CCEDC Opens Applications for $100,000 Regional Façade Improvement Program Supporting Downtown Revitalization

Applications Accepted Through July 28 for Commercial Building Improvements in Four Clarion County Communities

CLARION COUNTY, PA — The Clarion County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is pleased to announce the launch of its Regional Façade Improvement Program, a new $100,000 investment designed to support downtown revitalization and commercial building improvements in Clarion, East Brady, Foxburg, and New Bethlehem.

Funded through a Main Street Matters grant awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), the program will provide dollar-for-dollar matching grants of up to $10,000 to eligible commercial property and business owners seeking to improve the appearance, safety, and preservation of their buildings.

Online Application found here: Regional Facade Improvement Application

Applications can be found online by following the link above or by visiting www.ClarionCountyEDC.com and selecting the Regional Façade Improvement Program link featured on the homepage. Program guidelines, eligibility maps, and supporting materials are also available online. Applications are now being accepted through July 28, 2026, with grant award announcements anticipated in August. 

"This program represents an important next step in our Regional Main Street Initiative," said Jarred Heuer, Executive Director of the CCEDC. "Our downtown business districts are often the first impression visitors, residents, customers, and potential investors have of a community. By helping property owners invest in their buildings, we can strengthen community pride, support local businesses, preserve the unique character of our downtowns, and encourage additional private investment throughout Clarion County."

Investing in Downtown Revitalization

The Regional Façade Improvement Program is one of several initiatives being implemented through CCEDC's Regional Main Street Initiative, a collaborative effort focused on strengthening downtown business districts and community vitality throughout Clarion County.

Eligible projects include exterior improvements that enhance the appearance, functionality, and preservation of commercial properties. Examples of eligible activities include painting, masonry repairs, window and door replacements, awnings, lighting, and other façade improvements visible from public streets and sidewalks.

Façade improvements help strengthen local business districts by enhancing curb appeal, preserving historic character, attracting visitors, encouraging private investment, and creating more welcoming downtown environments for residents and businesses alike.

Eligible Communities and Properties

The program is available to commercial property owners and business owners located within designated downtown districts in the boroughs of Clarion, East Brady, Foxburg, and New Bethlehem. These communities participated in CCEDC's Regional Main Street Initiative and were included in the Main Street Matters funding award.

Maps showing eligible program boundaries are available online alongside the application materials.

Application Process

Interested property and business owners must submit a completed application, along with project cost estimates and renderings or visual descriptions of the proposed improvements, to the CCEDC for review. All proposed projects must receive formal approval before work begins.

Grant funding will be awarded on a reimbursement basis, meaning approved participants will receive grant funds only after project completion and final inspection by the CCEDC.  Work underway or completed before an official grant agreement is made is not eligible for reimbursement.

Business and property owners are strongly encouraged to discuss project eligibility with CCEDC staff before submitting an application.

Through strategic investments in building improvements and business district revitalization, the Regional Façade Improvement Program aims to strengthen local communities, encourage private investment, improve visitor experiences, and support long-term economic growth throughout Clarion County.

For additional information or assistance with the application process, please contact:

Sharon DeAndrea
Clarion County Economic Development Corporation
814-226-9045
Sharon@ClarionCountyEDC.com

About CCEDC

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