Small Business Facade and Property Improvement Program Grant applications due March 17, 2023

The Small Business Facade and Property Improvement Program provides grants to property and small-business owners that are interested in renovating the front exterior of Marion County businesses. This grant was created to encourage property owners and small businesses to improve the exterior of their buildings and storefronts to attract new customers and beautify the area. These front exterior improvements could include signage, exterior lighting, windows, murals, painting, doors, and/or structural or design changes. For examples of past awarded projects, click here. This is a rebate program where business and property owners receive reimbursement for between 50-90% of the cost of the project in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for completed work.

All commercial properties in Marion County are eligible (except apartments and buildings used for religious purposes). Applications will open Monday, January 30th through Friday, March 17th at midnight. To apply, you will need to have work estimates, project budget, financial statement, and photos of the building ready to attach to the application. After the application period closes, a review committee will review applications and collectively decide whether to award a project and the grant amount in the following weeks.

These are the projects that will be prioritized to receive funding:

• Minority-owned properties and businesses
• Small businesses and property owned by Indianapolis residents
• Commercial property or businesses located in LISC neighborhoods
• Façade improvements that incorporate design elements to prevent crime
• Exterior improvements that can be completed in 6 months

Exterior improvements not only beautify an area, but intentional design elements can prevent crime and improve the neighborhood quality of life (e.g. nighttime lighting, windows looking onto streets and parking lots, etc.).

Before applying, please read the program guidance and CPTED Tips for Businesses to make your application more competitive. LISC Indianapolis created a directory to serve as a resource for property and business owners who are seeking local minority-owned businesses to do construction and/or facade improvement work.

Visit https://www.lisc.org/indianapolis/what-we-do/opportunity/facade-and-property-improvement-program for more information and to submit your application