Commercial Grant Program is sponsored by Invest DSM (Des Moines, Iowa). For commercial property owners and small businesses in Special Investment Districts within Des Moines, Iowa. Covers interior and exterior deferred maintenance, repairs, code compliance issues, and facade updates.

Commercial Grant Program | Invest DSM | Des Moines, Iowa Cover repairs or deferred maintenance issues that threaten your business’s financial future with a grant of up to $50,000 . Do you own a commercial property that needs structural repairs or modern updates? Are you looking to launch a business in your neighborhood?

Invest DSM can help you make improvements to enhance your customer experience and protect your financial footing when deferred maintenance comes due. Let us help you with your building — so you can focus on your business. For Commercial Property Owners and Small Businesses Grant Amount: Up to $50,000 Designed for business owners and commercial property owners located in our Special Investment Districts.

Covers interior and exterior deferred maintenance, repairs, code compliance issues, and facade updates. Receive a matching grant, dollar-for-dollar, to cover half of what you spent (maximum grant of $50,000 per retail bay). Additional matching grant of up to $10,000 available to cover pre-development costs, such as architectural drawings or an environmental study.

Get 70% of your costs covered on external aesthetic improvements (signage, window display, facade) when you work with one of our artists on your custom design. Remove the headaches of operating a business in an old building. Get help covering expensive deferred maintenance.

Express your business’s identity and values through artistic design choices. Attract new customers with a more pleasing environment. Receive one-on-one consultation, advice, and technical support from our specialists throughout the entire project.

Keep your doors open when an unexpected repair expense rears its ugly head. Get help with code compliance upgrades when moving into a new space. COMPLETE THE PRE-APPLICATION PROCESS Closely review the program guidelines .

Complete the City of Des Moines’ Pre-Application process. Start by scheduling a Pre-Application Meeting . Review the City of Des Moines Pre-Application Checklist below and have the included information available.

Contact Invest DSM to discuss proposed projects and develop project specifics. Review the Invest DSM Consultation Checklist below and have the included information available for the consultation. Receive a preliminary letter of eligibility from Invest DSM.

Submit a formal Commercial Grant program application. Sign your Grant Agreement and receive the green light to begin work! Invest DSM funds may be disbursed in either a single or in multiple payments, as agreed to in the funding agreement.

City of Des Moines Pre-Application Checklist You will need a description of the proposed project and a copy of a drafted or hand-drawn diagram of the property showing the following: Existing buildings, parking, drive aisles, drainage ways and basins, landscaping and open spaces. Proposed buildings, parking, landscaping and/or open spaces.

Invest DSM Consultation Checklist Contact Invest DSM to schedule a consultation to discuss proposed projects and develop project specifics. Details on the existing condition of the property and its ownership.

Preliminary Sources and Uses Statement that includes: Acquisition cost (if applicable) A preliminary scope of work and construction budget An estimate of the funding request of Invest DSM Any health and safety concerns and code violation status. Notes from the Pre-Application Meeting with the City of Des Moines, if available.

CHECK YOUR PROPERTY’S ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for the Commercial Grant program, you must: Own or lease* a property within a Special Investment District. Enter your street address in the search fields below. If the property falls within one of the colored blocks on the map — or on either side of a boundary street — it’s within a district.

Be current on all municipal and county dues, fees, and taxes. * Tenants must have permission from the property owner. Note: Double click over map area to zoom in.

Pre-Development & Design Costs Design assistance (architectural, etc.) Project feasibility studies Interior design assistance Assistance of solar, wind, etc. Updates to façade, signage, or awnings Replacement or repair of roof, windows, or doors/doorways Major systems replacement/code compliance upgrades Public art (i.e. murals, etc.) Exterior site improvements: outdoor patio space, concrete work, landscaping, parking lot repaving/restriping Energy-efficiency upgrades: installation of solar, wind, etc. I’m not a deep-pocketed investor; I’m a photographer.

My goal is to create a shared space for the community. ” Anna Jones, Oak Park / Highland Park, Commercial Grant Program Without Invest DSM, we would not have been able to afford to fix our major structural issues. We would have had to sell the building.

” Business Owner, Oak Park / Highland Park, Commercial Grant Program The purpose of the Commercial Grant Program (“Program”) is to provide financial incentives to encourage existing or new commercial property owners within the Special Investment Districts to invest in properties in order to improve the appearance, marketability, functionality, and desirability of the commercial area.

