Briana Pace | Southern Indiana Business Report
A group of Paoli citizens got together in early 2023 to discuss concerns for the town. They thought it had untapped potential and decided to create an organization to bring life into the area, Possibilities in Paoli. A year later, downtown Paoli became an Indiana Main Street Community with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Now, they can offer a grant to businesses on Paoli Square.
The Downtown Revitalization Grant Program is open for applications until July 10 to forprofit businesses within the designated Paoli downtown district. Possibilities in Paoli will award two businesses a grant of $2,500 each with a 25% minimum cash match from the applicant. The goal of the program is to improve long-term economic stability and increase community engagement by improving the appearance and accessibility of downtown storefronts.
“We’re just trying to create that spark in the downtown so we can continue to develop and thrive,” president of the board Chelsey Thomas said.
Possibilities in Paoli has hosted many events with the same goal. They’ve organized several “Paint the Downtown” events where community members are invited to paint the windows of Paoli Square businesses for the season. The next is June 27 and is themed to celebrate the 4th of July and America’s 250th anniversary.
“If nothing else,” Thomas said, “it brings people together with hands-on work that you can drive past and you’re like, ‘I was a part of this. I was a part of painting these windows.’”
They have hosted multiple “Cleanup Days” focused on restoring parts of the town, collaborated with businesses for holiday celebrations, created a community mosaic mural and more.
Thomas encourages any and everyone in the Paoli community to come to these events. It can be scary to show up to an event with people you’ve never met before, but she assures everyone is warm and welcoming.
“They will take you under their wings,” she said, “and you immediately just feel like you’ve been a part of that group since the beginning.”
More upcoming events hosted by Possibilities in Paoli include a Chalk Art Contest in September, Paint the Downtown in October and the Paoli Christmas Merchants Open House in November.
“Just get involved,” Thomas said. “Just show up.”