PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) and the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC) are co-facilitating a second round of The Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant Program made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 

 

The program's purpose is to provide grants of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses affected by COVID-19 within ARPA's disproportionately impacted district of Pittsfield. The grant funds are to be used for physical improvements that will enhance the experience of foot traffic and create a visual vibrancy in the district. 

 

To apply, you must be a for-profit business in operation since January 2021, be in good standing with the state and city, and be within ARPA's disproportionately impacted district. A map of the district is located at https://downtownpittsfield.com/2023/11/pittsfield-glow-up-business-improvement-grants. 

 

Businesses that received funds in the first round are not eligible to reapply, but property owners can apply for different locations. If you were not selected in the first round, you may reapply for this second round. 

 

"Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. is pleased to be working with the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC) on The Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant Program," said Rebecca Brien, Managing Director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. "Thanks to ARPA funding provided by the City of Pittsfield, we are able to help small businesses on projects that the struggles of the past few years made impossible. This program can help with that fresh coat of paint; a new, easy to see sign; or lighting in a spruced-up entryway. We want to see our city become the bright, beautiful, and vibrant district we know it can be." 

 

Eligible uses of grant funding include Painting (interior and exterior), Signage (building or blade), Lighting Improvements (exterior or window), Flooring Replacement, Entryway Upgrades, Windows (replacement, washing), Awnings (new or replacements), Accessibility Improvements, and Select Interior Improvements or Repairs (note that furniture, fixtures, and equipment are not eligible). 

 

"Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., PERC, and the Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant Selection Committee appreciated the opportunity to consider so many applications in the first round," said Brien. "The number of deserving requests speaks to the overwhelming need for these types of grant opportunities in our community. We are encouraged that we will be able to offer a second round of Glow Up! Grants." 

 

The first-round application of intent for this second round of The Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant is due by Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 11:59 pm.

 

To view the full criteria and access the online application, visit https://downtownpittsfield.com/2023/11/pittsfield-glow-up-business-improvement-grants. Paper copies of the application are available at the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. office at 33 Dunham Mall. 

 

Any grant-related questions may be directed to Rebecca Brien, Managing Director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., at 413-443-6501 or businessdevelopment@downtownpittsfield.com