Shear Cheveux is One of the First Businesses to Use the Knox Façade Improvement Program

Businesses in downtown Knox, Pennsylvania, can apply for the Façade Improvement Program and receive matching grants up to $10,000. This program, developed by the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), makes exterior improvements more affordable as a way to revitalize the community.

Shear Cheveux, a hair salon located at 425 Main St, was one of the first businesses to take advantage of the program.

“Applying for grant funding was the least stressful part of the project,” says Mel Schmader, owner of Shear Cheveux. “The paperwork was easy to review, and Jarred at the EDC would check on me frequently. Once the work was complete, they gave me a reimbursement check.”

Schmader used the Façade Improvement Program to update the siding on her salon, creating a better first impression for customers and improving insulation. A project that was several years in the making is now complete. 

Shear Cheveux is Based in a Century-Old Building  

Before Schmader made the improvements, the building's brick exterior was crumbling. The salon felt cold and damp, so her heater ran overtime. The salon is based inside a 100-year-old building, so Schmader needed a contractor who would respect the historic structure while also creating a beautiful exterior. After five years of putting off the project or looking for contractors, Schmader found the right team and jumped into action when she heard about the Façade Improvement Program.

“We wanted to make it look better,” she says. “The exterior was crumbling, and we needed siding down the length of the building.” 
The grant funds were used to install new siding, add trim, and improve the insulation. While the project elevates the façade, the insulation serves a practical purpose, keeping both customers and stylists comfortable year-round.

The Façade Improvement Program is Accepting Applications

Businesses across Knox can visit the EDC website to apply for the Façade Improvement Program and explore other active projects to support their operations. The Knox program is a reimbursement-based grant, meaning businesses pay for the work up front, and the EDC pays its share once the project is complete. 

Applicants can receive up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum matching grant of $10,000. Eligible improvements include: 

• Windows, doors, awnings
• Masonry, painting, lighting
• Restoration of historic features
• ADA accessibility upgrades

Ineligible items include updated business signage, roofing, landscaping, interior work, or new construction. 

Applicants should not begin work until they have formal approval from the EDC and sign the grant agreement. If you are interested in applying or have questions about the grant, contact Sharon DeAndrea at Sharon@clarioncountyedc.com or 814-226-9045.  

The Improvements Keep Shear Cheveux a Cozy Family Business

Schmader has worked at the salon for 26 years and has been the owner for the last 12. She works with five other stylists who range in age from their early 20s to 50s. Schmader describes her team as a family and wants it to be a welcoming place in the community.

“This is my home away from home,” she says. “We treat each other like family, our clients are like family, and that’s what I want our reputation to be. It’s a cozy place to get your hair done.”

Since making the exterior improvements, customers keep telling Schmader how cute her salon is. She is thrilled with the results of her upgrades and encourages other businesses to work with the EDC to apply for grant funding.

“It was the best decision I ever made,” she says.

Discuss Grants and Funding Options With the EDC

The EDC supports all of Clarion County. While this program supports businesses in downtown Knox, there may be other grants and financing to help your business if you operate in other parts of the county. Contact the EDC to schedule a meeting to discuss your needs. We are happy to listen to your goals and pain points to see how we can overcome them. Let’s take steps to grow Clarion County today.