Webster City Area Chamber awards design grants to local businesses

The Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients of this year's design grants.

This program incentivizes local property and business owners with reimbursable grants for eligible improvements, including masonry repair, window restoration, roof repairs, paint, exterior lighting, and upgraded signage to enhance brand visibility.

The intent of the Webster City Chamber of Commerce Design Grant Program is to strengthen the economic viability of Webster City by providing financial incentives for improving the appearance and structural conditions of its buildings. This program is intended to stimulate improvements in buildings throughout the community. It also represents the opportunity to preserve our community's heritage and enhance the unique atmosphere that Webster City provides.

“Each year, the chamber board allocates funds from the general budget to support this program,” Anna Woodward, Chamber director, said. “Historically, this allocation was $2,400. Over the past three years, we've increased the annual funding to $5,000, awarding nearly $14,000 in grants back to the community.”

2024 Grant Recipients and Projects:

-- La Perla Jarocha Restaurant: $300 for exterior window repair;

-- Eekhoff Motors: $302.28 for upgraded signage;

-- Bannor True Value: $800 for upgraded signage;

-- Webster City Community Theatre: $800 for a new sign and awning;

Sunshine Duffy, Community Outreach and Development coordinator at The Cat Hut, and Trisha Rupiper, operations manager at The Cat Hut, stand with Mark Ferguson, Chamber board president, outside their feline shelter and retail store at 1118 Second Street, Webster City. The grant was used to install exterior signage clearly identifying their services.

Sunshine Duffy, Community Outreach and Development coordinator at The Cat Hut, and Trisha Rupiper, operations manager at The Cat Hut, stand with Mark Ferguson, Chamber board president, outside their feline shelter and retail store at 1118 Second Street, Webster City. The grant was used to install exterior signage clearly identifying their services.

Sunshine Duffy, Community Outreach and Development coordinator at The Cat Hut, and Trisha Rupiper, operations manager at The Cat Hut, stand with Mark Ferguson, Chamber board president, outside their feline shelter and retail store at 1118 Second Street, Webster City. The grant was used to install exterior signage clearly identifying their services.

Sunshine Duffy, Community Outreach and Development coordinator at The Cat Hut, and Trisha Rupiper, operations manager at The Cat Hut, stand with Mark Ferguson, Chamber board president, outside their feline shelter and retail store at 1118 Second Street, Webster City. The grant was used to install exterior signage clearly identifying their services.

Julia Sosa, owner of La Perla Jarocha Grocery and Restaurant, stands with Mark Ferguson Chamber Board President inside the restaurant. The grocery store and restaurant share a building at 611 and 613 Second Street. The Chamber Design Grant was used for the replacement of a window on the front facade.

Julia Sosa, owner of La Perla Jarocha Grocery and Restaurant, stands with Mark Ferguson Chamber Board President inside the restaurant. The grocery store and restaurant share a building at 611 and 613 Second Street. The Chamber Design Grant was used for the replacement of a window on the front facade.

Brady and Marit Eekhoff, co-owners of Eekhoff Motors, stand in their new showroom with Chamber Board President Mark Ferguson, of Karl Webster City. The family business expanded this year to acquire the adjacent property. New exterior signage was installed to identify the additional space.

Brady and Marit Eekhoff, co-owners of Eekhoff Motors, stand in their new showroom with Chamber Board President Mark Ferguson, of Karl Webster City. The family business expanded this year to acquire the adjacent property. New exterior signage was installed to identify the additional space.

Peggy Joslin, owner of Country Twist Boutique, stands with Chamber Board President Mark Ferguson at a check presentation ceremony. The boutique opened in October 2024 in downtown Webster City at 603 Second Street. The design grant award was used towards new exterior signage.

Peggy Joslin, owner of Country Twist Boutique, stands with Chamber Board President Mark Ferguson at a check presentation ceremony. The boutique opened in October 2024 in downtown Webster City at 603 Second Street. The design grant award was used towards new exterior signage.

-- Hamilton County Fair: $800 for raceway preservation;

-- City of Webster City: $434 for vacant property window murals;

-- The Cat Hut: $267.77 for upgraded signage;

-- Country Twist Boutique: $68.75 for new exterior signage;

-- Boone River Financial: $800 for upgraded signage at its new location.

These grants exemplify the Chamber's commitment to fostering economic growth and improving the visual appeal of Webster City.

“Programs like the design grant are made possible in part through fundraising efforts like our New Year's Eve Gala,” Woodward said. “When you support events like the Gala, you're contributing to initiatives that strengthen and beautify our community year-round.”

Applicants must be Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce members for a minimum of two years to be eligible to apply. The maximum grant award is $800. Members may reapply up to every 12 months. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are depleted.