Facade improvement grant program

The Facade Improvement Grant Program,was established to support and encourage small business to reinvest in the downtown and neighborhood business districts. The Program provides matching grants to small business owners and tenants to assist them in restoring or beautifying their facades or storefronts.

The objective of the Program is to enhance the visual appearance and economic viability of the downtown and smaller neighborhood commercial areas. The City will release the mortgage and cognovit note two years after the effective date. Learn more. Please email your questions to Steven Powell at steven. Incentive Programs. Eligible Buildings Eligible buildings must: Have no code violations Be located in a low-to-moderate income census tract of the city of Toledo A building's eligibility is determined by use, not zoning.

Eligible buildings include: Commercial use non-residential Industrial use Mixed-use integrated commercial and residential uses A building is ineligible to receive the grant if it contains businesses in the following industries: Payday loan businesses Liquor and tobacco stores Pawn shops Firearm or other weapons dealers Adult entertainment Passive real estate investments Buildings with vacancies are required to provide a marketing plan that demonstrates their intention to actively market the property for commercial, industrial, or mixed-uses, a letter of intent from a business to occupy the space, or a statement of self-occupancy by the building owner.

Eligible Expenses The Facade Improvement Grant provides funding for a comprehensive enhancement to a building's facade. Roofing expenses are eligible, but non-reimbursable expenses, which are applicable toward an applicant's match amount and must be accompanied by at least two of the expenses listed above to be eligible for the FIG. Ineligible expenses include: Paving Landscaping Fencing Sidewalks located on public property All enhancements must be located on private property and comply with zoning and building codes to be eligible for the Facade Improvement Grant.

Application Process and Timeline. Application Review The Department of Economic Development will review the application and supporting documentation to determine eligibility.

Facade Improvement Grant Agreement If the application is approved, the City will enter into a Facade Improvement Grant Agreement with the applicant to establish the terms and conditions in which eligible work can be reimbursed.

Pre-application submission does not guarantee funding. If your pre-application is approved you will be invited to submit a full application packet. Awardees must be approved and enter into a Grant and Design Agreement prior to the start of any work.

Search for:. Program only. Grant awards are contingent upon funds availability. How to Apply Video:. Application Process Timeline:.

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