Newswatch 16's Emily Kress takes us along one of the area's most scenic roads to find out what that means.
HOLLY, Pa. — Driving along Route 6 through Pike and Wayne counties, you'll find plenty of small businesses.
Karen Wezowitz has owned Friendly Treasures in Hawley for seven years. She says that as a business owner, there are several things she would like to improve on the appearance of her store.
“We want to put new signage outside. We want to fix up the place and refresh the outside so it looks nice when visitors come in,” Wezowitz said.
There's even space left in the front store waiting for new signage to be installed, but those upgrades don't always fit in the budget.
The PA Route 6 Alliance is helping businesses in Wayne and Pike counties fund these projects with its Facades Program.
“Sometimes when you drive by a building, you look at a sign and the sign says, “I don't really want to go in there, let me take a look,'' said Facade Coordinator Abby Pritchard. said.
The PA Route 6 Alliance is getting its share of $100,000 from the state.
Business owners who apply can use the funds for painting, awnings, windows, and other projects to update the look of their stores without incurring the full cost. Matching Grant Program awards are up to $5,000.
“So this grant project will provide half of the funding. So if their project is $10,000, maybe they can't afford to pay the full $10,000. . We pay half,” Pritchard explained.
Debbie Gillette is the executive director of the Northern Poconos Chamber of Commerce. She told Newswatch 16 the chamber plans to apply for new signage at the Hawley and Honesdale visitor centers. She says a little effort can go a long way.
“Tourism is our primary industry, so when people drive through downtown Wayne and Pike counties and Route 6, first impressions are everything. It attracts the attention of people passing by,” Gillette said.
More than 20 businesses in both counties could potentially benefit, and the funding is expected to have an even bigger impact.
“Support your local sign companies and support the contractors that help with some of your projects, because for everyone you hire in Wayne and Pike Counties, about 90% of your money stays here in the region. That’s really important,” Gillette said.
The PA Route 6 Alliance will host information sessions for business owners who would like more information. Details can be found here.
