FAIRFIELD, ME – The Town of Fairfield is excited to announce the successful grantees of the first round of its Façade Improvement and Marketing Assistance Program grants. Launched in early 2019, the program aims to enhance the economic vitality and character of Fairfield’s historic downtown district and community businesses.
Reviewed by Fairfield’s Economic and Community Development Advisory Committee, the grant program allocates financial incentives for the renovation, restoration, and preservation of privately-owned business exteriors within the municipality, including the downtown district, as well as for marketing assistance to stimulate commerce. The program’s four grantees are taking advantage of this unique combination, applying to fund projects ranging from website development to brick repointing and signage.
“A downtown’s aesthetics and preserved historical assets are incredibly influential in enticing people to shop, eat, and stay in a town. But marketing, particularly online, is the way we reach a global audience, share information about our great businesses and restaurants, and motivate people to come visit,” explains Michelle Flewelling, Town Manager of Fairfield. “Helping local businesses market themselves enhances Fairfield’s reputation as a destination.”
The grants awarded through Town of Fairfield’s program will stimulate over $51,000 in direct investment in Fairfield’s downtown district. Successful grantees include:
- 84 Main Street – Belanger’s Drive-In, for digital signage
- 84 Main Street – Belanger’s Drive-In, for website redesign
- 151 and 166 Main Street – Meridians, for signage and digital marketing/website enhancements
- 176 Main Street – IBEW 1253, for masonry repointing and building access upgrades
“Fairfield’s Façade Improvement and Marketing Assistance Program is a catalyst for business growth,” says Garvan D. Donegan, Director of Planning and Economic Development at Central Maine Growth Council. “In its first round, the program is supporting an exciting new downtown business and a long-time community fixture, and is investing in the historic riverside infrastructure that is integral to downtown Fairfield’s charm”.
The grant program, funded by Fairfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues, intends to issue a second round of funding by Fall 2019. Interested applicants may access a program applications at http://www.fairfieldme.com/town/pages/business-resources.
About Fairfield’s Economic and Community Development Advisory Committee
The Economic and Community Development Advisory Committee is a “citizens” committee with open membership to all Fairfield residents, business owners, and educators who have a vested interest in community development. Meetings are open to the public, and the committee typically meets monthly at the Fairfield Community Center; go to Fairfield’s online calendar of events for a meeting schedule.
Last modified: July 11, 2019