The Big Impact 2023
The Big Impact, formally known as the Big Idea!
For 2021-2024, The Big Impact will be an exclusive micro grant for our TMSA Merchant Partners! This gives our downtown merchants a chance to submit their exterior facade projects for a chance to win $$$$ to help make a BIG IMPACT in the TMSA corridor. In 2025, TMSA will open applications to the community for larger scale projects to make a bigger BIG IMPACT in our downtown corridor!
For 2021-2024, The Big Impact will be an exclusive micro grant for our TMSA Merchant Partners! This gives our downtown merchants a chance to submit their exterior facade projects for a chance to win $$$$ to help make a BIG IMPACT in the TMSA corridor. In 2025, TMSA will open applications to the community for larger scale projects to make a bigger BIG IMPACT in our downtown corridor!
THE BIG IMPACT 2023
$7500 GRANT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ARVEST BANK
Application Period March 15th-April 15th
Finalists Announced May 15th
Community Voting Period June 12th-June16th
2023 Big Impact Winner Announced June 16th at the TMSA Grow With Main Street event
Find the application link below!
HOW IT WORKS
Phase 1 - Applying for The Big Impact
During this time applicants can submit their exterior façade project to TMSA through the online application. To complete the application you will need a detailed description of your project, an estimated cost with supporting documentation, and an estimated timeline to complete your project. Please keep in mind the project scope should be that of an exterior façade project. Placemaking projects will not be accepted. If you have any questions on if your project qualifies, please reach out to Jamie Hale. Should your project be chosen, applicants should be aware it is their responsibility to see that their project is completed. TMSA will serve in a mentor and advisory role only. After the application deadline, a committee will review all submissions and select 3-5 finalists. The committee will consist of TMSA Board members and community members. The 2021 Big Impact grant winner is not eligible to apply to the 2023 Big Impact grant.
Phase 2 - Selecting The Big Impact winner
Once the finalists have been selected, it is now time to select the winner. Finalists will meet with a TMSA representative to review the work plan for their project. TMSA will assist you in creating a video showcasing your project. The video will be played during the Big Impact virtual event and is how the community will learn about your business and project. The Big Impact will be solely virtual. Every voter will watch all finalist videos before casting their vote. Voting tickets will be $1 and voting is unlimited. All funds raised during the voting event will be added to next year's Big Impact grant.
Phase 3 - Completing the project
Once all the votes are cast, we will determine the 2023 Big Impact winner. The work plan that was created in Phase 2 will now begin! As the project winner, you are now in control of your project coming to life. Funds can be received from TMSA by submitting invoices to directly pay your vendors or receipts to reimburse you for expenses. Your project should be completed by December 31, 2023. Any project not completed by December 31, 2023 will need to be approved by the TMSA Board of Directors. Applicants may lose granted funds if they are not used within the given time frame and may not be allowed to participate in future TMSA grant programs.
RULES & REGULATIONS
Objective
The Big Impact is a micro grant funded by the Tahlequah Main Street Association’s reinvestment funds. The Big Impact is reserved for TMSA Merchant Partners only and is to be used to revitalize and improve the exterior façade of a business/building within the TMSA corridor. The project must be an exterior façade project that is a semi-permanent or permanent addition to the building.
Eligibility
Eligible projects must align with the TMSA mission to revitalize downtown Tahlequah and strengthen it as the heart of our city. Projects must be able to be completed by December 31, 2023. Eligible projects must have a direct impact on the building the merchant partner operates from. Project ideas include the replacement, addition, or improvement of awnings, exterior doorways, exterior windows, landscaping, signage, outdoor fireplace/pit, outdoor sound systems, etc. At this time, placemaking and public space projects will not be accepted. If you aren’t sure if your project fits the requirements, please reach out.
Who Can Apply
Applications can only be submitted by Tahlequah Main Street Merchant Partners that are in good standing with the organization. To apply to be a Merchant Partner visit tahlequahmainstreet.com/partnerships
Grant Amount
The grant amount is not to exceed $7,500. If the winning project’s total cost is below $7,500, no additional monies will be granted. If the winning project’s total cost is above $7,500, the applicant may be asked to provide proof of funding to make up the difference. All monies raised in Phase 2 selection process will be added to the TMSA reinvestment funds for future projects.
