ST. JOHN, Kan. — Stafford County Economic Development (SCED), in partnership with Network Kansas, is now accepting applications for Pitch Your Porch, a new downtown improvement pitch competition designed to support Main Street businesses across Stafford County.
Pitch Your Porch invites downtown businesses to propose exterior improvement projects that enhance curb appeal and strengthen local downtowns. Eligible projects include façade improvements, signage, lighting, outdoor seating, landscaping, and other visible upgrades to the front of a business.
A total of $15,000 in prize funding is available, with multiple awards to be granted. Businesses may request up to $5,000 per project and are required to provide a minimum 25% match toward total project costs.
Selected applicants will pitch their projects live during the Pitch Your Porch event on March 19 at 6:00 p.m. at the Stafford County Annex. Each business will have seven minutes to present their project, including design concepts and intended impact.
To be considered, applicants must submit project quotes, design concepts, and proof of funds for their required match as part of the application process. Funded projects are expected to be completed within six months of receiving funds, and photos of the completed improvements must be submitted upon project completion.
In addition to Pitch Your Porch, Stafford County Economic Development has recently been awarded USDA Rural Business Development Grants to support downtown planning efforts in both St. John and Stafford. These grants fund comprehensive downtown master planning that includes evaluating existing building and infrastructure conditions, conducting market and business analyses, and engaging local stakeholders and the public to establish a shared vision and clear goals for long-term downtown revitalization and investment.
“This program is about making visible, tangible investments in our downtown businesses while aligning those improvements with long-term planning and economic development efforts,” said Ryan Russell, Executive Director of Stafford County Economic Development.
The application deadline is March 13. Any business located in the downtown or Main Street areas of Stafford County communities is eligible to apply.
For more information or to request an application, contact Ryan Russell at [email protected].
