Southern Indiana Business Report
JASPER – Heart of Jasper is accepting applications for round 5 of its Facade Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance for exterior building façade improvements in the Downtown and Riverfront areas of Jasper.
The goal of the program is to stimulate retail growth and catalyze investment through enhanced aesthetics.
The first round of the program began in 2021. Since then, 23 facade projects have been completed and 10 new signs have been installed.
New for 2025 is a grant program for residential properties.
A press release from Heart of Jasper details each program.
Commercial Property Improvement Program
The minimum project plan must be over $2,500. The maximum match will be $10,000. In total, the Facade Grant Program will provide a maximum of $50,000 in grant funding for the 2025 calendar year.
Home Improvement Program (HIP)
The HIP program is new in 2025. Similar to the Commercial Property Improvement Program, these benefits will extend to homes and residential neighborhoods that are in close proximity to downtown Jasper. This will give homeowners the opportunity to beautify their properties in a collective effort to make Jasper look even more welcoming and alluring. The HIP program is exclusively for residential properties. Financial support will not exceed 50% of the cost of the overall project or up to ten thousand dollars whichever comes first. Priority for awarding projects will be based on visual impact of the project. Higher priority will be given to owner-occupied homes first, rental residential second.
The minimum project plan must be over $1,500. The maximum match will be $10,000. In total, the Facade Grant Program will provide a maximum of $50,000 in grant funding for the 2025 calendar year.
For more details on the program and the application, click HERE.
To see if your property is within the Heart of Jasper boundary, click Heart of Jasper Boundary Map
Applications for 2025 are now open. The deadline to apply is Feb. 27. Approved projects will be announced March 7. For more information, contact Kate Schwenk at [email protected].
Genesis 12 supports small businesses
In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a donor with the Dubois County Community Foundation wanted to help small businesses struggling amid the pandemic.
The donor was connected with Heart of Jasper and a new partnership called the Genesis 12 Project, was created. The project is rooted in the Biblical principle that “We are blessed SO THAT we will be a blessing to others.”
The Genesis 12 Project was founded to help businesses survive and recover during difficult times and to ensure continued long-term presence and stability in the Jasper community.
In 2021, The Genesis 12 Project helped small businesses by giving $118,000 to 11 downtown businesses. In 2022, the donor provided Heart of Jasper with the opportunity to enhance the program and offer a New Business Incentive to attract new businesses to the downtown.
Seven businesses in 2022 received funds from the New Business Incentive. In 2023, five businesses received funding and two businesses in 2024.
In total, the Genesis 12 donor gave $347,000 to local businesses within downtown Jasper.
“Your generosity and gracious giving has made an incredible difference in downtown Jasper and in the lives of the small business owners. We are forever grateful for the last four years. Thank you for being a blessing to all of us in the Heart of Jasper.” said Kate Schwenk, director of Heart of Jasper. To read more about the Genesis 12 Project, click HERE