As a business in Downtown Appleton and a valued member of Appleton Downtown, Inc (ADI), you gain access to a range of exclusive grant programs tailored to support your success. These grants are designed specifically for businesses like yours, providing invaluable resources to fuel growth, innovation, and sustainability. Explore the opportunities through ADI and the City of Appleton’s Community Development Department.
Creative Professionals Talent Recruitment Grant
We are proud to announce the launch of the Creative Professionals Talent Recruitment Initiative, a partnership among Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI), the Trout Museum of Art, and gener8tor Art.
ADI is the grant holder for this initiative, which is supported by a specific Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Talent Recruitment Grant. Because of the grant’s purpose, the relocation funding is designated to attract new residents and creative professionals to Appleton and the Fox Cities.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Appleton’s creative economy, support downtown vitality, encourage entrepreneurship, expand cultural tourism, and position the Fox Cities as a place where creative people can live, work, build businesses, and contribute to the community.
Creative professionals may include visual artists, musicians, performers, designers, filmmakers, makers, educators, creative entrepreneurs, arts administrators, cultural workers, and others whose work contributes to the region’s cultural and economic life.
This initiative is not intended to replace, overlook, or take away opportunities from the creative professionals already contributing to Appleton’s creative life. Local and regional creatives form the foundation of our creative economy. Their work is visible every day through downtown events, markets, live music, public art, small businesses, cultural organizations, creative entrepreneurship, education, and community programs.
This initiative is designed to build on that foundation. A larger, more connected creative ecosystem can create more opportunities for collaboration, professional development, teaching, exhibitions, performances, public art, events, small business growth, and cultural programming that supports both current residents and those who may choose to make Appleton home.
We look forward to sharing more details as the program develops, including information on how local creatives can connect with gener8tor Art programming, networking opportunities, and upcoming creative economy conversations. Together, we can continue to build Appleton and the Fox Cities into a place where creative people thrive.
Business Recruitment Grant
ADI in partnership with the Business Improvement District (BID) provides a boost grant of up to $1,000 to help you move or open your business in Downtown Appleton.
ADI/BID Façade Restoration and Improvement Grant
Elevate the appeal and charm of your storefront with our Façade Restoration and Improvement Grant Program. This opportunity offers financial support for projects aimed at enhancing the exterior aesthetics of your building or professional signage. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, a new sign, or architectural enhancements, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.
Sandwich Board Sign Grant
Make a memorable impression on passersby and draw attention to your storefront with our exclusive Sandwich Board Sign Grant Program. Whether you’re announcing daily specials, promoting events, or simply inviting customers inside, our grant program is here to help.
City of Appleton TIF Enhancement Grants & ARA Business Enhancement Grants
Supported by the City of Appleton, this program encourages exterior enhancements for commercial properties. Business Enhancement Grants offer up to $7,000 per project, with applicants required to contribute a 50% match. You can also utilize the ADI Façade Grant funds to cover 25% of your match amount. Visit the City of Appleton’s website for more information.