New grant program to help give businesses a refresh

Businesses around Wareham can spruce up their storefronts thanks to a new grant program.

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority has created the Storefront Renovation Grant Program to support improvements to commercial properties and businesses. The program aims to encourage investment within businesses and improve the appearance and safety of major areas within town.

Initial efforts will focus on Wareham Village, according to Chair Dan Butler. 

"Our initial priority and focus will be the area covered by our most recent urban renewal plan," Butler said.

The urban renewal plan outlines how to redevelop Main Street, including studying environmental impacts and encouraging new construction such as mixed-use buildings elevated for the flood zone. It also includes efforts to attract businesses and visitors, such as tax incentives for filling vacant storefronts.

The Storefront Renovation Grant program offers grants of up to $7,500 for upgrades such as signage, landscaping, lighting, painting and exterior repairs. Businesses will contribute 20% of project costs. 

Town Planner Josh Faherty will administer the program.

“We’re hoping this program incentivizes businesses to spruce up their storefronts for a fraction of the normal expense,” he said.

Larger grants of up to $15,000 could be available for future projects with greater community impact, but require a 50% match from property owners, according to redevelopment authority member and Select Board Chair Judith Whiteside.

The program was inspired in part by a visit to Hudson, where town leaders had turned the Main Street into a business district. Hudson’s Main Street was voted “Best Main Street in America” in 2021.

“Leaders of Hudson’s small, locally-owned business community organized, leveraged local government, collaborated closely with town leaders, and transformed a main street that was tired, unattractive, littered with empty, dilapidated buildings and made it into the attractive, vibrant, prosperous show place it is today. We can do that here in Wareham,” member Sarah Corbitt said.

Local business owners in Wareham Village can contact Faherty at 508-291-3100, extension 6501 for more information or to discuss potential projects.