Small Business Façade Improvement Program

Application Window Opens Wednesday, October 23, 2024!

The goal of the Small Business Façade Improvement Program is to incentivize the beautification of the City’s primary commercial corridors by leveraging public funds combined with private investment. It is a grant reimbursement program in which a property owner/business owner may obtain up to $15,000 toward their façade improvement costs. With the launch of the Small Business Façade Improvement Program, the City continues its ongoing efforts to: 

• Enhance the City’s physical appearance
• Support small business
• Promote economic vitality within the community
• Increase property values and tenant stability
• Improve the quality of life for residents and visitors

Funding Options

Option 1: $5,000 Reimbursement Grant

• Eligible applicants can receive up to $5,000 with no fund matching requirement.

Option 2: $10,000 Matching Reimbursement Grant

• Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000, with fund matching requirement.

Eligible applicants can combine Options 1 and 2 for a total maximum grant amount of $15,000.

Eligible Applicants

• Small business owners/tenants and property owners of commercial property in the City of Big Bear Lake, specifically along Big Bear Boulevard and the Moonridge Corridor, that meet the Small Business Administration (SBA) definition for a small business.
• Property must be in compliance with all Zoning and Development Code requirements, or commit to complying prior to completion of the project.
• Applicant and/or Property Owners must be in good standing with the City of Big Bear Lake, and current on all taxes and fee assessments for at least the past 12 months.

Eligible Project / Construction Costs:

• Engineering design, architectural design, insurance costs.
• Awnings, Canopies, Overhead Trellises, and Overhangs
• Doors and Windows on the front and public sides of the buildings
• Exterior Façade Improvements and Treatments, including Siding, Masonry, Rock Work, Fencing, Decorative Treatments, Cleaning, Repair, Painting
• Exterior Lighting
• Signage, including Monument, Business Identification Signs, and On-Site Directional

Application Window

• Opens Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
• Rolling application window remains open until program funds are fully encumbered.

Fund Disbursement

• All awarded grant funds will require the applicant to enter into a “Small Business Façade Improvement Maintenance Agreement” with the City of Big Bear Lake.
• Owner/Tenant to submit invoices for reimbursement, including all backup documentation and proof of payment (no reimbursements will be made for any cash payments). 
• The City will allow for incremental reimbursement payments of $5,000 with required documentation showing proof of payment for eligible project costs (up to the maximum $15,000 grant award).
• Funded improvements are required to be preserved and maintained for a period of no less than five (5) years.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION

PROGRAM SUMMARY POWERPOINT - Small Business Façade Improvement Program

For additional information or questions regarding the program, please email the Economic Development team at .