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Applications for the City of Albemarle’s Downtown Catalyst Grant Program are now available. This is the second year Albemarle is offering the grant program designed to assist businesses in the downtown Municipal Service District (MSD).

The Downtown Albemarle Catalyst Grant Program has $90,000 in grant funds available. An individual business in the downtown Municipal Service District (MSD) may receive a maximum of $50,000 in grant funds to make facade and/or building stabilization
improvements as well as internal improvements including furniture, fixtures and equipment used in the business.

The City of Albemarle’s Downtown Catalyst Grant program represents a unique public/private partnership. The City of Albemarle will provide $50,000 for the program. Uwharrie Bank has pledged $20,000 and the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC) has also pledged $20,000.

“The concept of the Downtown Catalyst Grant program originated in Strategic Planning Sessions held by staff and elected officials,” said Albemarle City Manager Michael Ferris. “I’m excited to see the program return for a second year with multiple entities once again working together for the benefit of our downtown, businesses, and residents.”

In 2022, the City of Albemarle Downtown Catalyst Grant Committee approved its first round of grant recipients totaling $86,850. Learn more about previous grant recipients here.

A seven-member grant committee, chaired by Councilman Chris Whitley, will review grant applications. The deadline for businesses to submit their grant application is April 30. An online application for the Downtown Catalyst Grant program can be completed at
www.albemarlenc.gov/downtowncatalystgrant.