The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship is encouraging brick-and-mortar businesses that serve the traveling public to apply for the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania Signage Mini-Grant and PA Route 6 and PA Wilds Regional Facade Grant Programs by December 22.
The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania (WCO) is the core business development program of the PA Wilds Center, and focuses on growing and connecting unique place-based businesses.
Signage Grants
“Signage is a crucial exterior element of small business facades – attractive, compelling entrances improve the economic prospects of businesses in communities by drawing in new customers. Consistent signage that matches the PA Wilds Design Guide and co-brands with the PA Wilds also gives visitors and residents alike a stronger sense of place. The Pennsylvania Wilds is a fast growing outdoor recreation, nature and heritage destination, and small businesses can and should take advantage of every opportunity to capture the economic benefits of tourism,” said Abbi Peters, Managing Director of the PA Wilds Center.
The total funding awarded for successful applicants will be 50 percent of the project cost, not to exceed $500 per member.
Wilds Cooperative of PA member businesses and nonprofits must be brick-and-mortar locations open to the public to be eligible for a Signage Grant, and be located within the 12 ½ counties of the Pennsylvania Wilds region – which includes the counties of Warren, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Lycoming, Clinton, Elk, Cameron, Forest, Clearfield, Clarion, Jefferson and northern Centre.
Key candidates for the Wilds Cooperative Signage Grants include members that are B&Bs, unique lodges, campgrounds, visitor centers, galleries, museums, theatres, restaurants, shops, outfitters, guides, professional-level producers/artisans with public-facing studios, craft distilleries, breweries and wineries, retailers and similar venues.
Businesses and nonprofits like these that are just learning of The Wilds Cooperative of PA may join the Cooperative and apply for a signage grant at the same time, but program application materials and payment must be received by the time your Signage Grant application is being reviewed for consideration.
WCO membership dues may not be counted towards the 50 percent signage project cost.
Click Here for all the details and to apply.
Facade Grants
The PA Route 6 and PA Wilds Center Façade Program will provide funding to commercial building owners and business owners (with property owner approval) as well as nonprofits, with the restoration of building facades located within Warren, McKean, Potter and Tioga Counties.
Grants will be awarded at a maximum of $5000 each with a required 1:1 match, for a total project cost of $10,000.
Eligible types of restoration activities include design assistance, a fresh coat of paint, new signage, and repairing or replacing an awning. Façade improvements do not need to be costly, and can make a lasting impact on communities and businesses.
Click Here for all the details and to apply. Questions should be directed to Gwen Auman by calling 814-435-7706.
For more information on PA Wilds programs and upcoming events, visit the PA Wilds Center website.
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