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The nonprofit organization announced Tuesday that it has secured $499,749.73 through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Catalyst Program to launch and implement “Dig Into Keene,” an initiative designed to help businesses navigate the impacts of the city’s upcoming downtown reconstruction project.
The grant will support a broader economic resilience effort with a total budget of $1.29 million. Organizers say the program is intended to assist the approximately 95 businesses and 825 employees located in downtown Keene during the anticipated three-year infrastructure project, which is expected to bring significant construction activity to Main Street and surrounding areas.
The Dig Into Keene initiative will focus on maintaining customer traffic and business visibility throughout the project. Planned efforts include marketing and public relations campaigns, improved wayfinding tools to help visitors navigate construction zones, technical assistance for businesses, community events and festivals, and a spending-data platform that will track economic activity and measure the effectiveness of the program.
Keene Downtown Group President Mark Rebillard said the funding allows the organization to move from planning into implementation, with the goal of helping local businesses remain successful during what is expected to be one of the largest construction projects in the city’s history.
Project supporters have spent more than a year developing the initiative. Tom Minkler, a Keene Downtown Group advisor and retired president of Clark-Mortenson/Hilb Group, said the award recognizes the collaborative work of volunteers, business owners and community partners who helped shape the plan.
The Northern Border Regional Commission grant is intended to help communities strengthen economic development and resilience. New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Lucy Lange said projects selected for funding this round demonstrate innovative approaches to supporting local industries, expanding services and fostering long-term economic growth.
The Dig Into Keene program is designed not only to support downtown businesses during construction but also to serve as a model for other rural communities facing major infrastructure projects.
With grant funding now secured, Keene Downtown Group plans to begin implementing the initiative immediately while continuing efforts to raise additional support from businesses, foundations, residents and community partners to fully fund the project’s long-term objectives.