Downtown Business Grants

The Economic Development Division assists new and existing businesses with finding available locations on the Square and navigating the permit process.  Additionally, it develops initiatives to ensure a pro-business climate downtown. The following information and resources are frequently used by prospective, new and existing downtown business owners.
Downtown Business District storefronts

DMDA District Awning and Signage Grant


The Downtown Marietta Development Authority (DMDA) continuously seeks ways to encourage further economic development in historic Marietta Square and surrounding district properties. The DMDA is currently offering a 50/50 matching grant (up to $2,000) for business owners located within the DMDA District who would like to enhance the appearance of their storefront by improving their signage and/or awnings. For additional information view the Grant Guidelines and Application (PDF).


Operating a Business Downtown


To preserve the authentic character of the Historic Marietta Square, the Central Business District (CBD) does have unique design requirements each property/business owner must be aware of.  Businesses located within the CBD are required to have the design of proposed awnings, signs, and any exterior material changes to the building evaluated by the Historic Board of Review (HBR) prior to City permitting and installation.

The links and documents on this page are some of the resources that are useful to most business owners opening or operating as business downtown.