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economic • • • • <br /> Goal 2: Provide technical assistance, marketing, and training to local <br /> businesses in the corridor. <br /> 2.1 Provide technical assistance, marketing, and training to local businesses in the <br /> Corridor. <br /> Many of the local businesses,from auto repair to food and restaurants to business services along Jasper Street could <br /> use assistance to expand their sales.This would include marketing efforts,data analysis,and business planning skills. <br /> Assistance could either be provided by experienced retired professionals, or by contract to service providers from <br /> the City of Decatur. <br /> 2.2 Launch a marketing campaign for the Jasper Street Corridor. <br /> Marketing is key to bringing new businesses to the area. A marketing campaign highlighting local businesses and <br /> events will spread the word about Jasper Street and the opportunities available there for businesses.This campaign <br /> can include a web site, social media, and other media for businesses along the Corridor to attract the citywide and <br /> regional customer base. <br /> Goal 3: Connect businesses to the City's economic development and <br /> beautification programs to increase the visibility and attractiveness of <br /> Local businesses to be a welcoming place to eat, shop, and play. <br /> 3.1 Launch a targeted facade improvement and beautification program for the Jasper <br /> Street Corridor. <br /> Create a matching fund and small grant program to fund projects such as awnings and signage, landscape <br /> improvements, and facade improvements. The program would either include small grants for architectural and <br /> design work to get the project started.or retain one or more architects directly that would produce drawings for local <br /> property owners. <br /> 3.2 Provide outreach to commercial properties for eligibility for the C-PACE program. <br /> The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program can help fund energy efficiency programs, <br /> particularly in the rehab of existing commercial properties.The City works with the Illinois Finance Authority(IFA) to <br /> offer the C-PACE program.C-PACE financing can be used by owners and developers to finance or refinance eligible <br /> improvements to commercial and industrial properties.The financing can be up to 25%of the value of the property. <br /> Eligible improvements include fixtures, systems, equipment and devices intended for energy efficiency, renewable <br /> energy, resiliency or water use and electric vehicle charging stations. <br /> PAGE 47 <br />