ITHACA, N.Y. — The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), in partnership with the City of Ithaca, has relaunched the Ithaca Retail Mini-Grant Program (IRMGP) to assist small, street-level businesses within the city that are recovering from the ongoing economic effects of COVID-19. “The IRMG is designed to spark collaboration, draw customers back to our commercial districts, […]
ITHACA, N.Y. — The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), in partnership with the City of Ithaca, has relaunched the Ithaca Retail Mini-Grant Program (IRMGP) to assist small, street-level businesses within the city that are recovering from the ongoing economic effects of COVID-19.
“The IRMG is designed to spark collaboration, draw customers back to our commercial districts, and energize local businesses through strategic investments,” DIA CEO Nan Rohrer said in a program announcement. “We’re especially excited to support physical improvements that further elevate the pedestrian and customer experience in our city while also highlighting Ithaca’s charm as a destination for locals and visitors.”
Funded through the city’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) relief funds, the IRMGP offers targeted grants aimed at boosting local retail through marketing efforts, physical storefront improvements, and innovative cross-promotion campaigns. Grants are available to independently owned businesses with fewer than 500 employees and a physical storefront in the city that were operational prior to March 3, 2021.
Eligible businesses can apply for grants in three categories: marketing for marketing assessments and related enhancements such as e-commerce, physical improvements such as signage and accessibility enhancements, and cross-promotion collaboration campaigns between multiple businesses to increase foot traffic and customer engagement.
All awarded projects require a 10 percent cash match from the business, with maximum grant awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the category.
Applications are due by June 16 at 2 p.m. Successful applicants will be notified by July 1.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the DIA on this important citywide initiative,” Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo said. “Local independent retailers are what makes the commons, downtown, collegetown, the west end, and west MLK corridor special places with unique local character. This initiative is part of the city’s commitment to helping them thrive.”
