FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO); For five years, Fort Wayne's Façade Grant Program has been awarding local businesses for improving the look of their facilities. Now the city's getting awarded.

The program has earned the “Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award” from the International Economic Development Council. The organization highlights the best ideas in development and partnership.

Fort Wayne’s program provides matching grants for businesses in designed zones as an incentive to enhance the look of the city. 

Mayor Tom Henry called the city’s Façade Grants a way to “have a lasting impact on Fort Wayne”

Read the full city press release, click here.