Main Street Hanover Awards Over $6,400 Through Sprout & Stroll Storefront Plant Micro-Grant Program

CommunityGeneral News ArticleFun FactsPress Release

Hanover, PA — Main Street Hanover is pleased to announce the successful completion of its inaugural Sprout & Stroll Storefront Plant Micro-Grant Program, a downtown beautification initiative designed to help businesses enhance their storefronts with vibrant plant displays ahead of the 2026 Folk & Flower Arts Festival.

Through the program, participating businesses and organizations invested a combined $8,194.21 in new planters, flowers, greenery, and other storefront beautification elements. Main Street Hanover reimbursed $6,476.54 through grant funding provided by the York County Trail Towns initiative.
The reimbursement-based micro-grant program offered up to $300 per applicant to support the purchase and installation of outdoor plants and planters throughout Main Street Hanover’s designated downtown district. The initiative was created to increase curb appeal, encourage walkability, and create a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Grant recipients included:
  • Aldus Brewing Company
  • Bucher House
  • Fat Bat Brewing
  • Grillrilla
  • Guthrie Memorial Library
  • Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Hanover Borough Administration
  • Hanover Borough Police Department
  • Hanover Market House
  • Jocelyn’s Pet Supplies
  • Nerdtopia
  • Panebaker Funeral Home
  • Pressell’s Florist & Visiting Angels
  • Redding Medical
  • Singer Orthodontics
  • The Cake Bar
  • The Golf Loft
  • The Sea Gypsy
  • The Serpent’s Key
  • Tommy John’s Tavern
  • Visual Realia LLC
  • Warehouse Gourmet
  • Weaver’s Screen Printing
  • Wicked Gems Boutique
  • Wren and Bluebird
“The response to this program exceeded our expectations,” said Main Street Hanover Executive Director Moriah Tyler. “As someone who grew up in a family-owned and operated landscaping business, it has been especially rewarding to see beautification efforts come full circle in my own career. The addition of flowers, planters, and greenery throughout downtown demonstrates how small investments made by individual businesses can collectively create a significant impact on the appearance and vibrancy of our community.”
Tyler added, “We are incredibly grateful to every participating business and organization that invested in making downtown Hanover more welcoming and beautiful. Their enthusiasm helped transform this program into something much larger than a grant opportunity, it became a community-wide beautification effort. We hope to be able to offer this grant program again in the future, although future funding is not guaranteed.”
The program also encouraged the use of Pennsylvania native plants, which provide important environmental benefits including pollinator support, drought tolerance, and seasonal interest. The initiative was inspired through collaboration with Dr. Andrew Reese of Smiles on Broadway, whose passion for native plantings helped shape the program’s vision.
Funding for the Sprout & Stroll Storefront Plant Micro-Grant Program was provided through the York County Trail Towns initiative, which supports projects that enhance community appearance, promote economic development, and improve visitor experiences in communities connected to York County’s trail network.
Trail Towns are communities that embrace nearby recreational trails as assets for economic growth and quality of life improvements. The program, administered through the York County Economic Alliance, works with municipalities and community organizations to create vibrant destinations for residents and visitors alike.
Main Street Hanover extends its sincere appreciation to all participating businesses, organizations, and partners who helped bring additional color, greenery, and vitality to downtown Hanover this spring.
For more information about Main Street Hanover programs and initiatives, visit Main Street Hanover’s website or follow Main Street Hanover on social media.
Powered by York County Trail Towns
This micro-grant program is made possible through support from the York County Trail Towns initiative.
What is a Trail Town?
Trail Towns are communities adjacent to public trails that embrace the trail as an opportunity for economic growth and improved quality of life. Trail Town programs use an integrated, asset-based economic development approach that considers each town’s existing resources, character, and local businesses to create a memorable and inviting experience for residents and visitors alike.
The Trail Towns Program was launched by the York County Economic Alliance to leverage the York Heritage Rail Trail as a driver for economic development in communities located along or near the popular multi-use trail. Working alongside municipal partners and community stakeholders, the program supports towns in reaching their potential as vibrant hubs for trail users.
Please visit their website at yorkcountytrailtowns.com to explore a trail town near you!
About Smiles on Broadway
At Smiles on Broadway, their team is proud to have built a practice rooted in compassion, quality, and community. They are fortunate to be supported by a dedicated and loyal staff who genuinely care about creating a positive, comfortable dental experience for every patient who walks through the door. That shared commitment to excellence has led to long-term success and an atmosphere that makes each day rewarding for both patients and team members alike.
Located in a beautifully preserved Civil War–era home in a pleasant neighborhood, the practice offers a warm and welcoming setting with ample parking and convenient access. Dr. Reese has pursued extensive postgraduate education and has earned the prestigious Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry — a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of general dentists. The practice proudly offers comprehensive general dentistry, along with advanced expertise in implant and esthetic dentistry, allowing patients to receive a wide range of high-quality care right here in their hometown.

About Main Street Hanover

The mission of Main Street Hanover is to expand the economic capacity of downtown Hanover, thus improving the business environment, enhancing the quality of place, and increasing community synergy.

 

Main Street Hanover is a 501c3 non-profit & proceeds benefit the revitalization of Downtown Hanover.

Main Street Hanover Awards Over $6,400 Through Sprout & Stroll Storefront Plant Micro-Grant Program