Lumberton forms grant committee to distribute $10,000 facade grant

LUMBERTON — The Lumberton Main Street Association formed a grant committee and will distribute a $10,000 facade grant to downtown businesses, the association said.

The Mississippi Power Foundation awarded the funding to the association, which will provide up to $2,000 per qualifying business in early April, the association said. Applications close April 9 and are open to Main Street Association members seeking to improve storefront exteriors.

Downtown Lumberton has struggled with vacant storefronts and limited retail options in recent years, association leaders said. John Maroney, executive director of the Lumberton Main Street Association, said the facade grant is meant to build momentum and establish a track record for future funding.

“It is all about just kind of updating the facades of the front of buildings,” Maroney said. “Then to create some pride in the building.” He said the association considers five applications a successful first round and that strong participation would signal readiness for larger economic development grants. Low interest could make securing additional funding more difficult, he said.

The grant does not require business owners to match the funds, lowering the barrier for participation, the association said. Alan Triplett, owner of Lumberton Cafe and among the first applicants, said he plans to use the funds for new signage and a fresh coat of paint. “You don’t have to match; you get up to $2,000 to improve your business. Who’s going to give you that money? It’s hard to get,” Triplett said.

Maroney said long-term success would mean more than fresh paint. He said he hopes improvements lead to increased customer traffic, stronger sales and a downtown that attracts additional businesses. The grant committee will continue identifying funding opportunities as part of a broader initiative to bring sustained economic development to the city, he said.

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