Stone County Economic Development Partnership in partnership with funding from the Mississippi Power Foundation has established the Downtown Wiggins Façade Grant Program to provide financial incentives for Downtown Wiggins businesses in the Mississippi Power service area for the purpose of exterior site improvements.

The purpose of the Façade Grant Program is:

• To increase utilization of existing downtown buildings.
• To improve the economic vitality of Downtown Wiggins through increased retail sales,
  commercial growth, and valuation of property.
• To improve the aesthetics of the Downtown District and attract new business and industry to
  the area.

Applicants must be property owners or tenants operating businesses, restaurants, service
establishments, retail businesses, or offices located in the Central Business District of Downtown Wiggins. Owners of vacant buildings are eligible for the Program if the owner’s purpose is to make improvements to attract commercial business.

The Façade Grant Program will provide awards up to a maximum of $5,000.00 per project for exterior improvements to businesses located within the Wiggins Central Business District

If approved, the Façade Grant reimbursement check will be awarded to the owner of the building. If you are a tenant, you will need to obtain confirmation and written approval from the building owner before starting the project.

Applicants must first obtain approval from the Grant Design Committee before beginning work on the project. See the steps below.

Step 1:
Submit Façade Grant Application for review to the SCEDP/Grant Design Committee.

Step 2:

• If application is approved by the Grant Design Committee, proceed with work on the façade project; be sure to document all payments to contractors and keep all receipts.
• Take photos before, during, and after completion of the project.

Step 3:

• Upon completion, follow up with the SCEDP and submit receipts, photos, and descriptions
  of the work.
• Upon final approval, SCEDP will match the contribution made by the business owner, dollar
  for dollar, up to $5,000.

Step 4:

Schedule announcement event commemorating the completion of the project; SCEDP will present the check for the approved amount at the event.

Eligible exterior improvements include:

• Cleaning, mortar joint repair, patching or painting exterior surfaces;
• Repair or replace entrances, doors, and windows;
• Railings, ironwork, and/or cornice addition, repair, or replacement;
• Repair or installation of awnings, canopies & lighting;
• Removal of barriers to access for people with disabilities.

Current membership with the Stone County Business Collective is required (within 12 months) prior to application.

Grants may not be used for refinancing existing loans, working capital, the purchase of inventory, or interior renovations/improvements. Grants will be made to a maximum of $5,000.00; matching $1.00 to every $1.00 invested or a 50/50 matching basis. Example: if Lee’s Tea Shop is approved for $4,200 in façade repairs, the SCEDP will pay $2,100 to the business owner upon full completion of the project and submission of *work/repair related receipts.

Grant recipients must secure their portion of the project cost prior to the start of the improvements and submit documentation to SCEDP within six (6) months of the completion date.

All projects shall be undertaken and completed by contractors who meet all applicable requirements of the State of Mississippi and the City of Wiggins. SCEDP will not be liable for any accidents during construction.

For clarity, please keep grant reimbursement receipts separate from other purchases.