– Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs are now accepting applications from rural communities who want to celebrate the second annual Downtown Development Week.

“Visiting downtowns last year during the first-ever Downtown Development Week really highlighted the work that these communities are putting into their main streets,” Crouch said. “I encourage all cities and towns to apply for this grant, as well as participate in October.”

Downtown Development Week is an opportunity for communities across the state to host events and activities within their downtown and commercial districts, spurring economic development and showcasing updates they have made on the downtown spaces. This year, the week will run from Oct. 7 – 12, 2019.

To help provide for a planned event or activity, OCRA will be awarding up to five Downtown Development Week promotion grants of up to $1,000 per application and a 50 percent in-kind or cash match is required. Additionally, the event or activity must take place during the week of Oct. 7 – 12, 2019, in the community’s downtown area and be open to the public. Applicants are encouraged to contact their respective community liaison to discuss project eligibility and competitiveness.

“With this grant, we want to help with the funding barrier communities often face when planning a special downtown event or activity,” said Jodi Golden, Executive Director of OCRA. “Last year’s events provided a special experience for attendees during the week, so we’re excited to receive new ideas this year.”

Apply online by 4 p.m. ET June 7, 2019.  Funded projects will be announced on Thursday, June 27. To view more information, visit www.in.gov/ocra/2896.htm.