The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler has $50,000 available for businesses in Butler in need of an update.

The work just has to be front-facing and within the Main Street corridor.

A business can receive up to $7,500 through the grant if it is on a corner, or $5,000 if it is a centered building. Veronica Walker, executive director of the redevelopment authority, said at a board meeting Thursday morning, Feb. 15, this is a new grant funded by the authority’s Centre City initiative.

In addition to some facility requirements, Walker said businesses that apply for the grant must also provide matching funds in the amount they are applying for.

“There also has to be proof that there are no liens against the building.” Walker said. “It’s pretty simple, but it’s anything to help improve downtown Butler.”

The Main Street corridor, Walker said, spans from Penn Street to Quarry Street and from Washington Street to McKean Street. Businesses in that area are eligible to receive money through the grant.

Brian McCafferty, chairman of the redevelopment authority board of directors, said a corner building is eligible to receive more money because it typically has more space than a building that is a single unit.

“The purpose is to make it more attractive; if you have a high-visibility, impactful job, so that’s why a corner lot would get more money,” he said.

The redevelopment authority is also in search of a part-time clerical worker to aid Walker, who is the authority’s only employee. McCafferty said the position could grow beyond a part-time job with the right person.

“One of the things I want to really try to push us to find is another person to help work here as a secretary so Veronica has the time to be the resource that she’s good at,” McCafferty said. “It’s a shame that we’ve kind of tied up your time with some of the secretarial tasks because you’re the sole employee here.”