2013 Mini Grant Program
Matching grants & design assistance for local businesses.
Alberta Main Street is pleased to offer a new mini grant opportunity to Alberta Street businesses and commercial property owners. Grants will be $500 – $2,500 and require a minimum dollar for dollar match. Approximately $22,000 is available for high quality projects.
Mini Grant Informational Meeting
Interested applicants are required to send a representative to one of the following informational meetings. Both meetings will take place at the Alberta Main Street office (1722 NE Alberta Street). Please email info@albertamainst.org to confirm attendance.
Feb 12 Grant Information Meeting I: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Feb 13 Grant Information Meeting II: 9:30-10:30 AM
Mini Grant Documents & Resources
Program Information (PDF)
Preliminary Application (PDF) - Applications due by 5PM on February 22, 2013
Full Application (PDF) - Applications due by 5PM on March 15, 2013
Budget Tempate (PDF)
Budget Template (.xlxs)
Portland Main Street Design Handbook (PDF)
Additional Resources & Links (Encroachment Permits, Sign Code, Art Bike Racks, Street Trees and more)
WHAT IS THE ALBERTA MAIN STREET MINI GRANT PROGRAM?
Subject to the availability of funding, the 2013 Mini Grant Program will offer matching funds and design assistance to businesses in the Alberta Main Street program area to improve the look and feel of NE Alberta Street. Mini grants must be used for improvements visible from the public way.
The Design Committee of Alberta Main Street administers the Mini Grant Program. The focus of the mini grant program is to help accomplish some of the goals in our District Design Plan.
OVERALL GOALS
The goal of Alberta Main Street is to strengthen our business district, not to gentrify it or change it into a different place. Alberta Main Street encourages improvements which create a unique and attractive image for each business while respecting the original design parameters of its facade as well as those of its neighbors. Finally, while Alberta Main Street values high design standards and creativity, it also encourages solutions which achieve these goals affordably so that business and property owners are benefited rather than burdened by the revitalization process.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR FUNDING?
Any building owner or tenant with lease authority and authorization from the property owner can apply for funding. The project site must be located in the Alberta Main Street target area (Alberta Street between NE 10th – NE 31st Ave). Tenants must have a minimum of two years remaining on their lease or an option to renew.
WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING?
Examples of possible projects include but are not limited to:
- Exterior Lighting
- Interior Lighting (storefront only)
- Street Trees
- Tree Well Improvements
- Planters
- Exterior Paint
- Unique Bike Racks
- Door/window replacement
- Signage (not including A-Boards)
WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE INELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING?
The Mini Grant Program is not intended to cover the costs of extensive deferred maintenance. For example, while a small grant may cover the cost of new light fixtures and installation, it is not appropriate for major redesign and structural work, if that is necessary to hang the fixture.
ARE THERE ANY DESIGN GUIDELINES?
Projects must conform to the Portland Zoning Code, be in alignment with the Portland Main Street Design Handbook and approved by the Alberta Main Street’ Design Committee.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER CONSIDERATIONS?
The Alberta Main Street Design Plan will prioritize projects that:
- Reflect the creativity of the district
- Improve pedestrian safety
- Improve the pedestrian experience
- Increase visibility of businesses
- Increase green space
- Include a plan for ongoing maintenance
- Integrate sustainability (economic, environmental & social equity), i.e. energy efficient lighting.
HOW IS THE MONEY AWARDED?
This is a matching grant program, which means that the applicant pays a portion of the improvement and Alberta Main Street pays a portion. The amount of the match must be at least 1:1 — the applicant pays $1 and Alberta Main Street pays $1.
There is a maximum grant contribution by Alberta Main Street of $2,500 per project. Work completed prior to letter of commitment is not eligible for funding. Grant funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis and won’t be issued until the project has been completed.