Disbursement of Funds
Funds will be dispersed to the grant winner as itemized receipts or invoices are turned in to TMSA. All grant money must be dispersed by December 31, 2023. Any monies not used by December 31, 2023 are subject to being forfeited by the grant winner. The Tahlequah Main Street Board of Directors will need to approve any extensions of the grant timeline.
Review Process
After the application deadline, a committee of both TMSA board and non-board members will review and select three to five finalists. Committee members will be given a rubric to score projects based on their impact to the TMSA corridor and how well it aligns with the TMSA mission.
Responsibility of Applicant
It is the applicant’s responsibility to be the manager of their project. TMSA will serve in a mentor and advisory role, but will not be responsible for the implementation of the winning project. Should the applicant fail to successfully and completely implement their project, any funds already dispersed will be the responsibility of the applicant to reimburse TMSA and no future funds will be paid out.
Phase 1 - Applying for The Big Impact
During this time applicants can submit their exterior façade project to TMSA through the online application. To complete the application you will need a detailed description of your project, an estimated cost with supporting documentation, and an estimated timeline to complete your project. Please keep in mind the project scope should be that of an exterior façade project. Placemaking projects will not be accepted. If you have any questions on if your project qualifies, please reach out to Jamie Hale. Should your project be chosen, applicants should be aware it is their responsibility to see that their project is completed. TMSA will serve in a mentor and advisory role only. After the application deadline, a committee will review all submissions and select 3-5 finalists. The committee will consist of TMSA Board members and community members. The 2021 Big Impact grant winner is not eligible to apply to the 2023 Big Impact grant.
Phase 2 - Selecting The Big Impact winner
Once the finalists have been selected, it is now time to select the winner. Finalists will meet with a TMSA representative to review the work plan for their project. TMSA will assist you in creating a video showcasing your project. The video will be played during the Big Impact virtual event and is how the community will learn about your business and project. The Big Impact will be solely virtual. Every voter will watch all finalist videos before casting their vote. Voting tickets will be $1 and voting is unlimited. All funds raised during the voting event will be added to next year's Big Impact grant.
Phase 3 - Completing the project
Once all the votes are cast, we will determine the 2023 Big Impact winner. The work plan that was created in Phase 2 will now begin! As the project winner, you are now in control of your project coming to life. Funds can be received from TMSA by submitting invoices to directly pay your vendors or receipts to reimburse you for expenses. Your project should be completed by December 31, 2023. Any project not completed by December 31, 2023 will need to be approved by the TMSA Board of Directors. Applicants may lose granted funds if they are not used within the given time frame and may not be allowed to participate in future TMSA grant programs.
RULES & REGULATIONS
Objective
The Big Impact is a micro grant funded by the Tahlequah Main Street Association’s reinvestment funds. The Big Impact is reserved for TMSA Merchant Partners only and is to be used to revitalize and improve the exterior façade of a business/building within the TMSA corridor. The project must be an exterior façade project that is a semi-permanent or permanent addition to the building.
Eligibility
Eligible projects must align with the TMSA mission to revitalize downtown Tahlequah and strengthen it as the heart of our city. Projects must be able to be completed by December 31, 2023. Eligible projects must have a direct impact on the building the merchant partner operates from. Project ideas include the replacement, addition, or improvement of awnings, exterior doorways, exterior windows, landscaping, signage, outdoor fireplace/pit, outdoor sound systems, etc. At this time, placemaking and public space projects will not be accepted. If you aren’t sure if your project fits the requirements, please reach out.
Who Can Apply
Applications can only be submitted by Tahlequah Main Street Merchant Partners that are in good standing with the organization. To apply to be a Merchant Partner visit tahlequahmainstreet.com/partnerships
Grant Amount
The grant amount is not to exceed $7,500. If the winning project’s total cost is below $7,500, no additional monies will be granted. If the winning project’s total cost is above $7,500, the applicant may be asked to provide proof of funding to make up the difference. All monies raised in Phase 2 selection process will be added to the TMSA reinvestment funds for future projects.
Disbursement of Funds
Funds will be dispersed to the grant winner as itemized receipts or invoices are turned in to TMSA. All grant money must be dispersed by December 31, 2023. Any monies not used by December 31, 2023 are subject to being forfeited by the grant winner. The Tahlequah Main Street Board of Directors will need to approve any extensions of the grant timeline.
Review Process
After the application deadline, a committee of both TMSA board and non-board members will review and select three to five finalists. Committee members will be given a rubric to score projects based on their impact to the TMSA corridor and how well it aligns with the TMSA mission.
