Façade Matching Grant Program - DEI has developed a matching grant program for facade improvements. You may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in matching funds for renovations to the exterior of your building, including signage, windows, awnings, lighting, etc. Download the application, or call the DEI office (717-738-5060) for more information.

Facade Improvement Guidelines - These guidelines are used hand in hand with the Facade Matching Grant Program. However, they provide significant recommendations to any property owner in the downtown area who desires direction and advice on improving or renovating his/her property with historic integrity in mind. The guidelines are easy to read, complete, and realistic to implement. Further, DEI's Design Review Committee can offer specific advice and input at the request of the property owner or affected business, regardless of their use of the Matching Grant Program.

Web-based Technical Assistance - Having information and "how to" manuals at your fingertips, and on line, saves time.  DEI has put together a selection of helpful instructions and guides to help the small business person, and the business interested in Downtown Ephrata, make effective decisions concerning his/her business progress.  The following selections are available on line "24/7":
   *  Ephrata Drive Shed Study (developed with the South Central Assembly for Effective Governance)
   *  DEI Resource Book
   *  Your Guide to Doing Business in Downtown Ephrata
Feel free to call the DEI office with any questions, comments, or for further information.

Business Development Seminars - DEI strives to increase retail sales and business opportunities for Ephrata business owners by offering occasional seminars to local businesses on a variety of topics such as e-commerce, advertising, marketing, customer service, business planning, exit strategies and more. Scheduling of seminars are dictated by interest and preference of the downtown business owners.

Marketing Efforts - Marketing is an integral part of doing business. DEI recognizes that and has developed an array of helpful tools that are available upon request:

• DEI publishes a newsletter that goes out to all businesses in downtown Ephrata, as well as other interested parties, at least 3 times a year. Each issue includes downtown activities, trends, and other news that relate to downtown Ephrata and the specific businesses therein.
• Once a year, DEI publishes a downtown business directory, listing business names, addresses, web sites, and business descriptions. Downtown maps, which identify parking options and points of interest within the downtown, are also made available to local businesses for customer use
• DEI's website, www.downtownephrata.org, offers an on-line directory of downtown businesses, including contact information, web sites, and business descriptions.
• DEI will, on request, provide assistance with grand-opening/ribbon-cutting ceremonies or other special events, by sending press releases and inviting local media, borough officials, and interested parties from the business community.

Display Window Assistance - Downtown Ephrata has beautiful display windows within its boundaries, yet many retailers and commercial users have little experience in knowing how to best promote themselves using this very visual asset. DEI's Design Committee and Promotions Committee offer assistance to businesses to help them develop and design a window display that maximizes their marketing impact.

Marketing Portfolio - This portfolio is made up of dozens of ways a business or other organization in downtown Ephrata can promote itself. Succinctly displayed with contact info, prices, and circulation data, DEI hopes to provide effective tools for businesses to make informed decisions on how to maximize their advertising and marketing dollars.