About the Mini Grant Program

The goal of the Downtown Façade Improvement Mini Grant is to improve the aesthetic of areas of downtown that experienced damages or defacement to the street-facing portion of their property. Research indicates that exterior improvements to buildings lead to increased economic vitality for businesses in that commercial area, along with increased foot traffic and public safety.

This grant is structured as a rebate, awarding up to $750 per business to help cover costs to repair and restore current property damage or reimburse business owners for documented costs paid out of pocket for damage that occurred in 2023 or 2024.

The grant will remain open until the total of dedicated funds is exhausted.

Eligibility

Any Ratepayer of the Business Improvement District in good standing that is currently open and active for business who experienced physical damage to the exterior, ground-level street-facing portion of their property in 2023 or 2024 is eligible to apply for a grant of up to $750. No matching funds are required.

Most repairs or restorations to physical damage of ground-level street-facing commercial facades are eligible, such as broken doors, locks, fences, gates, signs, and broken or etching on windows. Permitting fees for this work, when required, are also eligible expenses. No expense is “approved” for grant eligibility until awardees receive confirmation from the DSP.

Eligible Boundary

The currently assessed boundary of the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District as outlined in the City of Spokane Municipal Code, Section 04.31.020 BID Boundaries.

BID Boundaries Map

Application

Online applications will be accepted, reviewed, and processed on an ongoing basis. To support small businesses that are more likely to have experienced the greatest economic impacts, the DSP will ensure that priority is given to businesses from BIPOC, women-owned and historically marginalized communities. Grants may be conditionally approved with provision of estimates for necessary repair work. Final grant amounts and distribution will be awarded as reimbursement as proof as expenses are provided.

Applicants will be required to upload damage evidence when they apply:

1. Spokane Police Department incident report number.
2. Photograph of the property damage.
3. Receipt for repairs completed and/or estimates for current damage from maintenance or repair vendors.

Applicants are also required to agree to a future CPTED evaluation by DSP's Safety Ambassador Team.

Receiving the Grant

Awardees are required to provide the DSP with W9 information for grants to be issued by check and when able, provide before and after photos. This is a grant; awardees are not required to pay back any issued funds from the DSP.