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For Business Owners

Opening a new business is a big deal and we’re so thankful that you’re looking to open one in our beautiful, historic downtown. We are offering two grants to new businesses : one to help you “kick-start” a project you’ve been working on and one to help with bills, rent/mortgage, or utilities. A few things to note about our New Business grants:

-Business grants will have a limited combined payout of $7,000.00 per business, per year.

-Once you have submitted a grant, your application will be reviewed the following month. No matter if you submit it at the beginning, middle, or end of the month, it will not be reviewed until the following month.

-The submission period for our grants is January 1st through September 30th. This submission period will go into effect on January 1st, 2023.

For more information on each grant, click on the links below.

Historic District Retail Kick-Starter Grant

The purpose of the Historic District Retail Kick-Start grant is to assist new and current
businesses in downtown. Expenses such as advertising, shop fixtures, equipment and
expenses not covered by other grants. The grant can be applied once annually January 1-
September 30. Not available for retroactive assistance. Applicants will send in the
attached application, with required documentation. Once the grant(s) are approved,
turn in receipts to receive funds. Grants are funded by the Downtown Development
Investment Fund (DDIF).

New Business Stipend Grant

The purpose of the Historic District New Business Stipend Grant is to encourage
businesses to open in the historic district, with regular open hours. The grant will assist
applicants with rent, mortgage and/or utilities during the first year of business. A
second year (consecutive) application can be submitted once the first year is complete
(two year maximum). Applicants will send in the New Business Stipend Grant
application with required documentation. Once the grant is approved, turn in required
documents to receive quarterly reimbursements. Grants are funded by the Downtown
Development Investment Fund (DDIF).

Ready to open shop? Make sure your bases are covered in this quick guide. 

Public Domain Logo for Downtown Winchester 

Free-to-use by Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication image of the highside for businesses and community members wanting to share their pride of downtown Winchester.

More about The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication

Winchester First Identity Presentation 

In 2019 the Image Subcommittee set out to create new branding and marketing profiles for the downtown area. This presentation summarizes their work. It provides detailed target profiles for consumers who frequent downtown. Also included is Winchester First’s branding as Winchester First.

ADA Compliance for Outdoor Seating & Dining

ADA Compliance Request for Outdoor Seating & Dining

ADA Compliance Letter for Outdoor Seating & Dining