Responsibility of Applicant
It is the applicant’s responsibility to be the manager of their project. TMSA will serve in a mentor and advisory role, but will not be responsible for the implementation of the winning project. Should the applicant fail to successfully and completely implement their project, any funds already dispersed will be the responsibility of the applicant to reimburse TMSA and no future funds will be paid out.
2021 Big Impact Winner
Threadz Consignment
2021 Big Impact Winner- Theresa Williams- Threadz Consignment- New lighted sign
2020 Big Impact Winner
Dave Rogers
2020 Big Idea Winner is Bike Racks submitted by Dave Rogers, owner of Paceline Cyclery! Congratulations Dave!
Bikes racks have been ordered and we are looking forward to installing them in the Fall of 2021!
UPDATE: 12/20/2021- With some Delay, Bike Racks have now been delivered and will be installed Spring of 2022!
UPDATE: 12/20/2021- With some Delay, Bike Racks have now been delivered and will be installed Spring of 2022!
2019 Big Impact Winner
Amanda Lamberson
The 2019 Big Idea Winner was Interactive Murals by Amanda Lamberson! Congratulations Amanda!
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2018 Big Impact Winner
Workman's Department Store
The 2018 Big Idea winner was Workman's Department Store Facade Revitalization! Congratulations Workman's!
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Phase 1 - Gathering the Big Ideas for the Big Impact Applicants can submit their Big Impact idea to TMSA through the online application. To complete the application you will need a detailed description of your Big Impact idea, an estimated cost with supporting documentation, and an estimated timeline to complete your project. Should your Big Impact idea be chosen, applicants should be aware it is their responsibility to see that their project is completed. TMSA will serve in a mentor and advisory role for the winning project. Past Big Impact winners have been building facade rehabilitation and the addition of murals throughout the corridor. The sky's the limit for future projects! After the application deadline, a committee will review all submissions and select 3-5 finalists. The committee will consist of TMSA Board members and community members. Phase 2 - Selecting the Big Impact Once the finalists have been selected, it is now time to select the winner. Finalists will meet with a TMSA representative to review the work plan for their Big Impact. TMSA will assist you in creating a video showcasing your project. The video will be played at the Big Impact event and is how the community will learn about your project. Every voter will watch all finalist videos before casting their vote. The Big Idea will be hosted virtually this year! We will have more details on how to purchase your ticket and cast your vote soon! Phase 3 - Completing the Big Idea Once all the votes are cast, we will determine the Big Impact winner. The work plan that was created in Phase 2 will now begin! As the project winner, you are now in control of your Big Impact coming to life. Funds can be received from TMSA by submitting itemized invoices or receipts for your expenses. |
Objective The Big Impact is a micro grant funded by the Tahlequah Main Street Association’s reinvestment funds. The Big Idea consists of three phases - gathering Big Impact submissions, selecting a winner from chosen finalists, and implementing the winning Big Impact. Eligibility Eligible projects must align with the TMSA mission to revitalize Downtown Tahlequah and strengthen it as the heart of our city. Projects must be able to be completed by June 2022. Past Big Impact winners have been building facade rehabilitation and the addition of murals throughout the corridor. The sky's the limit for future projects! Who Can Apply Applications can be submitted by community organizations, business owners, building owners, or individual community members. Grant Amount The grant amount is not to exceed $2,500. If the winning project is below $2,500, no additional monies will be granted. If the winning project is above $52,500, the applicant may be asked to provide proof of funding to make up the difference. All monies raised in the Phase 2 selection process will be added to the TMSA reinvestment funds for future Big Ideas. Disbursement of Funds Funds will be dispersed to the grant winner as itemized receipts or invoices are turned in to TMSA. All grant money must be dispersed by June 30, 2022. Review Process After the application deadline, a committee of both TMSA board and non-board members will review and select three to five finalists. Committee members will be given a rubric to score projects based on their impact to the TMSA corridor and how well it aligns with the TMSA mission. Responsibility of Applicant It is the applicant’s responsibility to be the manager of their project. TMSA will serve in a mentor and advisory role, but will not be responsible for the implementation of the winning project. Should the applicant fail to successfully and completely implement their project, any funds already dispersed will be the responsibility of the applicant to reimburse TMSA and no future funds will be paid out. |
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Donate to the "The Big Idea" and help fund the next Big Idea! All donations are tax deductible, as allowed by law. 100% of your donation goes to "The Big Idea".
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