Mayor Richard J. Kos along with Michael Vedovelli, Director of Community and Economic Development, announced today a Downtown Business Assistance Program designed to provide financial assistance to Businesses located in the recently approved West End Housing Development Incentive Zone (WEHDZ).

The program will provide funding to business owners to make improvements that result in the creation of jobs, assistance to low and moderate income persons, or the removal of architectural barriers.  The funding source for this innovative program is federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.   Eligible uses include repairs and improvements to commercial properties, repair or improvements to building systems or fixed equipment, and acquisition for purpose of expansion.

“Programs like this can create or be the added push for projects that can have a positive difference in our downtown. We can see the value that this can bring to businesses located in this area, which ultimately broadens the tax base and demonstrates the commitment the City is making to revitalizing Downtown" said Mayor Kos.

“We are working to create an environment in the Chicopee Center that fosters private-sector investment and job growth” said Vedovelli.

The program guidelines and application are available on the City’s website at www.chicopeema.gov but interested business owners are encouraged to contact Director Michael Vedovelli at 413-594-1490.

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