Create healthy, thriving, and diverse “destination” business districts that contribute to neighborhood desirability by investing in key projects that achieve the following: Improve commercial property conditions. Improve exterior appearance. Improve exterior continuity within commercial district.

Attract new business types that contribute to residential desirability. Address blighted properties. Make a visual impact in the commercial district.

Address code compliance and deferred maintenance concerns. Exceed the minimum adopted standards. Build commercial district confidence and cohesion.

Invest DSM will provide a 1:1 matching grant for 50% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum grant amount of either $10,000 or $50,000, based on the project category (see table under program eligibility). The remaining funds must be secured by the property owner. Projects needing more than $50,000 may want to first seek assistance through the City of Des Moines Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Program.

Funding will not be provided for any work completed before the project has been approved. Payment will be issued at completion of the project(s) or at agreed upon milestones. Projects will be considered on a rolling basis throughout the year based on funding availability.

Project must be located within the Special Investment Districts’ boundaries, unless expressly approved by the Invest DSM Board of Directors Applications must be submitted or signed by the property owner All municipal and county dues, fees and taxes must be current At least some portion of the Property must be commercially zoned Mixed-use buildings/projects may be considered as long as part of the Property is commercially zoned The types of projects that Invest DSM will consider for this Program are listed in the table below Eligible project costs are defined as hard & soft costs related to the following: Pre-development & Design Costs Design assistance (architectural, etc.) Project feasibility studies Interior design assistance Window display design assistance Roof replacement or repair Windows replacement or repair Exterior Doorway/Door replacement or repair Major systems replacement/code compliance upgrades: plumbing, electrical, grease interceptor, fire sprinkler system/fire suppression systems, ADA compliance Public Art (i.e. murals, etc.) Addition of outdoor patio seating for restaurants Energy efficiency upgrades – installation of solar, wind, etc. Site improvements (i.e. concrete work, landscaping, street trees, etc.) Parking lot improvements (restriping, overlay, adding spaces, screening, etc.) Note: Property owners who have received funding under Category 1 may apply for Category 1 funding for a different project on the same property once every three years.

Property owners who have received funding under Category 1 may also apply for funding under Category 2 on the same property at any time. Property owners who have received funding under Category 2 may apply for a different project on the same property once every three years. Property owners who own multiple properties may receive funding on more than one property, subject to the availability of funds and at the discretion of Invest DSM.

Invest DSM acknowledges that larger projects may need to layer funds from multiple sources in order to make the project financially viable. Applicants must disclose all sources of funds, including other subsidy. Subsidy is defined as state or federal tax credits, local incentives such as TIF, Tax Abatement, Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Grant funds, or other similar sources of funds.

Invest DSM will take into consideration the total amount of subsidy when making funding decisions and may adjust its funding accordingly. Generally, the total amount of subsidy may not exceed 50% of the total project costs unless a special exception is granted by the Invest DSM Board of Directors.

Special exceptions may be granted if substantial assistance is necessary to make the project viable and the project is of strategic importance to advance plan goals for the Special Investment District. Project must meet at least one or more of the outlined goals. Applicant must document availability of funds to complete the total project, including adequate matching funds.

If the business is a new business, the business owner must submit a business plan. Invest DSM staff may refer the business owner to the Small Business Administration Center for Business Development Assistance. Project should submit documentation of developer or contractor experience with similar projects.

Projects will be reviewed as they are submitted for feasibility, financial readiness, and impact on the commercial district. Subject to availability of funds, applications for the Invest DSM Commercial Grant Program will be accepted and reviewed throughout each fiscal year. 1.

Consultation: The applicant is encouraged to meet with Invest DSM staff as early as possible to discuss proposed projects and develop project specifics prior to submitting a formal application. This helps ensure that all teams understand the programmatic design and financing information.

Applicant should have the following information available for the consultation: Details on the existing condition of the property and its ownership A preliminary Sources and Uses Statement that includes: Acquisition cost (if applicable) A preliminary scope of work and construction budget An estimate of the funding request of Invest DSM Any health and safety concerns and code violation status Notes from the Pre-Application Meeting with the City of Des Moines, if available 2.

Determination : After the initial consultation(s), Invest DSM staff will make a preliminary determination as to whether the project meets program requirements and is eligible for funding. A preliminary letter of eligibility or denial will be issued. 3.

Application: If the project meets program requirements, the applicant will need to submit a formal application. Applications will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. If additional information is required, the applicant shall be provided with notice to submit additional information.

Applications will be considered based on funding availability and alignment with program goals. Request the application form for the Invest DSM Commercial Grant Program from Invest DSM by emailing Applications@InvestDSM. org or calling 515-221-8410.

