Building Improvement Grant (BIG) Program

2024 Program Details

Qualified business and commercial property owners in the Opelousas Downtown Development District can now apply for a second round of grant funds for building rehabilitation through the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2024.

This local grant program aims to assist property and business owners in enhancing their buildings, creating more economic opportunities for businesses in the downtown area, preserving the city’s historic identity and cultural assets, and stimulating local investment.

The grant program is made possible through a partnership between the Opelousas Downtown Development District, Opelousas Main Street, and the City of Opelousas, with funding provided by the ODDD.

2023 Program Details

Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD), with support from the City of Opelousas, and Opelousas Main Street (OMS), is excited to announce the third year of funding for the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. This matching grant program is designed to assist property and business owners in rehabilitating commercial buildings for the purpose of creating a positive visual impact, stimulating private investment, complementing other community development efforts and preserving the city’s historic identity and cultural assets.

About the Building Grant Improvement Program

The BIG program is a reimbursement grant program that gives business/property owners an incentive to renovate and rehabilitate their building located within the designated ODDD (see map.) Preference will be given to applications whose buildings are also located within the Main Street District. This year the program will offer a total of $50,000 in grant funds for selected projects. The maximum amount that can be applied for is $10,000. Grant award amounts must be matched dollar for dollar by the recipient. An applicant is only allowed one grant per fiscal year.

Download the Guidelines here.

Download the Application here.