Sometimes it’s the cosmetic things like simple curb appeal that make or break a small business’s ability to not only survive, but to thrive…and when you throw in energy efficiency savings to help further boost the bottom line, that’s a winning combination that is getting underway in Berrien County to help the business community in exactly those ways.
Cornerstone Alliance, Berrien County’s lead economic development agency, is partnering with Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) to help businesses to not only improve the exterior appeal of their establishments, but become more energy efficient at the same time. It’s a one-two punch that can make a huge difference on the balance sheet for any company working to turn the tide or enhance an already good thing.
Together, Cornerstone Alliance and I&M are launching a Small Business Façade Grant program in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. Cornerstone Alliance has a proven track record in the past from when they have initiated very successful commercial façade programs that led to increased investment and an improved business climate in those façade-eligible areas.
Stephanie Scott-Sims is Director of Entrepreneurship & Placemaking at Cornerstone Alliance, and Cornerstone’s President & CEO Rob Cleveland says she has done a tremendous amount of homework preparatory to the roll out, and her dedication to making it happen will very likely turn some heads while helping the business community in a noticeable way.
For her part, Stephanie says, “The goal of the Small Business Façade Grant program is to extend the useful life of buildings located in some of the community’s most visible commercial districts.” She adds, “Thanks to funding from I&M, this grant will not only address the outward appearance of the building, but also provide business owners with measures they can implement to increase the building’s energy efficiency.”
Small Business Façade Grants are available for the repair, maintenance, or rehabilitation of the exterior faces of existing commercial buildings. Grant recipients may also be eligible for additional grant funding toward the purchase of energy efficiency products.
Priority will be given to properties in the following areas:
- Downtown Benton Harbor and the Benton Harbor Arts District
- The Niles Road Commercial Corridor (Niles Road between Napier Avenue and Hilltop Road)
- The M-139 Corridor in Benton Township (between Pipestone Road and Interstate 94)
Combining façade enhancements along with I&M’s energy efficiency upgrades ensures a universal approach to business improvement.
Toby Thomas is President & Chief Operating Officer at I&M. He tells us, “I&M has a role to play in the communities where we live and work. Our employees work daily for our customers to provide the tools and products needed to succeed.” He adds, “I&M is proud to partner with Cornerstone Alliance to strengthen economic growth in Southwest Michigan.”
Indiana Michigan Power will provide grant recipients a Level 1 Energy Audit conducted by a local Energy Efficiency Coordinator. The results will provide insights on achievable energy reduction measures, demonstrate cost-saving opportunities, and highlight sustainability impacts. By implementing these energy saving proposals, customers then become eligible to receive up to $100,000 in rebates and incentives to offset energy projects through I&M’s Prescriptive and Custom programs.
Grant applications and details can be found on the newly-designed Cornerstone Alliance web site by clicking the link below. The revamped web site provides enriched content and a sleek design created by Holt Bosse, a full-service marketing firm based in St. Joseph.
Cornerstone Alliance will consider and award grants between February 1 and August 1 of each year. For additional information, you can contact Stephanie Scott-Sims at (269) 925-6100, extension 147.
Here’s the link to the grant application process:
Cornerstone has a strong track record for facade improvement grants a number of years ago, and they were eager to reinvigorate the business community by resurrecting the program especially in light of the energy savings component which makes the process even more valuable.
Cornerstone Alliance is a non-profit, investor-governed economic development organization primarily focused on increasing employment opportunities, private sector capital investments and the local tax base in Michigan’s Great Southwest; with specialized business services offered in economically distressed areas.
Indiana Michigan Power is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its 2,450 employees serve more than 593,900 customers. More than half of its generation is emission-free, including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 15 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company’s generation portfolio also includes 2,600 MW of coal-fueled generation in Indiana.
