‍Experience Princeton offers matching grants in Storefront Improvement Program‍

Princeton, NJ — Princeton Special Improvement District businesses looking to improve their storefront and facade appearance can get some financial assistance, thanks to Experience Princeton’s pilot Storefront Improvement Program.

The program, which launched Sept. 5, will reimburse local businesses with matching grants up to $500 each toward the cost of a wide variety of improvement projects, including signage, lighting, awnings, landscaping and more.

“We realize the hardest thing for a business is to find the time and resources needed to make improvements to their business,” Isaac Kremer, Experience Princeton’s executive director, said. “That is why we are giving a grant to incentivize doing things that both help the business and enhance the overall visual interest and economic vibrancy of Princeton.”

The program began after an Experience Princeton volunteer did an analysis of storefronts and found there were many low-cost ways to improve their appearance, Kremer said. 

With the holiday shopping season approaching, now is the perfect time to apply for a grant and get started on improvements that can help lure more customers into your business.

Business owners can apply for the grants using this online form, and should read this list of guidelines for the improvement projects first. Business owners are also encouraged to contact Experience Princeton before applying to ask any questions and get all the information needed. They can reach out to Kremer at Isaac@princetonbusiness.org.

The program requires a dollar-for-dollar matching funding from the business. Owners can spend more than $500, but the program will only reimburse up to $500.

Experience Princeton’s Streetscapes Team will review all applications and make funding decisions at its monthly meeting. The goal is to fund 10 projects by June 30, 2025.

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Experience Princeton is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization founded in 2022 that aims to shape, maintain and grow a flourishing Princeton economy by offering exceptional experiences for residents and visitors.

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