Homewood officials are eager to help out a few local businesses with a portion of the village’s share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funds.
The deadline to apply has been pushed back to Oct. 11 after only one application was submitted by the original Sept. 27 deadline, according to Economic and Community Development Director Angela Mesaros.
The grant program will help fund projects that “enhance the visual quality of building exteriors, increase code compliance and contribute to vibrant and visually appealing spaces in Homewood,” according to a post on the village’s Facebook page.
Homewood trustees voted to set aside $25,000 of the village’s remaining ARPA funds to support efforts to renovate and rehabilitate buildings. Up to $5,000 per business is available as a matching grant to improve commercial and mixed-use buildings in Homewood’s B-1, B-2, and B-3 zoning districts.
“We have a limited amount of time for this,” Mesaros told members of the Homewood Business Association on Tuesday, Oct. 1. “Any small amount will help. Otherwise, the money is gone at the end of the year.
“The application is very simple. It asks for three (cost) quotes. If you don’t have your three quotes just get your application in so we have an idea how many people are interested and we can work with you on the details.”
For more information or questions, contact Mesaros at [email protected] or 708-206-3387.