Tarentum Councilwoman Carrie Fox said the old adage of not judging a book by its cover isn’t always easy.

When it comes to borough businesses, she wants them to look pristine and up to date.

“It may be something small like a new sign or an awning or just painting, but it all makes a definite impact.”

The borough is launching a grant program to help small-business owners spruce up their storefronts.

“Small business is the heart of the community,” she said.

A total of $50,000 will be distributed to 10 owners, five on the east side of town and five on the west.

Money will come from the borough’s electric fund.

No tax dollars will be used, Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf said.

There are about 150 businesses in the borough. Boddorf said the grants are designed to encourage economic development through beautification.

An application process will be developed and posted online in the coming weeks.

Meridith Ross, owner of Redefined @4th, a vintage store along Fourth Avenue, said the program sounds amazing.

“Everyone wants their store to look nice,” she said. “Keeping up with the vintage aesthetics is not as simple as painting over your bricks.”

Ross recently took over a second location, the former Vesta second- hand shop in the old Harrison’s Men’s Shop along Corbet Street. That location will be called Redefined.

“For somebody like me, who is expanding to a second space, that money could really be used to vamp up both fronts,” she said.

“It’s a dream to any business owner.”

Boddorf said an outside committee will review applications because there are several council people who own businesses in town.

“They should have a shot at the money, but it should not be a guarantee,” he said. “This way, it will be removed from our hands.”

The program will stipulate that grant winners repay the money to the borough if it is not used as intended.

Fox said she is pleased to see the idea being carried out after much discussion.

“To see business owners get the help they need is incredible,” she said. “Good facades help a business grow and thrive.”

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