Nearly a dozen businesses across the Douglas community have received a facelift in recent months. A grant program administered by The Enterprise encourages them to take a look at their storefronts and building in general, and make needed upgrades. Businesses invested over $3.75 of their own money for every dollar of grant money released.
"With funds generated by the sale of the Douglas Business Park," says Cindy Porter, Executive Director of The Enterprise, "my board wanted to re-invest in Douglas and our efforts to continually improve the community. We want to have a healthy and attractive business district and appealing storefronts and well-maintained buildings are an essential aspect of this goal."
From The Enterprise board's discussions, the Facade Grant was born. Solutions for Life, H&H Electric, Tegeler Insurance, Bella Nails, Amen Property, Pure Raine, the LaBonte, Ingberg-Miller, the College Inn, the Koss Agency and RGH Enterprise are among those entities that have participated.
"For every dollar The Enterprise invested in the Facade Grant program," says Porter, "local businesses invested nearly $3.75 of their own money. The program encouraged local businesses to take a look at how to make their buildings better and the grant made some improvement projects possible. Collectively, these efforts go far in making our community a more appealing and attractive place. A nice storefront really does make a difference for not only the business, but for the community as a whole."
