Grant Guidelines and Application

Purpose of the Grant Funds

The Storefront Improvement Program assists business and property owners in making improvements to their buildings, such as new signs, awnings, painting, etc. This program strengthens small businesses and promotes economic development.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed and the Design Committee will make selections for funding. Each application is evaluated on its own merits and how it fits the goals of the program.

General Criteria

• Either property owners or business owners are eligible to apply for funding. The maximum amount that will be awarded per building is $2500 and must be matched on a 1:1 Example: A grant applicant has a $5000 project and has been approved for a $2500 grant. The applicant spends $5000 of their own money on the project. When the project is completed, they turn in receipts for the work. The receipts are verified and the work has been completed as stated in the application. Upon approval of the work and expenditure, the grant applicant will receive a $2500 reimbursement check.
• Grants are limited to exterior preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of retail/commercial business buildings. Although projects involving signage, awnings, or painting will likely be the most typical projects for th-is grant, other exterior rehabilitation proposals may be eligible and
• Grant funding is NOT available for the purchase or the rental of tools, machinery, or equipment, or for the owner's time spent on work
• The application must thoroughly describe the project and should include relevant supplementary materials such as drawings (a simple hand drawn sketch will suffice in many cases), specifications, photographs showing where work will be done, budgets and schedule of work to be performed.
• The applicant shall comply with all zoning and permitting

Grant Funds

Grant funding is handled on a reimbursement basis. Funds will be disbursed only when receipts for completed work are submitted and approved by the Design committee.

Reimbursement

One hundred percent payment of the grant will bedisbursed only when there is evidence that the project is completed and receipts for work are received and approved by the Design committee.

Grant Expiration Date

Grant funds in this round must be used by June 1, 2026 or the grant becomes void.

All receipts and requests for reimbursement must be submitted to the Scott County Visitors Commission no later than 6/1/26.

Required submittals to Apply for the Grant

• A signed and completed grant application form with all attachments
• Photo of building, description, plans of proposed work
• If the application is submitted by someone other than the property owner, please submit a letter or email from the property owner establishing your permission to work on the property.

More Information

Contact at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 812-595-3678