What is Helping Homedale?
The Homedale Chamber of Commerce Helping Homedale project is a summer long program created to help local Homedale businesses spruce up their storefronts! Most economic development professionals and downtown revitalization experts feel that expenditures for facelifts of their downtown businesses is money well spent and a critical part of a vital business community. Together let’s beautify our downtown corridor!

Who is participating?
This project is open to any Homedale business or commercial property owner within the Homedale city limits. It is not a requirement to be a Homedale Chamber of Commerce member to participate.

What types of improvements qualify?
Eligible improvements should be limited to storefront or façade improvements including paint, signage, new windows, doors, and awnings. They can also include landscaping such as flower pots, hanging baskets, plant material and bark for flower beds, etc. Although pre-approval is not required, it is highly recommended that any questions regarding eligible expenses be answered by the Committee prior to you spending money towards the project.

How does it work?
Helping Homedale sponsored by the Homedale Chamber of Commerce will provide matching funds of $0.50 for every $1.00 spent on storefront and façade improvements by local businesses up to a maximum matching contribution of $250.00 per participating business. This will be a reimbursement program where eligible receipts will need to be submitted to the Helping Homedale Committee for review in order to receive the matching funds. For example, Business X spends $500.00 on new signage for their business located on Idaho Avenue. After submitting their receipts to the Helping Homedale Committee, they receive a reimbursement check for $250.00, the maximum match available. However, if Business X only spends $300.00 on their new signage, they would only receive a check for $150.00, etc..

When does Helping Homedale kick-off?
The first annual Helping Homedale project will kick off June 1st, 2018 and run through August 31st, 2018. Expenses eligible for reimbursement must be incurred during the program period. It is possible the project will end sooner without notice if the $5,000 total earmarked for matching funds are exhausted prior to August 31st. It is our hope that this will be an annual program.

Is this a Contest?
Yes! Helping Homedale is a contest! In order to participate in the contest you will need to submit before and after photos pertaining to the specific improvements you made when you submit receipts for reimbursement. The Helping Homedale Committee will vote on one winner. The winning business will receive one complimentary full-color advertisement in The Owyhee Avalanche after the conclusion of the contest period.

Where should I direct my questions regarding the program?
Please contact Gavin Parker, President of the Homedale Chamber of Commerce with any questions. He can be reached at (208) 337-3271 or gsparker72@yahoo.com.