Application cycle open again for downtown Fort Smith mini-grant program

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by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) ago 33 views 

Main Street Fort Smith is again accepting applications for a matching mini-grant program designed to improve the look of buildings in downtown Fort Smith. The fiscal year 2027 grant cycle is the second managed by the nonprofit organization.

Main Street Fort Smith will award up to $15,000 in 50-50 matching grants, with individual awards typically ranging from $1,500 to $7,500. Grants are reimbursement-based and may be used for eligible projects, including façade improvements, exterior paint, masonry repair, awnings, signage, lighting, accessibility upgrades, and “other improvements that strengthen the visual appeal and economic vitality of the district,” according to Main Street Fort Smith.

“One of the best ways to strengthen downtown is to support the people who are already investing in it,” Amanda Hager, executive director of Main Street Fort Smith, said in a statement. “The Mini-Grant Program helps property owners and business owners take on projects that improve their buildings, preserve historic character, and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant downtown for everyone.”

The grants, according to the program, are “designed to help property owners and business owners invest in projects that preserve historic character, improve building appearance, enhance safety, and contribute to the continued revitalization of downtown.”

Applications opened June 15, with the submission deadline set for 5 p.m. Sept. 1. The grants are expected to be awarded Sept. 15, with March 15, 2027, as the completion and documentation deadline. Funding comes from Main Street Arkansas and the Arkansas Department of Heritage.

Eligible applicants include property owners and business owners located within the Main Street Fort Smith district. Projects must receive approval prior to beginning work and comply with all applicable City of Fort Smith permitting requirements.

Hager said the program awarded $11,000 in grants for seven completed projects in 2026 that totaled more than $80,000 in private investment in downtown Fort Smith. 2026 grant recipients included a $4,500 grant to the Kress LLC (Diana Sims) for significant renovation with the former Kress Building at 812 Garrison Ave., a $1,000 grant to NextGen Development Partners (Storm Nolan) supporting $43,276 in work at 524 Garrison Ave., and a $1,000 grant to Wight Office Machines (Michael Wight) supporting $12,350 in improvements at 122 Towson Ave.

According to its website, Main Street Fort Smith “is a nonprofit committed to creating vibrant spaces in downtown Fort Smith through business development, arts and culture, special events, and the promotion of attractive amenities to accelerate development of diverse commerce.”

Main Street Arkansas is a program within the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP). It was established in 1984 to help spark life into Arkansas’ traditionally commercial areas. The program works with “community members committed to revitalizing and preserving downtowns across” the state. At the state level, Main Street Arkansas offers consultation services including interior and exterior design help, small business advice and grant opportunities to its members.