A SPARK FOR SMALL BUSINESS

First Round of Grants Awarded to 18 Local Small Businesses

West Chester was founded by strong-willed entrepreneurs who farmed the land and sought opportunities to determine their own destiny; the SPARK Grant celebrates that same spirit today and nearly 20 locally-owned businesses were awarded grants at the start of our community’s bicentennial year.

The West Chester Board of Trustees launched a small business revitalization grant program in late 2022 to encourage investment in exterior improvements in our business corridors. The first awards were announced in March 2023.

The Spark Grant is for owners or tenants to make improvements at the front door of their business, enhancing the business specifically, as well as the aesthetic of the neighborhood. West Chester will partner financially with these entrepreneur applicants to make visible, impactful change invigorating their business and small business corridors across the Township.

Nearly 30 applications were submitted for consideration and 18 will receive some funding to move forward with their projects. The applications were scored based upon the aesthetic benefit of the project to the larger neighborhood, the potential economic impact of the project and if the project represented a targeted area of needed improvement in the Township.

“So many great projects were submitted, but those selected rose the top in terms of the larger impact they might have in an area of the Township that could benefit from aesthetic improvement,” said Economic Development Manager Katy Kanelopouos. “The goal is to give a jumpstart that will inspire other property owners to make improvements.”

A total of $114,081.00 will be awarded as reimbursement once specified projects are complete and meet the commitment made in the applications. Applicants have six months to complete their projects. The top-scoring applicants will receive 100% of funding sought, up to $10,000.00. Others will receive 75% of funding sought.

“We can’t wait to see how these small investments help to initiate change in our older business corridors,” said Katy. “A small ripple of change can really bring on a wave of investment where it’s needed most.

Recipients:

• Animal Hospital of West Chester

• Saxon Financial

• Salon BelAire

• Timberview Office Park

• Kaycie Land Investment/Scott’s Awards/Carpetile

• LuLu Sweets Boutique

• The Pickle Lodge

• Raton Salon

• Bunnell Electric

• Premier Shooting and Training

• Arrow Brothers/Further Financial

• BTC Investments

• Entertrainment Junction

• Golden Day Boutique

• Kingsgate Insurance

• Welling & Company

• Xquisite Cutz

• Fath Regal Properties