Renovating for Success: Fayetteville’s Commercial Exterior Grant Program Helps Business Owners Thrive

The City of Fayetteville has recently expanded its grant program to assist businesses in renovating their storefronts and purchasing their locations. Initially funded by the American Rescue Plan, the city is now utilizing its community funds to continue supporting business growth.

One business owner who benefited from the program is Bobbie Jo Wirt, the owner of All American Drivers Education Inc. After spending a year trying to purchase a property for her driving school, Wirt was able to move it to a warehouse on North Racepath Street with the help of two grants: a $30,000 grant for a down payment and a $24,000 grant for renovations. With these funds, Wirt was able to revitalize the space and make necessary improvements.

The Commercial Exterior Grant Program, which is used by the City of Fayetteville to fund business renovations, currently has approximately $300,000 available in its current iteration. The goal of this program is to strengthen communities, support small businesses, and ultimately diversify the city’s tax base. Darnisha James, owner of RDL Therapeutic Physical Therapy Clinic, is just one business owner who has already seen the benefits of receiving a grant for renovations.

Despite some business owners being hesitant to work with the city due to perceived red tape