Community Development Grant Benefits Allendale Businesses
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Businesses in Shreveport`s Allendale neighborhood could be getting a face lift thanks to a city development grant. The grant, secured by Councilman Calvin Lester (District A), offers Allendale business owners up to $5,000 to renovate their properties. Lester says the grant is designed to help business owners expand their clientele and improve the overall appearance of Allendale. "I just wanted to do something for the businesses that have been here through the good and the bad," Lester said.
Calvin Downs, the owner of an Allendale shoe repair shop, says business has decreased dramatically throughout the past few years. Though he`s seeing an increase now, he says the grant will offer entrepreneurs like him a much needed boost. "If a person passes by and sees something new, they`ll always check it out and that will encourage more business," Downs said. He says he`ll apply for a grant so he can replace the floors inside his shop and repair the wood porch. "I`ve wanted to make the repairs and now I`ll be able to do it," Downs said.
Lester says interested business owners should apply for the grant as soon as possible because the funds are limited. For more information, call Shreveport`s Community Development office at (318) 673-7500.
