Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Pelham Chamber of Commerce. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.
Pelham, NY – February 26th, 2025 – The Pelham Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Pelham are proud to unveil the Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG) program, a new initiative aimed at supporting local businesses and boosting the aesthetic vibrancy of downtown Pelham. This grant program will award $100,000 in reimbursement grants to individual businesses to upgrade their local storefronts to strengthen Pelham’s downtown business community while creating a more dynamic and inviting environment for residents and visitors.
The Downtown Improvement Grant program has been designed in partnership with The Catalyst of Westchester County Economic Development, which contributed the funds for this program to support projects that enliven the overall charm of Westchester’s downtowns. The DIG program will award individual reimbursement grants to local businesses for projects aimed at enhancing exterior facades, like installing new awnings, updating signage, creating outdoor seating areas, or other facade improvements that can enhance the downtown experience for shoppers and diners. Grantees will be awarded up to $5,000 to cover up to two-thirds of a project’s costs. This investment will not only benefit local businesses, but also elevate the Village of Pelham as a beautiful destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.
“We are thrilled to introduce the DIG grant program to support the small businesses that make our downtown unique,” said Jim Lofgren, President of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce. “We have such unrealized potential with our Pelham downtown, and as the new Chamber president, this will for me personally mark the starting point for a journey to revitalize and upgrade the downtown experience for our residents”.
“This is the perfect time for this program,” said Chance Mullen, Village of Pelham Mayor. “We’re seeing unprecedented levels of investment in our downtown, with new restaurants and storefronts opening for business, and new housing and commercial spaces being built throughout the corridor. I’m extraordinarily grateful to our partners in the Pelham Chamber of Commerce and Westchester County for making this possible.”
Grant Highlights
The DIG grant program offers businesses the opportunity to apply for funding for a variety of projects, such as:
- Storefront Facades: Fresh coats of paint, façade repairs and decorative enhancements
- Signage Updates: Modernized, visually appealing, and compliant signage to attract customers
- Outdoor Seating or Displays: Enhancements that encourage foot traffic and create welcoming spaces
- Lighting and Accessibility: Better lighting, ramps, or other features to ensure safety and inclusivity
- Code Compliance: Updated signage and displays to meet Code requirements
- Creative Initiatives: Other projects that align with the program’s mission to improve the downtown experience
Eligibility and Application Process
The DIG grant program is open to all businesses with storefronts in downtown Village of Pelham. To apply, business owners can visit https://www.pelhamnychamber.com/dig to download the application form and review detailed eligibility guidelines. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that align with the program’s goals and grant criteria, including aesthetic improvement, accessibility, and creativity.
- Maximum Grant Amount: $5,000 per approved application
- Grant Conditions: up to 2/3 of the project cost will be eligible for reimbursement (e.g., a $7,500 project can receive up to $5,000, a $3,000 project can receive up to $2,000)
- Application Deadline: April 15th, 2025
- Selection Criteria: Projects will be evaluated for their contribution to the downtown’s aesthetic, accessibility, public safety, creativity and economic rationale. Grants may also be used to ensure conformance with Village code.
Approved applications will be reimbursed once the project has been completed in accordance with all required permits. Grants in excess of $5,000 may be approved for exceptional applications.
Impact on the Community
The DIG grant program represents a broader vision for the Village of Pelham, a vision of a bustling downtown where local businesses can prosper and where residents and visitors alike can enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere. By investing in storefront improvements and innovative ideas, we hope to inspire a sense of pride and envy all across Westchester County.
“This program is about more than just funding,” said Jim Lofgren. “It’s about celebrating the unique character of Pelham, while updating it to feel new and fresh. We believe that even small changes can have a big impact, and we’re excited to see how our businesses will rise to this opportunity.”
About the Partnership
The Downtown Improvement Grant program is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Pelham Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Pelham, utilizing funds awarded by the Westchester County Office of Economic Development. The Pelham Chamber of Commerce will review all grant applications and select grant recipients, while providing advisory services to interested applicants. The Village of Pelham will issue all reimbursements, provide a streamlined permitting process for selected grantees, and ensure all applications and projects are compliant with Village Code.
About the Pelham Chamber of Commerce
The Pelham Chamber of Commerce has been a cornerstone of the community, dedicated to supporting local businesses, fostering partnerships, and enhancing the economic landscape of the Village of Pelham. Through a combination of advocacy, resources, and innovative programs, the Chamber works to ensure that Pelham remains a thriving hub for business owners, our business community, and all residents of Pelham.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pelhamnychamber.com
