Citizens Bank Expands IMPACT Loan and Grant Fund with Community Reception

Citizens Bank hosted a reception last week to officially expand the bank’s IMPACT Loan and Grant Fund, continuing its success since the program’s introduction in 2016. The bank announced it has significantly increased both loan and grant funds to support the revitalization of downtown Batesville. 

“Citizens Bank is proud to announce the expansion of the IMPACT Loan and Grant Fund,” said Micah Beard, Citizens Bank regional president. “This program truly exemplifies our People First mission, and we are excited to expand our support of downtown Batesville’s growth.”

Throughout its seven-year legacy, this fund has motivated and supported property owners and merchants to transform previously vacant storefronts into thriving businesses. With this year’s expansion, loan funding will increase to a total of $15 million and add an additional $100,000 in grant funding to benefit the downtown historic district. 

Since 2016, Citizens Bank has surpassed the originally approved $100,000 from the initial development of the program and awarded nearly $130,000 in grant funds and $8 million in low-interest rate loans to small business and private property owners in the downtown historic district of Batesville. 

The IMPACT Loan and Grant Fund supports the local community by stimulating the downtown economy, promoting historic downtown redevelopment and providing cash grants to property owners, business owners and tenants with smaller business needs, such as painting, restoring exterior finishes, signs, exterior lighting awnings, sidewalk renovation and landscaping. It has become a successful movement by Citizens Bank, changing the landscape of tourism in the downtown area. 

Learn more about the IMPACT Loan and Grant Fund here.