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Santa Rosa County today announced the re-launch of the StRIVE (Santa Rosa Improvement Vitalization Enterprise) Grant Program, an innovative initiative designed to support the enhancement and economic growth of local commercial properties by helping businesses and property owners improve their overall curb appeal.
Santa Rosa County Commission Chairman Sam Parker expressed enthusiasm about the program's return, stating, "The StRIVE Grant Program has already made significant impacts in our community by enhancing our local businesses' curb appeal, which in turn, stimulates economic growth. We are excited to bring this opportunity back and I encourage all eligible business and property owners to apply. Together, we can make Santa Rosa County an even more vibrant place to live, work, and visit."
Bridgette Price, project manager for the Santa Rosa EDO said that the StRIVE Grant Program will offer matching grants of up to $10,000 to eligible commercial property and business owners within Santa Rosa County who are looking to upgrade the outside of their businesses. Eligible improvements include (but aren’t limited to): exterior painting, exterior lighting, new windows and doors, facade improvements, updating signage, new or replacement awnings, restoration of architectural features, and parking improvements.
“This program also sends a strong message to companies that are considering opening, expanding, or relocating to the county,” Chairman Parker added. “High-value prospects look carefully at how you treat the people who are already here. This shows that Santa Rosa goes the extra mile for our local business community.”
Parker stressed that those who are interested get started immediately. “We strongly encourage business and property owners to go out and get quotes now so that you can be ready to submit as soon as possible,” he said. “The grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so you shouldn’t wait for the application period to begin getting your information together.”
The application period will begin on May 1 and continue through July 31 or until the funds are exhausted. The grants are expected to be awarded in the summer of 2024, with a total of $50,000 allocated for the year. The program will continue to award grants until the allocated funding is exhausted.
For more information about the StRIVE Grant Program, including application guidelines and eligibility criteria, interested parties are encouraged to visit the program's website: https://santarosaedo.com/strive-grant.
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