Housing Stability Division

801-535-7712 | HousingStability@slc.gov

Apply to Improve Your Business Facade

Apply to Improve Your Business Facade


This grant can help you increase the street appeal of your business. We use federal funding to help you improve your facade.

What You Need to know

  • Applications for this program are closed until Spring 2026.
  • The whole process takes about 14 months.
  • The maximum award amount is $50,000 for some or all project costs. Deed restrictions may apply for larger awards.
  • We may give priority your business based on your size, demographic, project type, or cost sharing.

Before You Start

Before you start, read the description of this program. Make sure you understand what this program can do for you.

You will submit applications in Neighborly. Before you apply, you should register on the website. You should also collect required documents and check that you qualify for funding.

How do I Register?

Registering on Neighborly is a simple process. Enter your name, your email, and create a password. If you have registered before, you do not need to register again; you can just sign-in.

What are Required Documents?

You must include documents with your application that prove you qualify. These documents are:

  • Detailed Descriptions. The more details you include, the better! Tell us what and where you will make improvements, as well as the current conditions. You should also describe things like the materials you will use and the existing materials or surfaces you will improve. If your plan includes new signage or lighting, be sure to include details on size and placement. Signs and lighting must be zoned correctly and attached to the building.
  • Photographs. Pictures will help us understand your project. Show us the specific areas of your building you plan to improve. You should also include pictures of all street views for your business.
  • A budget. Tell us the price quote for your project. Give us a professional source from an expert for your quote. This will not be a bid. Do not get bids on your project.
  • Property Owner Approval. You must provide proof of business or property ownership. If you do not own the property, you must get approval before applying. Tenant businesses must give us a letter of support from the property owner.
  • Anything Else. We may ask for other documents or details during the application process.

Do I Qualify?

Check that you meet all the requirements before you apply. To be approved, you must:

We may use other conditions in assigning priority when funding projects. These conditions are not required for businesses to apply. Priority may be given to your business if:

  • You add murals or ADA accomodations to your building.
  • It is a small or local business.
  • It is woman, minority, or veteran-owned.
  • Contribute a 25% match to the project costs.

Steps

  1. Create Your Project.

    Your designs must meet certain standards. Please remember that all designs must:
    • Fit the neighborhood character.
    • Improve the neighborhood.
    • Be pedestrian-friendly.
    • Meet all historic district guidelines.
    • Preserve, if possible, significant architectural features. If this is not possible, your replacements should honor the original and be up to code.

  2. Attend Our Training.
    We will often offer a public training session during the application process. You can attend this training in-person or remotely. You can also watch the training recording. If you have questions about the application process, you can attend the training or contact us for technical assistance.

  3. Submit Your Application Online.
    You must submit your NBIP application online in Neighborly. Applications will not be accepted by paper, email, or any other way. We will not accept applications after the deadline.

  4. We Review Your Application.
    We check applications as you submit to make sure they are eligible. If you are not eligible, we will reject your application. This will occur within 2 weeks. If we cannot tell if you are eligible, we may contact you for more information. This could include architectural drawings, flood insurance, or historic preservation certificates. We will then give your application an administrative score.

  5. The Committee Reviews Your Application.
    A Committee created for this program will review and score your application. They will recommend if your improvements are funded. They may also set requirements for funding. If they set requirements, you must comply to receive this grant.

What’s Next

You can check the status of your application on Neighborly. Select ‘View Application’ and look in the upper left corner. Your application info, including status, will be visible.

If the Committee approves your application, we will guide you through the next steps. We will have a training for everyone who received the award. Our next steps will be to finalize your scope of work and select a contractor. Do not select your own contractor. We will draft a three-party grant agreement between us, you, and the contractor. Your next steps will include doing an environmental review on your property. Work may begin after bidding, environmental reviews, and contracting. Do not start work before these steps are complete.

Work will generally last for 8 months after contracting. In some cases, we may allow you to extend your contract.

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