligible for the program. The awning is an eligible expense.
• Painted wall signs: A form of signage where the business name, logo, or advertisement is painted directly onto the exterior surface of a building. The painted wall sign must be an upgrade of previous signage. Wall signs must also include a lighting element
Grant funding is limited, and demand is expected to be high, so early action is recommended.
For more information please visit: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/community-development/signs/
Business owners interested in applying should contact O-DAEDC at 785-475-2901 or sdempewolf@oberlinkansas.gov for more information, guidance on submitting bids, or help coordinating with other interested businesses.
