About the Main Street Scranton Façade Grant/Loan Program:

MetroAction, a leader in northeastern Pennsylvania small business lending, and Main Street Scranton, a project of Scranton Tomorrow , have partnered to offer a façade grant/loan program to businesses located in the Main Street Scranton footprint.

This program provides funding to property and business owners in downtown Scranton to encourage commercial property improvements including preservation, repair, rehabilitation, and restoration of storefronts and facades.

How the Program Works:

The program provides funding to eligible property and business owners in downtown Scranton for façade property improvements.  The funding is comprised of a forgivable grant and loan component.  A dollar for dollar matching investment is required.

• Grants are made on a cost reimbursement basis.
• Loans have a 4% fixed interest rate for 36 months.
• Matching funds can be in the form of cash or a loan from MetroAction or another lender. 
• If you are interested in applying for a loan from MetroAction for the matching funds, you do not need to complete any other applications.  Simply check the appropriate box on the Façade Grant/Loan Program Pre-Qualification Application.  MetroAction will match the Façade loan interest rate and term.

Eligible Uses of Funding:

• Brick and Stone Masonry: Structural repairs, cleaning, re-pointing and painting.
• Architectural Metals: Repair, cleaning, refinishing, painting, duplication and restoration of exterior building components.
• Doors and Upper Story Windows: Maintenance, repairs, replacement and restoration of window sash, exterior doors, and installation of storm windows in conjunction with other significant façade improvements.
• Exterior Woodwork: Maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and restoration of sills, window and door frames, bulk heads, storefront and roof cornices, window hoods, and decorative moldings.
• Storefronts: Removal of inappropriate coverings and additions, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and restoration of display and transom windows and lighting. 
• Signage: Maintenance, repair, removal, and replacement in connection with real property improvement.
• Painting: Surface preparation, painting and cleaning.
• Awnings: Installation, repair and maintenance of fabric awnings, in connection with real property improvements.
• Lighting: External lighting fixtures, both for signage and building lighting.

Requirements:

• Building must be located within Main Street footprint.
• Funding must be used to improve the exterior façade of a building and be used in accordance with the program guidelines.  
• Written authorization from the property owner is required.
• Funds cannot be used to pay for work that is already in progress or completed.
• Historic regulations/guidelines may apply.
• PA Prevailing Wage Act applies to any project exceeding $25,000.
• Applications are subject to credit approval and Main Street Design committee approval.

Application Process:

• Complete the Façade Grant/Loan Pre-Qualification Application.
• Once submitted, you will be contacted within 24-48 hours with the next steps.
• The entire application can take up to 90 days.

Funding for this program was provided by: