The City of Soldotna is accepting applications for the Storefront Improvement Program, which offers up to $7,500 to local businesses for projects that rehabilitate Soldotna storefronts and help promote a thriving local economy and attractive streetscape.
The program, created in 2012, seeks to encourage private investment in downtown Soldotna and beautify the Sterling and Kenai Spur Highway corridors. It aims to boost traffic, increase property values, and improve the overall look and vitality of the city’s commercial districts.
Eligible participants include property owners and business lessees (with written property owner authorization) located in the Commercial or Limited Commercial zoning districts. Ineligible participants include properties in residential use, structures not facing or visible from a public right-of-way, government offices and agencies, and new construction less than 5 years old.
There are also eligible and ineligible projects that can be done for a business, which are included in the City’s full program guidelines.
A selection committee will consider various factors when selecting and prioritizing projects, including creative value, the current condition of a business’s building, and more.
Linda Mitchell, Director of Economic Development & Planning, says the grant program is not about changing a sign but focuses on transformative effects.
“Is this unique, or is this just really a replacement, how is this making, improving the facade and making it different and unique? So those are some elements of what we’re looking at… The goal is not maintenance.” Mitchell says.
The City typically funds 2-3 projects annually and accepts applications for the Storefront Improvement program three times each year, usually in September, June, and February.
Mitchell mentions that the City of Soldotna has seen a decline in businesses utilizing the funds. She says they are looking to revamp and are considering other mechanisms to help businesses within the community grow.
So far, the program has awarded over $150,000 in grant funds to local projects and has leveraged more than $750,000 in private investment in downtown Soldotna.
Applications are due by Feb. 28, 2025.
For more information on the program and its guidelines, visit soldotna.org or call the Planning Department at 907-262-9107.