Downtown Geneva will come alive this year with a host of entertainment acts thanks to the City’s outdoor music grant program.

Outdoor Music Geneva (OMG) grant funding has been approved to help downtown businesses bring in singers, musicians, mimes, jugglers and magicians to entertain shoppers when festivals are not taking place. The City has dedicated $5,000 from its 2014-15 hotel/motel funding to be used for grants to enhance visitors’ experience when shopping in downtown Geneva.

“Businesses enjoy the program and are eager to partner with the City again this year to bring entertainment to downtown Geneva,” said Paul Evans, the City’s Business Development Specialist.

Last year, 29 grants were awarded to various businesses. The City’s maximum contribution will be $500 per event, which will be matched by the sponsoring business. Due to increasing popularity, the City has instituted a $1,000 business maximum for merchants applying for multiple event grants.

Businesses are encouraged to submit their requests early. The entertainment should take place outdoors, be free to the public and can be held on either public or private property. A packet detailing eligible expenses, program guidelines and application forms are being mailed out to past OMG program participants. Applications also can be found online on the City’s website (see link below).

Priority will be given to grant applications that generate large crowds, reach a broad cross-section of people or encourage visitors to patronize Geneva’s businesses, restaurants, hotels and attractions. Applications that meet the program guidelines will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, call Evans at 630-845-9654 or email him at pevans@geneva.il.us.