May 12, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Downtown Ithaca Alliance Announces 2025 Ithaca Retail Mini-Grant Program to Support Local Businesses
Ithaca, NY – May 12, 2025 – The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), in partnership with the City of Ithaca, is proud to re-launch the Ithaca Retail Mini-Grant Program (IRMGP). This program continues its mission to assist small, street-level businesses within the City of Ithaca that are recovering from the ongoing economic effects of COVID-19.
Funded through the City of Ithaca’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) relief funds, the IRMGP offers targeted grants aimed at boosting local retail through marketing efforts, physical storefront improvements, and innovative cross-promotion campaigns. Grants are available to independently owned businesses with fewer than 500 employees and a physical storefront in the City of Ithaca that were operational prior to March 3, 2021.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the DIA on this important citywide initiative. Local independent retailers are what make the Commons, Downtown, Collegetown, the West End and West MLK Corridor special places with unique local character”, says Mayor Robert Cantelmo. “This initiative is part of the City’s commitment to helping them thrive.”
“The IRMG is designed to spark collaboration, draw customers back to our commercial districts, and energize local businesses through strategic investments,” says DIA CEO Nan Rohrer. “We’re especially excited to support physical improvements that further elevate the pedestrian and customer experience in our city while also highlighting Ithaca’s charm as a destination for locals and visitors.”
Eligible businesses can apply for grants in three categories:
Full guidelines and application materials are available at: https://www.downtownithaca.com/ithaca-retail-mini-grant/
Contact
Zoe Zrini, Project Coordinator
Downtown Ithaca Alliance
Center Ithaca, Box 136
171 East State Street
Ithaca NY 14850
zoe@downtownithaca.com
Downtown Ithaca Alliance Announces 2025 Ithaca Retail Mini-Grant Program to Support Local Businesses
Ithaca, NY – May 12, 2025 – The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), in partnership with the City of Ithaca, is proud to re-launch the Ithaca Retail Mini-Grant Program (IRMGP). This program continues its mission to assist small, street-level businesses within the City of Ithaca that are recovering from the ongoing economic effects of COVID-19.
Funded through the City of Ithaca’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) relief funds, the IRMGP offers targeted grants aimed at boosting local retail through marketing efforts, physical storefront improvements, and innovative cross-promotion campaigns. Grants are available to independently owned businesses with fewer than 500 employees and a physical storefront in the City of Ithaca that were operational prior to March 3, 2021.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the DIA on this important citywide initiative. Local independent retailers are what make the Commons, Downtown, Collegetown, the West End and West MLK Corridor special places with unique local character”, says Mayor Robert Cantelmo. “This initiative is part of the City’s commitment to helping them thrive.”
“The IRMG is designed to spark collaboration, draw customers back to our commercial districts, and energize local businesses through strategic investments,” says DIA CEO Nan Rohrer. “We’re especially excited to support physical improvements that further elevate the pedestrian and customer experience in our city while also highlighting Ithaca’s charm as a destination for locals and visitors.”
Eligible businesses can apply for grants in three categories:
- Marketing – marketing assessments and related enhancements such as E-commerce.
- Physical Improvements – such as signage and ADA-accessibility enhancements.
- Cross-Promotion Collaboration Campaigns – joint projects between multiple
- businesses to increase foot traffic and customer engagement.
Full guidelines and application materials are available at: https://www.downtownithaca.com/ithaca-retail-mini-grant/
Contact
Zoe Zrini, Project Coordinator
Downtown Ithaca Alliance
Center Ithaca, Box 136
171 East State Street
Ithaca NY 14850
zoe@downtownithaca.com
Contact:
Zoe Zrini, Project Coordinator
zoe@downtownithaca.com, (607) 277-8679
