Valpo Invests in Business Grant - Apply by June 30
To further support its small business community, the City of Valparaiso has launched the Valpo Invests in Business (VIB) grant program. Funds may be used for payroll costs, inventory, rent or mortgage, property taxes or insurance, utilities, equipment lease or to support remote work. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to qualifying small businesses. The City worked to create this program by securing a grant through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) with additional support from the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission. Guidelines and application materials are available online. Contact us for more information.
Celebrate the Arts in Valparaiso June 24-27
To support its public art and arts community, the City of Valparaiso will host a Guided Art Walk at 6:00 pm on Thursday, June 24, at Cumberland Crossing. Art Administrator Kurt Gillins will serve as guide, sharing details of the 18 sculptures along the walk, including five new pieces installed earlier this month. The guided Art Walk is free, and registration is not required. Learn more about the event. The City has also launched a Community Choice Award, inviting the public to vote for their favorite sculpture along the Walk. Vote now!
Visit downtown Valpo June 26 and 27 to enjoy the 2nd Annual Valparaiso Art Festival. Valparaiso Events and Amdur Productions proudly present this free festival featuring more than 60 original artisans. Come shop from juried artists from across the country, view live art demonstrations and enjoy the live music and food fare. Learn more.
Summer is ON in Valpo!
The sun is shining and Valparaiso is bustling with summer activities for all! Check out this recent Moment with the Mayor for additional details.
Some highlights include:
Valparaiso Market at Central Park on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm through October 16
Downtown Fitness at Central Park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the summer
Valpo Parks introduced new umbrellas downtown this week at Central Park Plaza. Visitors may now enjoy some shade at the picnic tables while grabbing local take out or to sit and cool off while visiting the Splash Pad.
ValPAWraiso Dog Park Ribbon Cutting & Celebration
Valpo Parks invites you to sit, stay, and play at the ValPAWraiso Dog Park Ribbon Cutting & Celebration on Friday, June 25 from 4:30 pm - 7 pm Join Valpo Parks for tail wagging activities for all to enjoy! This event is free and open to the public. Learn more about the ValPAWraiso Dog Park and membership.
To better serve Valparaiso residents, the City offers Valpo Voice, a helpful way to report a concern and initiate service. Valpo Voice was recently enhanced alongside the city website's redesign. Valpo Voice complements the city’s new consolidation of Utilities and Public Works into a single unified City Services department, enhancing efficiency and service. Simply visit our website and select the "Voice a Concern" button to report concerns or code enforcement issues.
Reminder - Neighborhood Grant Applications Due July 31
The City of Valparaiso is now accepting applications for its annual Neighborhood Improvement Grant program. Grants are available for qualified neighborhood-based projects, in increments up to $15,000 per neighborhood with a July 31 deadline to apply. Visit our website for more information on the grant guidelines and watch this 25-minute webinar for an overview of the program and how to submit a successful application.
Neighborhood Watch
Sierra Neighborhood celebrated the installation of two new entrance signs. The signs were partially funded by a Neighborhood Grant, with the Homeowners' Association taking on the additional costs to bring this great beautification project to life!
Michael Pancini represented Central Neighborhood at the June 16 Neighborhood Workshop and presented on their success teaming up with the City on Neighborhood Tree Planting events.
Oak Grove - Woodside Valley Neighborhood collected neighborhood improvement ideas at a recent block party using the City's Big Idea Board. Neighbors are now working to submit a grant application. Contact us to learn more about renting our Idea Board.
Have a neighborhood story you want to share? Contact us to be featured next month!
