The Mile on High is a new incentive program designed to assist existing businesses and encourage new ventures within a designated area in downtown Columbus, according to the City of Columbus Economic Development Office. If your business is within the Incentive District bounded by Spring Street to the north, Front Street to the west, Mound Street to the south, and Fourth Street to the east, then you may qualify for a reimbursement matching grant of up to $5000.00 for exterior improvements including signage, awnings, painting, fixtures, and more! 
The best part is that there are only a few qualifications:
- You must lease or own a retail space within the incentive district
- You must provide a design proposal
- You can only get one grant per storefront
- Work cannot begin before you receive a commitment letter for funds from the city
- You must provide an invoice for reimbursement
- You will need to get any changes to your facade approved by the Downtown Commission
Information can be found on the web at: Mile on High Incentive Program
A printable PDF brochure can be found at: Mile on High Incentive Brochure
This is a wonderful opportunity to update your existing identification sign or awning, use the assistance to erect a new business sign in a vibrant downtown area, or finally get creative with your facade now that your business is established. Check with the owner of your building to be sure they have not received a grant for the frontage in prior years.
Feel free to contact DaNite Sign Company at (614) 444-3333 for a free consultation, sign design, and estimate, which are the first steps down the road toward this exterior improvement grant. Members of the DaNite Team have plenty of experience with submitting and presenting sign design proposals to the Downtown Commission.
This incentive will continue until the grant funds are depleted, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of government funds to improve the street appeal of your business!
Jennifer Bender / DaNite Creative Director
614-444-3333 x216