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1 RAMSEY COUNTY <br />Critical Corridors <br />Commercial Corridor Initiative <br />2023 Program Guidelines <br />Purpose <br />Ramsey County's Commercial Corridor <br />Initiative program, funded through the Housing <br />Redevelopment Authority levy, strengthens suburban <br />small business districts by investing in pathways to <br />entrepreneurship for racially and ethnically diverse <br />communities and supporting thriving main streets. <br />Eligible Applicants <br />Suburban Ramsey County entities including cities, <br />associated development authorities, business <br />coalitions, and chambers of commerce. <br />Eligible Activities <br />• Business recruitment activities. <br />• Establishment of small-business incubators. <br />• District -wide planning and design. <br />• District -wide marketing, branding, and promotion <br />initiatives. <br />• Design and implementation of wayfinding, <br />signage, street furniture or other public realm <br />enhancements. <br />• Building facade improvements. <br />• Technical assistance related to business activities, <br />including: <br />o Special service district or business -association <br />establishment. <br />o Financial, legal, or tax -related services. <br />o Merchandising, marketing and social media <br />assistance. <br />Ineligible Activities <br />• Parking lot improvements. <br />• Activities for sites without public frontage. <br />• Activities that benefit a single business. <br />• Administration, overhead, and business operations <br />support. <br />• Events. <br />Funding <br />• Total funding available: approximately $100,000 <br />(subject to change). <br />• Maximum anticipated award: $50,000 per project. <br />• Activities funded by this program must be <br />completed by July 1, 2024. <br />• Funds are available on a reimbursement basis. <br />• Activities completed prior to award are not eligible <br />for reimbursement. <br />• Match is not required but may be considered <br />during evaluation. <br />Strategic and Selection Priorities <br />• Alignment with Ramsey County Economic <br />Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan. <br />• Improvement of conditions for job creation and <br />entrepreneurship. <br />• Improvement of coordination among businesses. <br />• Placemaking and improved pedestrian and bicycle <br />access. <br />• Demonstrated need for financial assistance. <br />• Project readiness and organizational capacity. <br />• Support from businesses and property owners. <br />• Alignment with city priorities and plans. <br />2023 Commercial Corridor Initiative Program Guidelines --------------------------------------------------- 1 <br />