City of Milwaukee Commercial Revitalization Grants Application

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Contact Information

Commercial Corridor Team
809 N Broadway, Room 104
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 286-8201
commercialcorridorgrants@milwaukee.gov

Introduction

Commercial corridors are the windows to our neighborhoods and can play a significant role in improving neighborhood perception and quality of life. Commercial corridors are the major arterials that connect neighborhoods and are the first glimpse people experience when entering into residential areas. They are comprised of nodes and clusters of commercial buildings and businesses. When we imagine healthy neighborhoods, we think of well kept storefronts filled with businesses that offer the community and surrounding area places to shop, eat, work and play.

The goal of the Commercial Revitalization Grant Program is to assist and incentivize the enhancement of commercial properties and storefronts in Milwaukee’s commercial corridors. The grants are intended to eliminate blight, enhance building aesthetics, and activate the public realm by assisting businesses in achieving higher quality storefronts to attract customers and improve neighborhood perceptions.

Ineligible Projects

Ineligible Properties

Ineligible Uses/Modifications

• Tax exempt properties
• Properties in receivership or with tax delinquency, condemnation orders or zoning issues.
• Applicants with other delinquent property taxes
• Properties not located on publicly visible commercial corridors
• Exclusively residential properties or routine maintenance work unless part of a larger improvement
• New construction projects shall be considered on a case by case basis
• Grant funds cannot be used to fix property damage covered by insurance
• Grant funds cannot be used solely to correct outstanding building code violations
• Home-based businesses

• Religious Assembly
• Certain business types, including national franchises*, liquor stores, payday loan providers, and others.
• Non-public and non-profit uses
• External Security Gates or Bars on windows or doors
• Internally Lit Cabinet Signs
• Internal work for alcohol-focused businesses.
• Tinted, Reflective or Non-Transparent Window Treatments or Glazing
• Grant funds cannot be used to conduct roof repair work
• Applicants who have received an award in the previous 12 months are ineligible to receive a grant of the same type previously awarded
• Projects located in tax parcels within which projects have received a grant award in the previous 12 months, unless waived for specific grants.

*National franchises are defined as operating under substantially the same name in three or more states, regardless of ownership structure regarding the individual entities

Application and Approval Process

Individuals interested in applying for the Commercial Revitalization Grant program should first contact the Commercial Corridor Team (CCT) to discuss their project. Applications are accepted throughout the year and are reviewed by the Business Resource Committee once a month. A completed application package is due a minimum of two weeks prior to the committee meeting. CCT staff will review complete applications and score them using the rubric below (based on the criteria for consideration listed a two sections down in this application). Applications may be denied, or award amount reduced, based on alignment with the Criteria of Consideration or if insufficient program funding is available.

Criteria	Description
Location	Priority may be given to projects within Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Areas Target Investment Neighborhoods, Business Improvement Districts, Neighborhood Improvement Districts, Tax Increment Districts, and Commercial Corridors with significant blight or storefront vacancies
Activation of the Street	Projects must visibly improve public-facing facades, address blight, or enhance the exterior of the building.
Funding Need	Applicants must demonstrate that the grant enables improvements that would otherwise not occur and leverages additional investments.
Design	Projects must comply with city codes, use quality materials, and enhance the property’s appearance. Approval from Historic Preservation or Architectural Review Boards is required where applicable.
Community Impact	Projects must contribute to the neighborhood well-being, address unmet needs, or support corridor growth. Evidence of community or Business Improvement Development (BID) support is encouraged.

Compliance and Reimbursement Guidelines

Beginning Project
Applicants must wait for the application to be approved before making any payments towards, or starting work on, grant eligible expenses. Payments made or work started before approval shall be ineligible for reimbursement. Grant approval does not guarantee that presented work meets all permitting codes and zoning ordinances. Applicants and their contractors are responsible for obtaining all required permits, approvals and licenses. Contractors should have the appropriate licenses and qualifications for the work they are performing.

Changes to Project or Contractors
Once approved by the Business Resource Committee, applicants can begin work on their project. All grant awardees MUST obtain approval from CCT staff for any changes to the contractors or project details that were submitted in the application. CCT staff reserves the right to refuse reimbursement in part, or in whole, for unauthorized changes. Awardees should ensure they, or their contractors, have secured all the necessary permits for their project. Grants may be terminated for non-permitted work.

