CCEDC Awarded Main Street Matters Grant; Launches Regional Façade Improvement Program

Clarion County, PA - The Clarion County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce it has received a $100,000 Main Street Matters grant to capitalize the Regional Façade Improvement Program, a countywide initiative focused on revitalizing downtown business districts across Clarion County. The funding will support exterior improvements to commercial properties, helping communities enhance curb appeal, encourage private investment, and strengthen local downtown business districts.

“We appreciate DCED and Secretary Siger for supporting the revitalization of Clarion County’s downtowns,” said Jarred Heuer, Executive Director. “Our small towns are important to the local economy and to the identity of our communities. This funding will help property owners preserve and improve many of the legacy buildings that continue to serve local businesses and residents.”

The Regional Façade Improvement Program will provide dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 to eligible commercial property and business owners to support upgrades that enhance the appearance, safety, and long-term viability of commercial buildings. Examples of eligible projects include painting, window and door replacements, masonry repairs, signage, awnings, lighting, and other exterior improvements.

The Regional Façade Improvement Program is part of the CCEDC’s broader initiative to support revitalization efforts in the downtowns of Clarion, East Brady, Foxburg, and New Bethlehem.  A pilot façade program is already in progress in Knox.

“The Knox Façade pilot program is now well underway, giving us an opportunity to test and refine a countywide façade improvement strategy,” said Sharon DeAndrea, Community Development Manager at the CCEDC.

Following DCED’s announcement of the grant awards, the CCEDC is finalizing the local application process that eligible property and business owners will use to apply for funding. The CCEDC expects to open applications in June and will share all related details at that time.

Interested applicants will be required to submit a completed application, along with cost estimates and renderings or visual descriptions of the proposed improvements, to the CCEDC. 

The CCEDC will review all submissions to ensure they align with program guidelines and will issue formal approval before any work begins. Grant funding will be distributed on a reimbursement basis after projects are completed and inspected by the CCEDC. Grant applications will be accepted until the funds have been expended.

For more information about the CCEDC’s Façade Improvement Program, please contact Sharon DeAndrea at sharon@ClarionCountyEDC.com or call 814-226-9045.

About CCEDC:
The Clarion County Economic Development Corporation is the lead economic development organization for Clarion County. CCEDC supports economic growth through business development, tourism marketing, community redevelopment, strategic planning, and infrastructure initiatives that help make Clarion County a vibrant place to live, work, and invest.