GRANTS UP TO $1500 AVAILABLE FOR HIAWASSEE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS

September 27, 2021 – The Hiawassee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced Façade Grant applications are available for Hiawassee businesses and commercial property owners to receive matching funds up to $1,500 for façade improvements. The grants are a component of the Hiawassee Main Street Program and provide an incentive for current owners and potential buyers of vacant and occupied commercial properties to restore, renovate and repair their properties. 

To apply for a grant, visit: https://www.hiawasseega.gov/index.php/economic-development/about-the-dda/downtown-facade-grant-program There is no deadline to apply. Once all grants have been pledged, no more applications will be accepted until additional funds are available. 

The grants are available to private businesses located within the DDA boundaries. Government entities, churches, and national franchises are excluded from this program. Funding for the grants came from the DDA General Fund and private donations. A total of $5,000 is available in this round of funding. 

The money can be used for exterior painting, basic façade improvements (excluding roofs and landscaping), canopies and awnings, gutters and downspouts, exterior door and window repair/replacement, and decorative exterior architectural features, for example.

Approved projects must begin within 45 days of notice of award and must be completed within six months. 

“We are very excited to announce the DDA Façade Grant Program. This program provides the opportunity for property and business owners to reinvest in their properties which in turn helps to create a more vibrant atmosphere in downtown.” said Denise McKay, Director of Economic Development for the cities of Hiawassee and Young Harris and Towns County.