Commercial Façade Improvement Program
Commercial Façade Improvement Program
The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant program is open to Chamber members that are small business owners and commercial property owners or lessees within the Central Business Improvement District. The program provides financial assistance in renovations and repairs to commercial and mixed-use buildings focusing on investments that have an obvious, meaningful and lasting impact to attract other investments, residents and visitors.
The Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce has allocated $65,000 for this program in its 2024-2025 budget. The program is designed to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to cover expenses incurred in large projects and one-time micro-grants for minor improvements.
Grant Projects
For grants, the maximum participation in a single project is $10,000 through a 50/50 matching grant with 50% of the project reimbursed through the Chamber of Commerce (up to $10K) and 50% of expenses incurred by the applicant.
The Chamber of Commerce will reimburse back to the applicant after all necessary project expense documents have been submitted and approved by the program review committee.
Micro-Grants
One-time micro-grants of up to $1,000 are available for minor improvements (such as the removal of graffiti, painting). The Chamber of Commerce may choose to limit micro-grants to five annually to conserve funds for larger projects.
Project Timelines
Projects must be started within six months of grant approval and completed within 12 months.
Eligible Scopes of Work
- Masonry repairs
- Storefront reconstruction
- Exterior painting and stucco
- Awnings and canopies
- Window and door repairs and replacements
- Permanent exterior lighting
- Repairs/replacement of gutters and downspouts
- Repairs to roof affecting the building façade
- Sign design and installation
- Decking and stairs
- Improvement to outdoor seating areas and landscape, not including business/personal property, equipment and supplies
- Pressure washing
- Removal of graffiti
Criteria and Applications
Grant recipients must meet certain eligibility criteria and funding requirements. Grant applications are accepted during October and November of 2024. Priority may be granted to start-up and/or small businesses, minority, and/or women or veteran owned businesses, and businesses which have not previously received Façade Grants.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a Chamber member
- Photographs (before & after)
- One grant agreement per property per year
- Interior work is ineligible
Priority Factors:
- Start-up business (5-7 years or less)
- Small business (10 employees or less)
- Female/Veteran/Minority Owned (proof of ownership)
To request additional information or apply, please contact Phil Harpel at 931.245.4340 or phil@clarksville.tn.us.