Monticello Main Street and the City of Monticello have teamed up for the past 19 years to offer Facade Improvement Matching Grants to Monticello businesses. To date, there have been over $1.1 million of improvement to building facades due to this program. Starting in 2021 however, we worked with the City of Monticello to help them develop the Building Improvement Grant program!
Monticello Main Street offers design assistance, while the City of Monticello administers and provides the funding. The purpose of the grants is to stimulate efforts to improve the structures in Monticello's commercial and business facades located in the historic downtown and beyond.
There is a $10,000 reimbursement of 50% of the approved eligible project costs per grant. The funding each year varies based on the Business District retail tax revenue. There are two application times per year: December 1-15th with a decision made in January and project completion by June 30th and June 1-15th with a decision made in July and project completion by November 30th.
Purpose
1. Improve and reduce the blighting conditions within the District.
2. Facilitate the repair, renovation, rehabilitation, and restoration of deteriorated structures.
3. Provide assistance in facilitating the highest level of public safety to the community.
4. Enhance the sales tax base of the District through small business retention and recruitment.
5. Enhance the property tax base of the District by encouraging redevelopment and investment.
To Learn More, View the Application, View Criteria - CLICK HERE!
We’re coming home from the Illinois Main Street State Conference with some awards!!
Our program received an Award for Excellence in Economic Vitality in recognition of our 10 years operating the Monticello Bootcamp and recognized the incredible work of Board President Susan Kesselman!!
Monticello Bootcamp helps entrepreneurs learn about what it takes to operate a business successfully. It is a key factor in Monticello’s business growth and full downtown! This program was championed by Past Executive Director Kerry Redshaw and has been faithfully operated by Callie McFarland from City of Monticello, Illinois Government (and current Board Member) the past 10 years! We’re lucky to have leaders with vision and commitment!!
Susan must be known by everyone! She’s tireless in her support of all things Monticello. She is at almost all the Monticello Farmers' Markets each season and is always available to lend a helping hand to shoppers and vendors! This year she is our Board President and we couldn’t do it all without her!!
It’s wonderful to be recognized by your peers and the program we’ve been a part of for almost 30 years!!
Main Street America
We've often promoted our friend Kat Ryan and her book series set in a fictional town that is loosely based on our beloved community. She has her 9th book in the series out now! So if we previously sucked you into her world...run out and grab the next book!
🎉 Celebrating 30 Years 🎉
From then to now, Monticello Main Street has grown with the businesses and people who bring downtown to life.
💚 For three decades, you’ve shopped, dined, and supported local — and together, we’ve built a downtown full of energy and community pride.
#MonticelloMainStreet #ThenAndNow #ThrivingTogether #ShopLocal #hoco