2022 Sheboygan Harbor Centre BID Grant Program

Introduction

The grant program was created to support new and existing business development within the Harbor Centre Business Improvement District. The intent of this program is to direct BID funds towards initiatives that will have a ripple effect throughout the BID. The Harbor Centre BID Grant Program includes three individual grant opportunities. These grant opportunities range from $500 up to $10,000 and support individual business initiatives as well as large-scale projects throughout the district. The three grant categories are:
  • Community Events Grant – Supports events with a wide regional draw, creating exposure for the Harbor Centre BID.
  • Business Development Grant – Supports events within member business(es), member professional development, and business improvements that result in a positive impact on the BID.
  • Beautification and Infrastructure Grant – Supports major investments in the BID that improve the appearance, function, or quality of the district.
We are looking forward to working together to improve experiences and increase business in Sheboygan’s Harbor Centre Business Improvement District and our community. Harbor Centre Business Improvement District strives to be transparent related to our decision-making processes. If you have further questions about our processes, you may contact heather@harborcentre.com or call ‪(920) 624-2736‬.

Grant Details

Community Events Grant

These are events that take place within the BID, may be organized by an outside organization with BID member partnership, and are marketed regionally. These events are meant to broaden the exposure of the Harbor Centre BID – drawing attendees outside of the Sheboygan area. Due to the larger draw of these events, they may include vendors beyond existing BID members.
  • Rolling grant cycle (grant review 6 times per year, as the committee meets).
  • $10,000 cap
  • Seed funding (first three years of event), consider reduced contribution after that
  • Festival Permit may be required (obtained from the CIty of Sheboygan)
  • Match (one-to-one) in-kind or matching cash
  • Events must take place in public spaces within the BID and be free and open to the public.
  • Events organized by groups outside of the BID, but taking place within the BID boundaries, must have a BID member serve as the primary applicant.
  • Types of events include public markets, festivals, public concerts, etc.
Apply Today!

Business Development Grant

This grant is intended to support individual efforts that will improve the Harbor Centre Business District. These efforts include events within member business(es), member professional development, and business improvements that result in a positive impact on the BID.
  • Rolling grant cycle (grant review 6 times per year, as the committee meets)
  • Grant amount $500 – $2,000, one-to-one matching (in-kind or cash) funds required
  • Funds can be used for capacity building, skill building, private façade or other individual beautification improvements, rebranding, in-business events etc.
  • Events can take place within individual businesses but must not charge admission
  • No admission fees allowed, but cost of goods or fees for specialty experiences within the event activities are allowed
  • Events should be open to the public, not restricted to membership or another clientele
  • Types of events include sales events, holiday events, in-store experiences, etc.
  • Priority given to those that can clearly articulate how this project will have an impact on the entire district, beyond the individual business applying
  • Events and activities supported by this grant are meant to drive business for existing BID businesses, and may not include vendors that are not existing BID members.
  • Professional development experiences that are supported through BID funds must be brought to the BID membership, and knowledge should be shared or made available to other members.
  • Past project examples: Boo-tique Crawl, Signs/facade improvements, window display and merchandising training
Apply Today!

Beautification and Infrastructure Grants

Supports major investments in the BID that improve the appearance, function, or quality of the district. Priority will be given to those that can clearly articulate the long-term impact of their project on the BID.
  • Timing: Application in June/July/August, Grant review in September with funds dispersed the following year
  • Up to $10,000/project, one-to-one matching (in-kind or cash) funds required.
  • Support for individual efforts that will improve the Harbor Centre Business District on a long-term, large-scale format.
  • Funds can be used on widespread beautification improvements or major infrastructure improvements.
  • Priority given to those that can clearly articulate how this project will have a long-term impact on the BID district.
  • Due to limited funds available in this category, project proposals are greatly enhanced by longer lead times.
  • Applications should be received at least 6 months, preferably 12 months, prior to project start date.
  • Substantial progress must be made and communicated within 12 months of disbursement, or funds are subject to revocation.
  • Projects organized by groups outside of the BID, but taking place within the BID boundaries must have a BID member serve as the primary applicant.

Beautification and Infrastructure Grant Application

Grant application will be open June, July, and August 2022.

Application Criteria

Past Grant Awardees

2021

Grant Resources