Bonfire Old Fashioned BBQ, 2609 E. College Ave. in College Township. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com
The College Township Industrial Development Authority recently named the first two recipients of a new small business grant program aimed at boosting the township’s Gateway Corridor.
Bonfire Old Fashioned BBQ and Your Building Center each received $5,000 grants for exterior improvements, according to a release on Wednesday from the CTIDA.
“This grant program offers financial support to help businesses bring their visions to life, creating a more inviting and vibrant commercial district for residents and visitors alike,” Keri Miller, CTIDA executive director, said. “These first two grants demonstrate the CTIDA’s commitment to supporting local businesses in making impactful improvements that benefit both business owners and the community.”
Bonfire BBQ, which opened in 2023 at 2609 E. College Ave., will use its grant to invest in a modern digital signage upgrade intended to better attract customers and enhance brand visibility.
Your Building Center, located at 1120 E. College Ave., will use its grant for façade improvements, including a new awning, exterior painting and sidewalk repairs.
The grants mark the first round of an overall $25,000 allocation to help locally owned businesses with beautification initiatives in the Gateway Corridor on and around East College Avenue. The funding is part of a strategic investment initiative aimed at bolstering the visual appeal, customer engagement and economic vitality of the corridor, according to the CTIDA.
Additional grant opportunities will be made available in the coming months, and the CTIDA is encouraging eligible businesses along the Gateway Corridor to prepare their proposals. Updates on future grant application windows will be available at ctida.com.
“The Small Business Grant Program is designed to stimulate local economic growth, increase property values and create a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing commercial environment for residents and visitors alike,” according to the CTIDA.
