White Cloud launches new facade improvement program for small businesses

What’s happening: The City of White Cloud is the latest Newaygo County community to launch a façade grant program in an effort to support small businesses in their downtown and commercial corridors. White Cloud follows the lead of the nearby cities of Fremont and Newaygo, which successfully implemented similar programs in 2006 and 2022, respectively.

What it is: White Cloud’s Façade Improvement Program launched earlier this year thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation. The program was developed to support exterior renovation projects at small businesses and commercial properties in White Cloud’s Central Business District and Commercial Business District. The program offers a 50 percent match for eligible projects, with a maximum of $5,000 available to successful applicants.

How it works: The application window for the program is currently open and closes on Sunday, March 31. Eligible projects in the approved corridors include exterior brick and wall surface cleaning, patching, and painting; storefront window and door repairs and replacement; exterior improvements of a historical or structural nature; and more.

A complete breakdown of the White Cloud’s Façade Improvement Program and its application process is available via the city’s website.

Downtown Threadz in the City of Newaygo before taking part in the facade improvement program. (Courtesy of Newaygo County)

Laying the foundation: White Cloud isn’t the first city to enact such a program in Newaygo County. The City of Fremont first launched their own facade grant program in 2006, offering a 50 percent match for such projects. Fremont has since awarded $480,000 to downtown businesses since the program’s launch, attracting more than $1.1 million in private investment.

Applications for the Downtown Fremont Façade Improvement Program are accepted on a rolling basis and available online.

Downtown Threadz after taking part in the facade improvement program. (Courtesy of Newaygo County)Meanwhile, in the City of Newaygo, a similar program was launched in 2022. Their own grant program is eligible to businesses in the City’s Tax Increment Finance Authority district. More than $20,000 has since been awarded, attracting $22,000 in private investment across six facade improvement projects.

Applications for Newaygo’s Property Improvement Program are being accepted quarterly, with this year’s remaining deadlines set for May 31, Aug. 31, and Nov. 30. More information about the program and its requirements is available on the City of Newaygo website.

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