Sign Grant Program

Importance of Good Signage

First impressions have a lasting influence. That’s why it’s important that neighborhood business districts like Butler Street and Penn Avenue present an appealing image to potential customers, tenants, and investors. Signs are particularly important. When well designed and properly maintained, signs enhance the unique image of a neighborhood and favorably influence people’s perceptions of individual businesses and the district as a whole.

Important things to consider when designing a sign for your business: 

• Does the design of the sign take into account the historic character of the building and the neighborhood? 
• Does the sign reflect the image of your business? Is it attractive enough to entice new customers? 
• Is your sign readable? Do the typeface, color, and design make it easy for customers to recognize your business? 
• Can your sign be seen at night? 

Sign Grants

To help small businesses afford attractive signage, the Mainstreets and Real Estate Committees of the Lawrenceville Corporation (LC) created the Sign Grant Program.The Sign Grant Program offers 50/50 matching grants to businesses in the Butler Street and Penn Avenue business districts. Businesses in buildings that have been rehabilitated or renovated are eligible for up to $500 of matching grant funds. Proof of payment or of in‐kind donation will be considered for the business/property owner’s match. Sign grants are reimbursable grants, which mean business/property owners must pay the sign fabrication and installation fees upfront, and then be reimbursed for half of the fees up to $500.

Testimonials

The sign grant helped me get the sign I wanted, rather than the sign I could afford. I would have had to purchase a much plainer, less noticeable sign if I did not have access to the sign grant. I was able to get an attractive, professional sign. I am really happy with how it looks. I've received many compliments and it has been up less than a month! - Rebecca Morris, Wildcard

The LC could not have made things easier. I was working with a tight budget and the sign grant really helped a lot...thanks Maya and the rest of the LC! – Allen Chen, Tamari

Criteria

To qualify for a sign grant through the LC’s program, you must meet the following criteria:

• The sign must be placed in the Butler Street and Penn Avenue Local Neighborhood Commercial (LNC) districts. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Real Estate Committee. Eligible businesses include retail, wholesale, and professional and personal service establishments. 

• Liquor-serving businesses (any business with a current or pending liquor license) are eligible for sign grants only after the 30 Day Public Notice on their license has closed and they have participated in Lawrenceville’s Community Liquor License Process during the 30 day window.
• Adult entertainment facilities, used car lots, and non-independently owned gas stations, fast food establishments, banks, and convenience stores are not eligible for sign grants.

The Sign Grant guidelines and application are listed below. Any further questions should be directed to Patrick Bowman, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, 412‐621‐1616 x 102.