Spring is a great time for improvements and the Jefferson Rotary Club is partnering with Jefferson Matters: Main Street to make these possible. $2,000 was budgeted for these mini-grants but with Rotary funds, another $2,000 is available. Two different grant applications are offered to downtown building owners for up to $500 each. The Building Façade Mini-grant is for façade improvements for up to $500. These can include paint, window & door replacement or the removal of non-conforming elements. The Storefront Signage mini-grant is a matching grant for up to $500. This is a 50/50 match for new wall mount and projecting signage on the exterior of the business. Both mini-grants have the applications that need to be submitted and the design work would need to be approved prior to the work being done by the committee in order to be funded and as funds are available. Main Street Iowa offers free design assistance in both areas with an onsite visit available to discuss the needs of the business. Six building owners participated in storefront signage visits with Design Consultant Maia Jessen in March.

These two downtown businesses utilized these services and were awarded mini-grants. The Printer’s Box received $500 toward the purchase of their new exterior door that will be painted red. Unger Insurance received $445 as a match for their signage that will be installed soon. Unger’s used the Design Assistance suggestions from Main Street Iowa for their signage plans.

For more info, contact Peg at the office or look on the JM:MS website www.jeffersonmatters.org under Resources. A number of hand-outs on these topics are also available.