Small Business Facade Improvement Program

Small Business Facade Improvement Program is sponsored by Local City/County Governments (e.g., Richmond, CA). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Small Business Facade Improvement Program | Richmond, CA - Official Website Phishing Scam Alert – Emails Impersonating City Staff Small Business Facade Improvement Program Small Business Facade Improvement Program The Richmond Small Business Facade Improvement Program helps small businesses in the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) coverage areas make impactful upgrades to their storefronts—enhancing curb appeal, improving safety, and increasing visibility to attract more customers.

With $300,000 in total funding available, eligible businesses can receive grants of up to $15,000 per commercial address in the TCC areas (Iron Triangle, Coronado and Santa Fe) for exterior improvements that strengthen both their business and the surrounding community.

This program is designed to: Revitalize Richmond’s commercial corridors with vibrant, welcoming storefronts Support small, locally owned retail businesses Boost economic activity and community pride The program launches December 29, 2025 and will remain open through December 2026, or until all funds are awarded. Funding is limited—early applications are encouraged.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Update as of June 25, 2026 : The Richmond Small Business Facade Improvement Program has received an overwhelming response from the business community and, based on applications received since the program's launch, the total amount of requested funding currently exceeds the program's available $300,000 allocation.

The City will continue to accept applications through December 2026; however, submission of an application does not guarantee funding approval. Applications received moving forward may be placed on a waiting list or considered should additional funding become available or previously approved funds be released.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about the program by watching our recorded informational webinars at your convenience: > Retail & public-facing businesses: Ground-floor, street-facing establishments that provide goods or services in person to the general public during posted hours.

> Qualified nonprofit storefronts open to the public (e.g., thrift stores, museum/gallery retail, community arts retail) operating in a ground-floor, street-facing space with posted hours and public entry from the right-of-way. Administrative-only nonprofit offices are not eligible.

> Property owners with vacant ground-floor commercial spaces who commit to making the space available for lease within six (6) months of receiving conditional grant approval.

Eligible applicants must also: - be located within the City of Richmond, in eligible program areas (see below); - have 2024 business revenue of $2 million or less (may be verified); - have an active City of Richmond business license; - be in good standing with the California Secretary of State; - have written landlord approval to make improvements.

> Offices not open to the public (exceptions may apply if the business operates like a storefront office) > Businesses not in compliance with City regulations - Grant funds may be used for exterior improvements visible from the public right-of-way, including but not limited to: - Other exterior upgrades approved on a case-by-case basis - Materials purchased for approved improvements if work is self-performed (labor costs for self-performed work are not reimbursable).

Projects must begin within 90 days of approval. Projects must be completed within 90 days of project start, unless an extension is granted. Eligible improvements must preserve full storefront transparency and avoid any exterior fixtures that obscure visibility into the business during daytime or nighttime conditions.

Improvements whose primary purpose is physical security rather than beautification—particularly those that reduce transparency or alter the visual character of the façade—are not eligible.

Examples of ineligible projects include: > Landscaping or site improvements not attached to the building > Routine maintenance or cleaning Eligible businesses located in the following neighborhoods: To check neighborhood boundary lines, visit: https://www. ci. richmond.

ca. us/267/Neighborhood-Councils Maximum grant award: $15,000 per commercial address Eligible businesses located in multi-tenant buildings with separate addresses may each apply Step 1: Submit Your Application Apply online , or contact Renaissance for application assistance: • Contractor bid(s), or a detailed materials list with cost documentation if completing the work yourself.

Note: Labor costs are not reimbursed if work is self-performed or not done by a licensed contractor. • Provide written landlord approval (if you are a tenant). • Submit an estimated project timeline.

• Projects must begin within 90 days of approval and be completed within 90 days of project start, unless an extension is granted. Step 2: Eligibility Review • Status of Compliance to State and Federal laws and guidelines • Note: Additional documentation may be requested to support your application.

Step 3: Conditional Approval If eligibility requirements are met and funding is available, Renaissance will issue a Conditional Approval Letter. • Applicants are responsible for applying and paying for required permits (e.g., signage or planning approval). • Permit fees are eligible for reimbursement if the project proceeds and is funded.

• If Planning denies the scope of work, applicants may revise and reapply. • Permit fees are not reimbursed if the project does not move forward.

Approved applicants must: • Sign a Grant Agreement and Acknowledgment  Projects must begin within 90 days of approval  Projects must be completed within 90 days of project start, unless an extension is granted  Permit fees are reimbursable only if the project moves forward Public Recognition Requirement All grant recipients agree to participate in a photo opportunity with City of Richmond officials as a condition of receiving the grant.

Photo sessions will be scheduled after project approval or completion.  Program Launch: December 29, 2025  Program End: December 2026, or until funds are fully awarded Government Websites by CivicPlus®