Oct. 6. The Town of Harrisburg is offering matching grants to businesses located on the NC Hwy. 49 corridor between Morehead and Roberta Road for façade and site improvements. Applications are due by 5 pm on Jan. 31.

Businesses of any size are eligible. Qualified applicants may receive up to half of project costs—up to $20,000—depending on the scope of the project. Applicants are required to complete and pay for the total project prior to receiving grant reimbursement. Home-based businesses and new construction projects are not eligible.

“The town’s recent market analysis report suggests that we maximize existing assets and infrastructure,” says Harrisburg Economic Development Director Anna Lu Wilson. “One way to begin the process is to encourage and assist property and business owners located along the Hwy, 49 corridor to improve the appearance of the facades of their buildings, their landscaping and other site improvements.”

All real property taxes must be paid in full and the applicant must be current on their water & sewer account and any Town fees. Any identified code violations must be addressed and resolved prior to payment of grant funds. For a complete list of eligible improvements and a detailed description of the application process, visitwww.harrisburgnc.org.

The grant program is subject to funding availability and guidelines may be updated as necessary. Approved projects should be completed within 90 days or funds may not be guaranteed. For more information, contact Harrisburg Planning & Zoning at 704-455-0708 or [email protected].