MARTIN COUNTY — The Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth has officially opened applications for its 2026 Facade Grant Program, an initiative designed to revitalize the downtown corridors of Crane, Loogootee, and Shoals.
Building on the success of previous years, the program offers financial incentives for business owners to invest in the “curb appeal” of their properties. By improving the aesthetic quality of local storefronts, the Alliance aims to foster a more welcoming environment for shoppers and boost overall economic pride in the community.
The 2026 program operates as a 1:1 matching grant, meaning the Alliance will match a business owner’s investment dollar-for-dollar up to a certain threshold.
- Maximum Award: Up to $4,000 per project.
- Target Areas: Commercial buildings located in Crane, Loogootee, and Shoals.
- Total Available Funding: While the 2026 budget has not been fully disclosed, the program successfully allocated $40,000 in 2025 to support a dozen local projects, including prominent upgrades at SC Draperies and Greene’s Body Shop.
Grants are specifically designated for exterior enhancements that are visible to the public. Eligible projects include:
Business owners are encouraged to act quickly, as the application window is fixed for the early quarter of the year.
All applications must be submitted by February 27, 2026.
To receive an application packet or to ask specific questions regarding project eligibility, interested parties should contact Jessica Potts at the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth via email at Jessica.Potts@martinalliance.org.
According to the Alliance, once an application is approved, businesses typically have six months to complete the improvements and submit receipts for reimbursement. This “Quick Impact” model ensures that the community sees tangible results from the investment within the same calendar year.
