News

City wins grant for downtown facades, murals

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 22, 2026

The Friends of Downtown Hendersonville has received a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to support its Downtown Business Improvement Grant Program, providing financial assistance to businesses in the Main Street and Historic Seventh Avenue districts.

The funding will expand the Business Improvement Grant Program, which provides small grants to help downtown shops, restaurants and offices make improvements that strengthen their business and contribute to downtown’s appearance, character and vitality. The donation will support three types of projects:

• Pivot grants – Supporting creative projects that improve business operations, customer experiences, marketing, merchandise, outdoor environments and other aspects of a business.
• Façade grants – Supporting exterior improvements that enhance the appearance and character of downtown buildings and storefronts, including painting, signage and lighting.
• Mural grants – Supporting the creation, installation and enhancement of murals that contribute to downtown’s creative character and visual appeal.

Individual grants will generally be available for up to $1,500, with additional funding potentially available for larger façade and mural projects based on project scope and available funds.

Application deadline is Oct. 26. Businesses located within the Main Street and 7th Avenue Municipal Service Districts are eligible to apply.

Applicants considering a larger façade improvement project are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Downtown Manager Jamie Carpenter prior to submitting an application to discuss the project and determine whether additional façade or mural grant funding may be available. For more information about the Downtown Business Improvement Grant Program, visit hvlnc.gov/downtowngrants.

For more information on the Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit duke-energy.com/Foundation.