Entrepreneurs who want to open a business in Trafford next year will have a shot at a $600 matching grant for improving their storefront’s facade, though there is a catch.

The money is available to any business owner who has designs on sprucing up their storefront in Trafford “as long as it is not a naked mannequin … or a drag queen,” said Trafford Council President Kris Cardiff, who created the program for 2020.

During a borough council meeting this month, Cardiff said he is establishing the program with the money he receives for serving on council — $50 a month before taxes, or $600 a year before taxes. Cardiff explained that he is the only member still serving on council, when they voted several years ago to forego their monthly pay.

Cardiff said he had been returning his pay to the borough’s general fund. State law prohibits borough council members from increasing or decreasing their pay while they are in office, said Craig Alexander, borough solicitor.

“I’d really like to see Trafford come back. This could snowball eventually” into something larger, Cardiff said.

New businesses can apply from January through August for the matching grant for façade improvements, Cardiff said. If no new businesses apply for the grant, then it will be open to existing businesses, he noted.

Cardiff plans to work with the Trafford Business Association on the program. A spokesperson for the business association could not be reached for comment.

The state also offers a facade improvement grants through its Keystone Communities program designed for local governments, redevelopment authorities and nonprofit economic development organizations.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)