Merchant Center

First Friday Grant Application Form

Downtown Inc offers First Friday Grants each month to select businesses within the Business Improvement District each month thanks to our sponsor, Wellspan Health.

Enhancing the First Friday Experience

Businesses can use First Friday grant funds for various items, including entertainment, creative make-and-take activities, refreshments, live music, performers, DJs, marketing and promotional materials, arts and craft supplies, or other enhancements to boost foot traffic into the business and foster community engagement.

Grants are awarded quarterly by our First Friday Grants Committee, with priority given to proposals that include live music/entertainment, interactive activities, kid-friend activities, and collaboration among the merchant community. Applications are open to BID-located businesses, with flexibility for businesses to apply for individual months or all three months within a quarter. Previously awarded businesses may reapply for additional quarters.

Grant Details:

  • $1,000 available each month to divide among select grantees with grants averaging $200.
  • Funds can be used for activities, entertainment, refreshments, promotional giveaways, or anything that will make your First Friday event extra special!
  • Grants are submitted and awarded on a quarterly basis. You can expect to receive your grant in time for each First Friday.
  • To assist with marketing, we ask grantees to complete a simple First Friday promotional form on our website with details on their planned First Friday activity. Downtown Inc will use this information to populate the First Friday webpage, press release, and social media marketing of the given First Friday.

Eligibility:

  • Businesses located within the Business Improvement District (restaurants, art studios, special events venues, service industry providers, etc.)
  • The business must have an email address and website or social media page, as these two items will assist with communication and advertisement of the event. 
  • Must be the owner or operator applying
  • Home-based or traveling businesses are not eligible
  • W9 forms are required for all applying businesses in order to disburse funding.
2025 Grant Schedule and Deadlines
  • Q1 2025 (January, February, March)- Closes December 4, 2024
  • Q2 2025 (April, May, June)- Closes March 4, 2025
  • Q3 2025 (July, August, September)- Closes June 4, 2025
  • Q4 2025 (October, November, December)- Closes September 4, 2025

"*" indicates required fields

Business Address*
If awarded less than requested, will you still be able to participate in First Friday?*
If awarded less than requested, will you still be able to participate in First Friday?*
If awarded less than requested, will you still be able to participate in First Friday?*
Mailing Address*
If awarded funds, we will send you a check via mail.
If awarded funds, what business name should the check be payable to?
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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