Small Business Facade Improvement Program

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

> 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.

Not Eligible:

> Home-based businesses

> Offices not open to the public (exceptions may apply if the business operates like a storefront office)

> Businesses not in compliance with City regulations

Eligible Improvements

- Grant funds may be used for exterior improvements visible from the public right-of-way, including but not limited to:

- Windows and doors

- Awnings and canopies

- Signage

- Exterior painting

- Exterior lighting

- Storefront repairs

- 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.

Ineligible Improvements

Examples of ineligible projects include:

> Interior work

> Equipment purchases

> Landscaping or site improvements not attached to the building

> Routine maintenance or cleaning

> Debt service

Eligible businesses located in the following neighborhoods:

> Iron Triangle

> Santa Fe

> Coronado

To check neighborhood boundary lines, visit: https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/267/Neighborhood-Councils

Grant Amounts

Maximum grant award: $15,000 per commercial address

Eligible businesses located in multi-tenant buildings with separate addresses may each apply

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Apply online, or contact Renaissance for application assistance:

📧 eastbay@rencenter.org

📞 510-619-8668

Upload:

• A project description

• 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

Renaissance will review:

• Business location

• Business license

• 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.

Step 4: Permits

• 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.

Step 5: Grant Agreement

Approved applicants must:

• Sign a Grant Agreement and Acknowledgment

• Submit a W9 Form.

Important Program Notes

 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.

Key Dates

 Program Launch: December 29, 2025

 Program End: December 2026, or until funds are fully awarded