Submitted by Downtown State College Improvement District
STATE COLLEGE — Grant winners of a new initiative aimed at fortifying local businesses through essential capital improvement projects were announced by the Downtown State College Improvement District on Monday, April 22.
The Small Business Grant Program was launched earlier this year to help businesses bolster their stores’ facades and assist with interior renovations, both of which the DSCID shared are vital components in the ongoing revitalization of the downtown district. In a concerted effort to foster growth and aesthetic enhancements, the DSCID grant program announced it would award funding of up to $5,000 to 24 deserving downtown constituents. The funds are dedicated to elevating the visual appeal and functionality of establishments, which contributes to a vibrant and dynamic downtown atmosphere.
The following businesses were announced as recipients of 2024 small business grants and exemplify a commitment to excellence and community collaboration:
| 3 Dots Downtown — $3,000 for outdoor patio renovations. Abba Java — $1,750 to replace rusted kitchen cabinets. Agostinelli Family Partnership — $4,817 for roof repairs. Appalachian Outdoors — $2,989 to replace lighting, signage and awnings. Balfurd Dry Cleaner — $3,286 to replace exterior awnings. The Blue Brick Theatre — $4,000 to upgrade green room and box office. Centre LGBT+ — $1,000 to add exterior signage. Cold Stone Creamery — $4,000 for interior upgrades to lights, tiles and paint. Connections Clothing — $4,000 for fitting room upgrades, including ADA accessibility. Cornelius LLC — $4,000 for a handicap lift and ADA accessibility. Evolve Studio — $894 for bathroom renovations. The Family Clothesline — $4,000 to replace hardwood sales floor. Harpers — $500 for exterior planting and landscaping. Irving’s — $4,000 to repaint all interior surfaces. Lions Pride — $4,000 to re-carpet entire sales floor. Looks Hair Design — $4,000 for expansion and renovations. The Makery — $3,555 for outdoor flower boxes. McLanahan’s — $1,800 to replace a fire door. Realwise Happy Valley Investments LLC — $4,000 for renovations to entrance, stairwells, hallways and common spaces. Riko’s Thin Crust Pizza — $4,000 for facade improvements. The State Theatre — $3,575 to paint front entrance facade. Uncle Eli’s — $1,000 for exterior paint. The Waffle Shop — $4,000 to replace outdoor awning and upgrade the facade. Yoga Lab — $1,430 for interior painting and awning cleaning. |
“We are thrilled to support these businesses as they embark on transformative renovations,” remarked Lee Anne Jeffries, executive director of the DSCID. “Their dedication to enhancing the downtown district aligns perfectly with our vision for a vibrant and inclusive community.” Under the Small Business Grant Program, recipients are required to match the grant amount, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared investment in the district’s future. This synergy between the DSCID and local businesses underscores a collective commitment to driving positive change and prosperity.
