Below are the grants provided to design to assist with buildout, equipment purchase, and other tenant and property improvements.
Signage Grant
The Signage Grant Program was established to provide business owners financial incentive to add signage to commercial buildings in order to better promote their business to patrons and potential customers. This program provides up to $2,500 toward the cost of approved signage, not to exceed 50% of eligible project costs.
Façade Grant
The Façade Grant Program was established by the Department of City Development to enhance the physical appearance of commercial corridors by providing financial assistance for building enhancements to eligible property owners and lessees. Applicant’s total project cost must exceed $2,000 for eligibility. Routine maintenance and repairs are not eligible. This program provides up to $5,000 in reimbursements for eligible facades, not to exceed 50% of eligible project costs.
White Box Grant
The White Box Program is designed to provide targeted financial incentives to increase the vitality of the neighborhood commercial corridors. The funds will assist
in recruiting new businesses to vacant commercial/retail tenant spaces in commercial buildings. This incentive will offer reimbursable grant funds up to $25,000.
Retail Investment Fund (RIF)
The Retail Investment Fund (RIF) Program assists retail development projects by providing grants to businesses in commercial districts that create jobs. Home-based businesses do not qualify. The size of the RIF grant is determined by the number of jobs created and the amount of private investment, among other factors. Only eligible, pre-approved grant related expenses will be reimbursed to the grantee.
Eligible Uses of Funds
Following approval of the application, RIF funds may be
used for the activities below:
- Architecture and Engineering (A&E) costs
- Purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment
- Start-up inventory
- Build out and remodeling
For more information please see the brochure HERE or feel free to contact Terence Acquah| Economic Development Specialist | tacqua@milwaukee.gov