Main Street Fort Smith Mini-Grant Program

The Main Street Fort Smith Mini Grant Program is administered by Main Street Fort Smith, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and preserving the historic downtown commercial district in Fort Smith, Arkansas. As a designated Main Street Arkansas and Main Street America community, the organization operates within a nationally recognized revitalization framework that emphasizes design, economic vitality, promotion, and organizational partnerships. The program is funded through support from Main Street Arkansas and the Arkansas Department of Heritage, reflecting a broader commitment to preserving historic assets while encouraging economic growth in downtown districts. The primary purpose of the Mini Grant Program is to provide financial assistance to business owners and property owners located within the designated Main Street Fort Smith district who seek to improve their buildings while maintaining their historic and architectural integrity. All funded projects must comply with the City of Fort Smith’s form-based codes, ensuring that improvements align with the long-term vision for downtown development and preserve the district’s historic character. The program prioritizes projects that enhance the visual appeal and economic activity of the area, particularly those that contribute to a cohesive and vibrant streetscape. Funding is offered as a reimbursement-based, 50/50 matching grant, meaning recipients must contribute an equal amount of funding through cash or documented in-kind contributions. Individual awards typically range from 1,500 to 7,500 dollars, with total program funding available up to 15,000 dollars depending on the number and scale of approved projects. Funds are disbursed only after project completion and submission of required documentation, including invoices, proof of payment, and photographic evidence. Eligible expenses include façade improvements such as painting, awnings, masonry repair, signage, and lighting, as well as restoration of architectural features, accessibility upgrades, and certain interior improvements that enhance customer experience while maintaining historic character. Eligibility is limited to business owners and property owners located within the defined Main Street Fort Smith district boundaries. Applicants must secure approval from Main Street Fort Smith prior to beginning any work and must also obtain any required permits from the City of Fort Smith. If the applicant is not the property owner, written consent from the owner is required. Projects that begin prior to approval or fail to meet permitting requirements are automatically disqualified. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate the ability to complete the project within the specified timeline and fulfill the required matching contribution. The application process requires submission via email and includes several mandatory components such as an itemized project budget, photographs of current conditions, design materials or renderings, proof of ownership or lease agreement with owner approval, permitting documentation or confirmation, a completed W-9 form, and business incorporation documents if applicable. Applicants must also provide a project description, timeline, and funding breakdown including requested grant amount and matching contribution. A certification statement and media release agreement are also required as part of the submission package. Applications are evaluated by a committee appointed by Main Street Fort Smith and reviewed in coordination with Main Street Arkansas consultants. Evaluation criteria include alignment with program priorities, compliance with local design codes, the project’s preservation and visual impact, economic benefit to the district, feasibility, and the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to completing the project. Emphasis is placed on projects that deliver strong visual improvements and contribute to increased foot traffic and economic activity in the downtown area. The application cycle for this program opens on June 15, 2026, and closes on September 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Award announcements are scheduled for September 15, 2026. Funded projects must be completed and fully documented by March 15, 2027, although a discretionary extension of up to 30 days may be granted by the Executive Director if requested in writing prior to the deadline. Applications must be submitted via email to the Executive Director, Amanda Hager, who serves as the primary point of contact for the program.

Focus on high-visibility facade improvements; ensure compliance with form-based codes; demonstrate project feasibility and matching funds commitment