Storefront Improvement Program
The CDBG Storefront Grant program is designed to assist neighborhood businesses located within CDBG-eligible areas complete basic storefront improvement projects. Funding is available for up to $25,000 per storefront. Please review the application guidelines for full details and requirements of the program.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Applicants should not submit applications to the program through third parties - all communication and questions about the program should go through the Program Administrator directly
Prior to applying:
Contact Wilson Darbin at wdarbin@springfieldcityhall.com or (413) 750-2810 to discuss your application and confirm eligibility
Carefully review the Program Guidelines
After reviewing the Program Guidelines, you can find the complete application online here: Storefront Program Application
Attach the following documents below to the online application:
Property Owner & Business Owner Signature Page
PLEASE NOTE:
Businesses/business owners MUST be completely up to date on City fines, fees and taxes before acquiring grant funding. For businesses that are leasing their business location, the property owners ALSO MUST be up to date on City fines, fees and taxes. If an applicant is unsure of their or their property owner's status on taxes, fees and fines, they can request a tax certification through the Program Administrator. Upon application approval, the Program Administrator will run a tax certification to check on taxes, fees and fines on the business and property owner and if there is anything outstanding, the contracting process will be paused until the applicant submits payment confirmation and/or notifies the Program Administrator of their property owner's payment.
Applicants MUST acquire all the required building permits prior to beginning construction. Project approval from the Office of Planning and Economic Development DOES NOT including permit approval from the City's Building Department. Information about building permits can be found on the Building Department's webpage.
Proposed projects are required to fulfill basic requirements of the CDBG program, particularly as they relate to job creation goals, elimination of slum and blight, project impact upon the environment, and the Davis/Bacon Act. The City of Springfield during the application process will advise applicants of these requirements. Applications cannot proceed until all required documentation is received.
Projects that have already begun work/paid for expenses cannot be considered for this program.