Grant Program Goals:
DEDA is providing small $500 grants to Eligible applicants with an address on First Street between 4th Ave E. and 4th Ave W. including building owners and businesses with a valid lease in the corridor. Funding can be used for a variety of improvements and activities that enhance the street’s appearance and encourage public engagement, such as exterior cleaning and painting, live performances, classes, seating, signage, planters, lighting, and community-hosted events for use and implementation at two upcoming First Street engagement events with a goal of consistent daily use of physical items being requested. The goal is to create a more vibrant, welcoming, and active street environment by supporting small-scale projects that draw people in and improve the overall experience of First Street. Grant funding is provided by DEDA and the Boreal Waters Foundation.
When are the activations taking place?
First Street Fridays will be a two part event, focused on partial street closures, food trucks, various street activation activities from DEDA, City of Duluth, Boreal Waters Foundation, local businesses and area partners with a intentional focus of uplifting and supporting the First Street corridor. Both activations will be held from 10AM-3PM ON FRIDAY, JUNE 26TH AND FRIDAY, JULY 31ST.
Who can apply and how much can my business or building apply for?
Building owners and leasing businesses with an address on First Street between 4th Ave E. and 4th Ave W. with a valid lease agreement can apply for street activation purchases. Grants up to $500 per business/building will be available for request
What can the funding be used for?
- Exterior cleaning - including graffiti removal
- Exterior Painting
- Exercise class or other activities
- Busker/musicians, live artists/demonstrations
- Planters, flowers, artificial turf
- Street furniture & seating
- A-frame/portable signs
- Window displays and decorative lighting
- Pet-friendly amenities like water, shade
- Outside service counter or food cart (for food service businesses only)
- Fees and/or supplies for hosting a community organization (Lake Superior Zoo, Animal Allies, Duluth Public Library, etc.)
When are the grant applications deadlines?
Applications for the first round are due on Friday May 15th. Applications for the second round of the grant are due on Friday July 10th.
What will be expected from a business that is granted with funding?
- Grantees will be provided with a grant agreement from the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA)
- As a reimbursable grant, all grantees will be required to provide receipts and images of what purchased and how it was used. (Images provided may be subject for use by the city of Duluth for promotional materials)
- After the grant agreement is signed by both DEDA and the applicant, the applicant will then be able to purchase to goods or services.
- After the project or service is completed, applicants will be required to submit all receipts with their one-page grant reporting document to be issued the reimbursable funds.
- Items and services purchased will need to be completed and utilized for the first street
activation project coordinated by DEDA and the City of Duluth on June 26th, 2026 for May applications and July 31st 2026 for July applications - Please note: Reimbursement checks may take up to two weeks from the time when grant reporting completed until payment is received.
Questions?
Grant Program: Angie Stier at astier@duluthmn.gov.
Zoning related: Jenn Moses at jmoses@duluthmn.gov