Johnson County and Southern Indy News

Greenwood Small Business Grant Program Invests in Member-Owned Properties

The Greenwood Redevelopment Commission (RDC) approved the first projects taking part in the City’s recently announced “G.R.O.W. Greenwood Initiative,” a $500,000 matching grant program that seeks to improve the aesthetic appeal of businesses along the Madison Avenue and Main Stret corridors.

The “G.R.O.W. Greenwood Initiative” – Granting Revitalization and Opportunity for the Workplace – offers local businesses matching funds to restore, upgrade and enhance their exteriors.

The first project will inject approximately $50,000 ($25,000 private investment, $25,000 in matching grant funds) worth of improvements into an office complex located at 622 N. Madison Ave. The building, owned by 2016 Chamber "Salute" Award winners Dr. Kevin and Mrs. Marie Storm, houses the couple’s chiropractic practice – Storm Chiropractic Clinic – as well as a dermatologist, dentist, counselor, musical therapist, Montessori school and Boaz Ministries. Improvements include new signage, windows, landscaping, lighting and fencing.

“This program provides opportunities for small businesses like mine to improve our exterior appeal, a major factor for growth and sustained success,” said Marie Storm. “Without this program, our options would be very limited, and these improvements would likely not occur. We love working, living and playing in Greenwood, and we’re so pleased that the city values its small businesses and understands the significant positive impact they provide to our community.”

The second project involves exterior renovation to three buildings, located on two separate parcels, on Greenwood’s Main Street (223-241 Main Street). Owned by Greenwood resident and Chamber member Hunt Construction executive Ken Johnson, the total project cost is currently estimated to be $166,000. The city will provide $83,000 in matching funds. Improvements include complete façade replacement and the construction of a patio in the rear of the building.

Greenwood Mayor Mark W. Myers says the G.R.O.W. initiative continues city efforts to both enhance quality of life and encourage economic development.

“These investments benefit Greenwood on a number of fronts,” said Myers. “Community aesthetics play a fundamental role in attracting and retaining both residents and businesses. We’re investing in making public spaces more appealing, and the G.R.O.W. initiative creates an incentive for local businesses to follow suit.”

Myers added the program goes beyond just aesthetics.

“We’re encouraging additional private investment in these areas, helping to preserve and raise property values as well,” he said.

The RDC finalized initiative guidelines during the meeting as well. Projects will receive higher consideration that:

• Upgrade the aesthetic appeal of a significant building (i.e. located at a prominent location and/or impactfully defines a view-scape)
• Facilitate retention of a critical use in the revitalization district/community
• Promote retail foot traffic
• Are part of a critical mass of improvements in a micro-area
• Promote job creation/retention

“These projects represent the exact type of investment we are seeking with the G.R.O.W. initiative,” said RDC President Brent Tilson. “Small businesses are the foundation for Greenwood’s economy, and this is a great mechanism to facilitate growth while providing other benefits to the community as a whole.

For more information, visit www.greenwood.in.gov/GROW