The Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) awarded three city-center businesses funding to make building facade and signage improvements via the organization's Storefront Improvement Grant and now unveils the visual impact. The awardees were selected for the competitive matching grant program and received up to $2K in reimbursable expenses to execute their design proposals.
The DBP typically awards one business per grant cycle. However, with further financial support from BECU in 2022, the Partnership tripled business impact by funding improvements for Stockton’s Paint on Railroad Avenue, HOSA Hot Sauce on N State Street, and Ragfinery on N Forest Street. Collectively, the projects featured paint upgrades, creative window decals, planter additions, lighting improvements, and more.
“We were thrilled and honored to include two more businesses this year,” Lindsey Payne Johnstone, Program Director for the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, said. “We are incredibly grateful to BECU for helping us deliver these vital opportunities to our independent businesses.”
“Both doorways look so much better, and I've had positive responses from all over the neighborhood,” expressed Michelle Schutte, Co-Owner & Managing Director of HOSA Hot Sauce. Details for the 2023 grant cycle will be announced early 2023.
About the Downtown Bellingham Partnership:
The Downtown Bellingham Partnership works to enhance, promote, and advocate for a vibrant city center in Downtown Bellingham. For more information on the Partnership and upcoming events please visit www.downtownbellingham.com or call 360-527-8710.
