Main Street announces application period for mini-grant program

Downtown business and property owners who are planning improvement projects may seek assistance through the 2019 Main Street El Dorado Mini-Grant Program.

The mini-grants may be used for interior and exterior projects within the Main Street District, which encompasses much of downtown and stretches southward to Hillsboro/U.S. 82-B.

Beth Brumley, executive director of Main Street El Dorado, said the grants offer a match of up to $1,500 and the MSE Design Committee will sift through the applications and select the recipients and forward the proposed projects to Main Street Arkansas design consultants for review.

The deadline to apply for the mini-grant is Sept. 13.

Brumley issued a reminder that projects that are approved for a mini-grant must be presented to the El Dorado Historic District Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to implementation.

Main Street is using a portion of its $15,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant to fund the minigrant program.

DTRGs were awarded in June by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and funneled through Main Street Arkansas to 37 local Main Street programs and downtown communities that are part of the Main Street network around the state.

In the past, mini-grants have been used for

exterior improvement projects, such as cleaning and replacing awnings.

Brumley explained earlier this month that the AHPP has expanded the terms of the grant to cover interior improvements, including painting, lighting, flooring and window treatments.

She encouraged downtown property and business owners to apply for the mini-grants, noting that the grants are limited.

“Our Mini-Grant Program is made possible with revenue generated through our events and promotions, as well as the (DTR) grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.” Brumley said.

For more information or to request an application, call Brumley at 870-8629482 or send an email to director@ mainstreeteldorado.org

Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or tlyons@eldoradone