The Department of Housing and Community Development recently awarded the Easton Business Alliance a grant of $20,000 through their Main Street Improvement Program. The money has been awarded to help fund the salary of the EBA’s manager, allowing the EBA to reallocate some of its administrative budget toward more marketing for the Town of Easton.
“Winning this grant from the DHCD allows our organization to use more of our funding toward our mission—marketing and community development for the Town of Easton,” Easton Business Alliance manager Ross Benincasa said. “We have made a concerted effort over the past six months to diversify our funding resources, and it’s great to see some of those efforts recognized and awarded by the State of Maryland.”
The Main Street Improvement Program is a grant provided under the broader category of the State’s Operating Assistance Grants. The grant’s purpose is to stimulate the economic development of Maryland’s Main Street districts through a broad range of initiatives aimed at supporting the development and revitalization of these historic districts.
In September 2016, the Town of Easton recertified as a Main Street Maryland community and a Main Street America affiliate. There are only 28 districts across the State of Maryland recognized as Main Street communities, and Easton is the only one in Talbot County.
“We view the Main Street Maryland and Main Street America designations as vital components of Easton’s growth moving forward,” Benincasa said. “Not only do these programs provide support for our community and independent merchants, but the recognition from the State of Maryland and the National Main Street Center opens doors for more funding opportunities to help our town grow.”
About Easton Business Alliance: EBA is a marketing, promotion and events non-profit organization operating as a member of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. The mission of EBA is to enhance, promote and preserve the vitality of Easton’s independent merchants which benefit business owners, residents and visitors; and to bring awareness to the Town’s historical roots and lifestyles.
For more information regarding Easton Business Alliance, please visit www.discovereaston.com or email [email protected]. Stay connected to the Easton Business Alliance on social media sites Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Discover Easton.
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