North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation provides $12,000 grant for Fitchburg Sign Program
Grant supports opportunity for business and property owners to obtain, improve signage
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it has granted $12,000 to the City of Fitchburg in support of the city’s sign program.
Since 2022, the NCMDC has contributed a total of $57,000 towards the program, which provides an opportunity for downtown and gateway property owners and businesses to obtain or improve their business signage. The grants help the city retain and attract businesses, strengthen the downtown area, increase utilization of existing business, and enhance property values.
“Part of our Urban Revitalization Plan focuses on supporting a diverse mix of downtown businesses and the facilitation of the redevelopment for significant vacant or underutilized properties,” said Mayor Sam Squailia, City of Fitchburg. “This sign program contributes to our revitalization plan as it affords our city the opportunity to help our downtown business owners make meaningful improvements to their storefronts while also giving our downtown an enhanced opportunity to attract businesses and visitors alike.”
“With the momentum we’re building in downtown Fitchburg, these funds could not have come at a better time,” said Liz Murphy, executive director, Office of Community Development and Planning, City of Fitchburg. “It is our hope that these grants will encourage our new and current businesses to create or upgrade to high quality, attractive signage while also incentivizing commercial occupancy in redeveloped storefronts, many of which have been vacant for a long time.”
“Our One North Central Regional Economic Development Plan identified one of the critical factors for our region’s growth as focusing on our downtown areas,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “With this grant, the city will be able to improve and enhance the exterior of its many historic buildings while positively impacting the downtown’s revitalization.”
The funding is part of a competitive economic development grant secured by the NCMDC from the Executive Office of Economic Development.
Property or business owners interested in applying for a sign program grant should contact the City of Fitchburg Community Development Office to discuss the potential project prior to applying.
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