QUALIFIED BUSINESS AND PROPERTY OWNERS IN DOWNTOWN OPELOUSAS HAVE UNTIL APRIL 15, 2024 TO APPLY FOR BUILDING IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
(Opelousas, LA) – Qualified business and/or commercial property owners in Opelousas Downtown Development District can now apply for grant funds for building rehabilitation work through the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. Now in its fourth year, the local grant program is an initiative designed to assist property and business owners in improving their buildings. The goal of the BIG program is to preserve the city’s historic identity and cultural assets while stimulating local investment. The grant program is made possible through a partnership by the City of Opelousas, Opelousas Downtown Development District and Opelousas Main Street.
The BIG is a reimbursement grant and award amounts must be matched dollar for dollar by the recipient. An applicant may apply for a grant project from $500 to up to $10,000; however, the business and/or property owner must spend an equal amount or more on the project. This year, the Opelousas Downtown Development District has set aside $100,000 in funds for grant projects.
Since its inception in 2021, the BIG program has awarded grants to downtown commercial property owners totaling S80-thousand dollars in grant funds with a projected total of $394,646 in private investment. Some of the work that property owners can apply for includes, but is not limited to, restoration of building features such as windows, awnings, masonry work, roof rehabilitation and interior work related to walls, flooring and ceiling repairs and plumbing.
Grant applications are due by April 15, 2024, and can be submitted by mail to Opelousas Downtown Development District, 5367 I-49 Service Rd., Opelousas, LA, 70570 and postmarked by April 15, 2024. Applications can also be dropped off at the ODDD office. For technical assistance regarding grants, applicants should contact Melanie Lebouef with Opelousas Main Street at tourism@cityofopelousas.com
Click on the file below to view and download the application form.
Building-Improvement-Grant-BIG-Application-2024 Building-Improvement-Grant-BIG-Guidelines-2024
