Qualified business and/or commercial property owners in Opelousas Downtown Development District can now apply for grant funds available through the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. Grant applications are due by April 11, 2025. The current round of funding will give preferential consideration to existing businesses applying for improvements to their building. The Building Improvement 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 and preserving the city’s historic identity and cultural assets. The grant program is made possible through a partnership by the Opelousas Downtown Development District, City of Opelousas and Opelousas Main Street.
The BIG is a reimbursement grant and award funding must be matched dollar for dollar by the recipient. An applicant may apply for a grant project from $500 to up to $10,000; however, the business and/or property owner must spend an equal amount or more on the project. This year, the Opelousas Downtown Development District has set aside $100,000 in funds for grant projects.
Since its inception in 2021, the BIG program has awarded grants to downtown commercial property owners totaling S282,918 in grant funds. Some of the work that property owners can apply for includes, but is not limited to, restoration of building features such as windows, awnings, masonry work, roof rehabilitation and interior work related to walls, flooring and ceiling repairs and plumbing.
Grant applications can be submitted in-person to Opelousas Downtown Development District or submitted by mail to Opelousas Downtown Development District, Attn: Brittany Cretchain, 5367 I-49 Service Rd., Opelousas, LA, 70570 and must be postmarked by April 11, 2025.
2025 BIG Grant Application (Word format)
Opelousas Downtown Dev District Map
Opelousas Historic District Map -Area1
Opelousas Main Street District Map
Last modified: March 6, 2025
