CHAMBERSBURG – Downtown Chambersburg Inc. has been awarded a $100,000 Main Street Matters: Business Improvement Grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The grant program is designed to support small businesses and foster long-term economic growth in downtown communities.
Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) announced the grant at the National Main Street Conference 2025 in Philadelphia on April 7, emphasizing the Commonwealth’s commitment to revitalizing Pennsylvania’s main streets and commercial corridors.
“Every community in our Commonwealth – rural, urban or suburban – has a Main Street, and I’ve seen firsthand how critical they are to local economies.” Shapiro said. “Our Main Streets are the beating hearts of our communities – and the economic strength of our towns and cities is directly tied to the success of small businesses and our Main Streets. That’s why my administration has made investing in our Main Streets a priority, and today we’re delivering a historic amount of support for dozens of projects across the Commonwealth. Every Main Street matters – and I’ll continue bringing people together to invest in and improve our communities.”
Main Street Matters is a key part of the Shapiro Administration’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy. Since day one, Shapiro and his administration have been committed to making Pennsylvania a leader in economic development, job creation and community revitalization. The 2024-25 bipartisan budget made significant investments aligned with the Economic Development Strategy, and the governor’s proposed 2025-26 budget goes further to implement the strategy and create real opportunity for Pennsylvania.
The Business Improvement Grant program in Chambersburg will operate as a 50/50 match reimbursement initiative, offering up to $5,000 per business. With an estimated 20 businesses expected to participate, the program could generate at least $200,000 in investment for Downtown Chambersburg. Eligible expenses include capital purchases, structural or interior improvements, hardware, software, connectivity upgrades and professional marketing and promotions.
“This program gives small businesses the support they need to upgrade their spaces, invest in technology, and better market their services,” said Sam Thrush, president of Downtown Chambersburg Inc. “These kinds of improvements help businesses reach new customers, create welcoming spaces, and build long-term sustainability.”
“On behalf of the board of Downtown Chambersburg Inc., we are pleased to offer our downtown business community additional financial support through the micro grant program,” said Jenna Kaczmarek, board chair of Downtown Chambersburg. “Grants like these allow DCI to uplift our downtown businesses, providing resources for growth, prosperity, and revitalization.”
“Helping our local businesses invest in their storefronts and operations directly strengthens our downtown district,” added Alice Elia, vice chair of the DCI board. “This grant is another step forward in our commitment to making Downtown Chambersburg a place where businesses thrive and our community continues to grow.”
Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger announced the Main Street Matters grant as part of a statewide effort to revitalize Pennsylvania’s downtowns.
“Governor Shapiro created the Main Street Matters program because he understands that main streets are the heartbeat of their communities – helping to retain and attract residents, businesses and visitors,” Siger said. “This program is an exciting funding tool that will help main streets and downtowns across our Commonwealth achieve their full potential as economic hubs. The Shapiro administration is focused on making these types of bold, meaningful investments to provide a higher quality of life for Pennsylvanians as well as our growing businesses and thriving communities.”
Investing in Pennsylvania’s Main Streets and businesses through the Main Street Matters initiatives, the Shapiro administration will invest $20 million to revitalize downtown areas, help businesses grow and improve community infrastructure. These funds build on the success of the Keystone Communities Program, which has helped cities and towns across Pennsylvania repair historic buildings, improve pedestrian safety and provide direct support to small businesses.
“Downtown Chambersburg Inc. would like to extend their gratitude to State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin/Adams) and State Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) for their roles in helping us receive this funding. Establishing a microgrant program in Downtown Chambersburg will further enhance and assist our businesses,” Thrush noted.
Downtown Chambersburg Inc. will be working closely with local business owners and stakeholders to roll out the program in the coming weeks.
