ROME — The City of Rome’s Business Assistance Fund (BAF), one of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) priority projects, has opened Round 5.1 of applications.

The BAF will provide funding to strengthen and make necessary improvements for downtown businesses and buildings within the DRI target area, officials said, adding the fund has been developed to provide resources to stimulate investment and economic development through projects that align with the greater DRI vision.

Interested parties who wish to apply can find the application, FAQs, and program guidelines at www.romenewyork.com under the “DRI Business Assistance Fund Information” section on the Community & Economic Development page.

All applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. Friday, March 24 by email to DSamuels@romecitygov.com.

There will also be an in-person information session open to the public at 1 p.m. Friday, March 10 in Common Council Chambers of City Hall.

Questions may be submitted through email to DSamuels@romecitygov.com or by calling 315-339-7646.