INVEST DSM DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Invest DSM strives to invest in projects that exceed minimum design standards and code requirements. Invest DSM has developed a set of design and construction standards to act as guidelines for all projects as applicable to the work being completed on the project. These standards include material and design requirements and should be reviewed and incorporated into project specifications.

Please see Invest DSM Design & Construction Standards for details. Project must be completed within nine (9) months of signing the grant agreement or other time period as agreed to with Invest DSM staff. The Applicant is required to contribute at least 10% of their own equity into the project.

Every project is required to have at least a 10% contingency built into the budget. All grant recipients must submit a final report to Invest DSM within 30 days of project completion, using the Final Report Form. Information required in the final report will be specified in the Grant Agreement.

All changes to the project—material, financial or otherwise must be approved by Invest DSM prior to work being done. Change Order requests may be granted on a limited basis. Financial change orders that add cost to the project will first be drawn from the contingency and then may be shared between the Developer and Invest DSM at Invest DSM’s discretion.

Invest DSM staff is authorized to approve a change order request up to 25% of the change order amount or $10,000, whichever is less, without needing the approval of the Board of Directors. Change orders above that amount must be approved by the Board of Directors. To request a change order, a Change Order Request Form must be filled out and approved by Invest DSM prior to any work being performed.

Depending on the size of the project, Invest DSM funds may be disbursed in either a single or in multiple payments, as agreed to in the funding agreement. When multiple disbursements are required, periodic draw requests may be completed as materials are purchased and work is completed. To receive a draw, a draw request form must be completed and relevant receipts submitted.

Invest DSM Staff will review the request, inspect work completed, verify any City permits and inspections are in place, and approve or deny the request before processing payment. Payments will be issued within ten (10) business days of approval. Up to 50% of Invest DSM funds may be advanced at the start of the project.

At least 15% of Invest DSM’s funding contribution will be held until the project is complete, a lien waiver has been signed and submitted from the general contractor validating that all subcontractors have been paid in full for all work done on the project, and a certificate of occupancy has been issued.

For Category 2 Building & Site Upgrade Projects where Invest DSM’s grant amount is greater than $5,000, Invest DSM will record a lien on the property until construction has been completed, the final draw payment has been issued, and the final grant report is received. A lien is not required when no Invest DSM funds will be paid out until the project is completed.

Appeals of a project application decision must be in writing and mailed to Invest DSM within 10 days of the date of the decision(s), identifying the applicant, proposed project, basis/reasons for appeal, and any other information deemed relevant by the appellant. Appeals will be reviewed and considered by the Executive Director.

The Executive Director’s written decision to uphold, reverse, or modify the applicable decision(s) shall be Invest DSM’s final decision. PHOTOS / MEDIA RELEASE / PUBLICITY Invest DSM shall receive a media and publicity release and waiver from the applicant to use before and after photos of the project and other details related to the project for use in marketing materials.

Digital photos preferred, submitted via email to Applications@InvestDSM. org . What projects are eligible for the Commercial Grant Program?

The Commercial Grant Program assists businesses and commercial property owners with pre-development and renovation grants for interior and exterior improvements. Eligible upgrades include, but are not limited to, storefronts, signage, lighting, grease trap installation, ADA compliance, code-required updates, and other safety or aesthetic improvements that contribute to a more vibrant and welcoming commercial corridor.

These improvements not only support business growth but also help activate vacant or underutilized properties. What exterior projects are eligible for the Commercial Grant Program? The program supports a wide range of exterior upgrades that enhance a property’s appearance and the surrounding streetscape.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, facade restoration, decorative exterior lighting, storefront entry enhancements, ADA-accessible ramps, sidewalks, and the installation or repair of awnings or canopies. Commercial businesses can also use the funds for local artist installations such as public-facing murals, window displays, window artwork, and supplies related to these projects.

All improvements must meet Invest DSM design standards and should visibly contribute to the overall character and vitality of the neighborhood. What match percentage does Invest DSM provide? Invest DSM provides grants for 50% of eligible project costs.

The maximum grant amounts are $10,000 for pre-development grants, and $50,000 for renovation grants. Are there income or credit restrictions? No, Invest DSM does not pull credit scores and there is no minimum or maximum income requirement.

When do I get the grant funds? Invest DSM grants are reimbursement based. This means proof of payment and work completed must be provided before grant funds are disbursed.

An inspection is required prior to payout. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS?