BANGOR—Downtown Bangor Partnership is launching "Glow Up Grants," a new program to enhance the curb appeal of downtown storefronts ahead of Summer 2026. With support from DaVinci Signs, the grants will help selected retail businesses refresh and reimagine their facades.

Home to more than 100 shops and restaurants, Downtown Bangor is a destination for visitors from near and far. The Partnership's goal is to inspire shoppers by investing directly in the aesthetic appeal of ground-level storefronts — an approach that aligns with its 2022 Strategic Plan, which identifies retail cultivation as a primary goal in creating a sustainable downtown, and reflects consistent feedback from its annual surveys.

“DaVinci Signs is proud to partner with Downtown Bangor in elevating the look and feel of our city,” said Mandy Rogers, DaVinci Signs Marketing and Sales Director. “As a company, we believe signage is more than branding — it’s about creating identity, energy, and pride. We’re excited to play a role in the ‘glow up’ of downtown and help businesses shine.”

Eligible upgrades include updated signage, paint, vinyl lettering, awnings, planters, seating, banners, and other improvements that strengthen a business' overall presentation, contributing to a welcoming downtown environment. 

Executive Director Betsy Lundy Lundy says, “Anyone who has visited the shops in Downtown Bangor knows how beautifully curated they are on the inside, and we are excited to help downtown retailers transpose their interior vision to their exterior.”

The Partnership anticipates awarding five grants, each with a maximum award of $2,500, with an application deadline of March 30, 2026. Matching funds are not required, but will be considered during evaluation, along with business longevity, hours of operation, and the scale and impact of proposed improvements.

Grants are open to brick-and-mortar retail businesses operating within the Downtown Bangor district. Eligible businesses must occupy a fixed storefront location and be open to the public during regular business hours. Restaurants, cafés, and service businesses with a significant retail component may also qualify. 

The program does not cover structural repairs such as masonry, window replacement, or wooden facade reconstruction. However, the Partnership will connect business owners seeking structural repair assistance with the City of Bangor to explore potential eligibility for Community Development Block Grant funding for spot blight remediation.

Downtown Bangor Partnership encourages eligible retailers to apply and help shape a more vibrant downtown for residents and visitors alike.

For more information or to apply, visit downtownbangor.com/glow-up-grants.