The East Montgomery County Improvement District's recently launched Facade Improvement Grant Program offers qualified business owners an opportunity to revitalize their brick-and-mortar storefront with financial assistance.

About the program

EMCID's Facade Improvement Grant Program provides funding for commercial property owners and business owners/managers within the district's boundaries for qualified exterior building and site improvements. According to the district's website, the program aims to:

• Enhance the appearance of buildings and properties
• Eliminate blight
• Address non-conforming design standards
• Stimulate private investment to aid in the revitalization of the area's commercial corridors

Kelley Mattlage, vice president and chief communications officer for EMCID, said while the program was launched last fall by EMCID's board of directors, the district has not received any applications as of press time Feb. 10.

"We have a growing community, so we have a lot of new mixed in with a lot of old," Mattlage said in an emailed statement. "Some of the older buildings need a fresh coat of paint, a new sign, new landscaping, a new facade—something that can help draw in customers. ... We want our community to be inviting to everyone who drives through. It really is amazing what paint or planters can do to create a welcoming entrance."

How it works

According to the district's website, approved applicants are eligible for a 50% reimbursement on eligible expenses up to $10,000, and a 30% reimbursement on additional eligible expenses for a maximum grant amount of $10,000. Officials noted program funding is limited, and the program is administered contingent upon available funding.

Additionally, applications must be received and approved in writing before facade construction begins. Officials noted grants will not be awarded to projects that are under construction or completed.

"We wanted to do something for our local existing businesses," said Stephen Carlisle, vice chairman of the EMCID board, in a statement. "They see us bringing in new retail and restaurants, big box stores that may compete with them. They ask, 'How can we compete against these brand new shiny stores?' So we felt this is something easy we could offer that makes the community look nicer as a whole and can help attract more business to these companies that have been in East Montgomery County for years."

Learn more

To apply for the Facade Improvement Grant Program or for more information about application and eligibility requirements, click here.