Facade Improvement Grant

Facade Improvement Grant is sponsored by City of South Milwaukee, WI. This grant program is for enhancing the attractiveness of South Milwaukee's business districts and promoting commercial vitality. It supports facade improvements for businesses.

Business Grants | South Milwaukee, WI Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Façade Improvement Grant This grant program is for enhancing the attractiveness of South Milwaukee's business districts and to promote commercial vitality and increase economic activity in all commercial districts.

There are two funding tiers based on location, providing up to a $15,000 grant and requiring up to a 50% match. Applications will be accepted after preliminary project eligibility is approved by the city's economic development staff.

Facade Improvement Grant Program Guide Commercial Facade Design Guidelines Façade Grant Application Design Concept Grant Application This grant provides one-time assistance in the amount of $5,000 for new and existing businesses opening a new location or expanding operations in a vacant commercial space on Milwaukee Avenue between the 800 and 1300 blocks. Grants may be awarded prior to receiving a Certificate of Occupancy.

In order to be eligible, an applicant must have submitted an occupancy permit through the City of South Milwaukee and must either provide proof of an active lease for their commercial space or documentation showing they are the owner of the commercial space. The lease must be for at least one year, with no early termination language. The business must be open to the public at least 25 hours per week.

The storefront space must be at least 500 square feet. The space must also have been vacant for a period of at least 60 days. A business must open within 2 months of receiving the grants.

Requires a signed agreement. New Business Program Guide New Business Grant Application Planned Business Expense Form Storefront Activation Grant There are many buildings in the downtown district that are non-compliant with modern building codes and that the cost of these improvements often falls to new entrepreneurs looking to establish small businesses.

Through this program, the city will provide matching grants to encourage interior improvements resulting in a finished or close-to finished space. The program offers reimbursable grants: Grants up to $20,000. Minimum grant $3,000 Grants may not exceed 50% of the total project costs.

Commercial spaces must be located in the Downtown District (per Comprehensive Plan) Commercial spaces must be a first-floor and be vacant at the time of application Buildings must be greater than 50 years old Work must be completed after grant approval to be eligible for grant reimbursement Commercial spaces shall be in such condition that the space is not readily leasable Completed projects must result in a close-to finished space supporting a relatively quick move-in time for a business Street-facing building exteriors that are in poor condition or have unresolved exterior code violations may require façade improvements Planned or future business lease agreements shall require a business open to the public at least 25 hours per week Storefront Activation Grant Program Application Storefront Activation Grant If you have a first floor business that receives the public in the downtown district, your business is eligible for up to a $500 grant for a pedestrian-friendly hanging blade sign.

First floor business along the street front in the downtown district Sign minimum size 4 sqft and maximum size 6 sqft Style compatible with existing signage and meets sign codes Quality materials: wood, composite wood, or metals Located on the first floor Exceptions may be made for businesses adjacent to the downtown district Hanging Blade Sign Guidelines Examples of Hanging Blade Signs Application Blade Sign Grant Economic Development Manager