Grant Extensions

All grant awardees have up to 9 months to complete their projects from the date of committee approval. Unanticipated events or situations may result in a longer project. In certain circumstances, awardees may apply for grant extensions; however, they must do so prior to the expiration of the grant and demonstrate significant progress at the time of request. Staff reserve the right to terminate grants based on the time limits if the project has not shown significant progress or the awardee has become non-responsive.

Reimbursement
Upon completion of the project, staff will visit the site of the project to inspect the work. Awardees must submit copies of invoices AND proof of payment for each invoice to demonstrate that they have met all the required matching expenditure amounts. Copies of posted checks or bank statements are acceptable forms of Proof of Payment. Lien waivers cannot be used as proof of payment. Cash payments are not allowed.

Once the work is confirmed and the necessary documents have been submitted, please allow up to 45 days for the reimbursement to occur.

Criteria for Consideration

Location
Priority may be given to projects within Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Areas, Target Investment Neighborhoods, Business Improvement Districts, Neighborhood Improvement Districts, Tax Increment Districts, and Commercial Corridors with significant blight or storefront vacancies.

Activation of the Street

Projects must visibly improve public-facing facades, address blight, or enhance the exterior of the building.

Funding Need
Applicants must demonstrate that the grant enables improvements that would otherwise not occur and leverages additional investments.

Design
Projects must comply with city codes, use quality materials, and enhance the property’s appearance. Approval from Historic Preservation or Architectural Review Boards is required where applicable.

Community Impact
Projects must contribute to the neighborhood well-being, address unmet needs, or support corridor growth. Evidence of community or Business Improvement Development (BID) support is encouraged.

I have read and understand the above information

Grant Category Descriptions

Signage Grant

The City's Signage Grant program provides financial and business assistance to business owners interested in creating well designed signage or updating their signage to current design standards. The program was established by DCD to increase the physical appearance of Milwaukee’s commercial areas. This incentive will offer reimbursable grant funds up to $2,500. The grant may not exceed 50% of the total eligible project costs.

More information on signage regulations here and signage permits here. This grant funding cannot be used for Type B signs as described in the signage regulations.

Facade Grant

The City's Façade Grant program provides financial and business assistance to businesses and commercial property owners interested in renovating the street facing facades of their building. The program was established by DCD to increase the physical appearance of Milwaukee’s commercial areas. This incentive will offer reimbursable grant funds up to $5,000. The grant may not exceed 50% of the total eligible project costs.

A separate Façade Grant may be considered for buildings on a corner lot where more than one building face abuts a public street.

Storefront Activation Grant

The Storefront Activation Grant is designed to provide targeted financial incentives to increase the vitality of the neighborhood commercial corridors. The funds will assist in recruiting new businesses to vacant commercial/retail tenant spaces in commercial buildings. Eligible projects must involve vacant space. An expansion of an existing business into vacant or underutilized space may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Reimbursement may be withheld if an ineligible tenant or end user has been secured for projects that involve renovation of a commercial space with no end user initially identified.

The Storefront Activation Grant will make available a new business development incentive to commercial building owners and developers. This incentive will offer reimbursable grant funds up to $10 per square foot with a maximum grant in the amount of $25,000. The grant may not exceed 50% of the total eligible project costs. Maximum grant award amount may be increased for proposals involving the use of City-owned real estate.

The Storefront Activation Grant cannot be combined with the Retail Investment Fund.

Retail Investment Fund

The Retail Investment Fund (RIF) is limited to funding retail development projects, located in neighborhood business districts. These businesses cannot be home-based.

The size of a RIF grant is determined by the size of the project, private investment, and job creation. The grant amount is calculated as the lesser of $5,000 per Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) job created or 20% of eligible costs. In either case, the maximum grant allowed through the RIF program is $50,000. A start-up business will be considered to create at least one full-time equivalent or FTE job (the entrepreneur) as well as any additional jobs. The expansion of an existing business shall be fundable only if additional jobs, beyond those in existence at the time of application, are created by the grantee.

The RIF program is a reimbursement program. The grantee will be reimbursed for eligible pre-approved grant related expenses. Grant funds cannot be disbursed until all conditions of the grant contract have been fulfilled, including job creation.

The Retail Investment Fund cannot be combined with the Storefront Activation Grant.

Which grants for exterior work are you applying for? (please mark all that apply).
Your selections here will determine what application materials are required below.

Signage

Façade

Which grants for interior work are you applying for? (RIF and Storefront Activation grants cannot be combined, you can only select one).
Your selections here will determine what application materials are required below.

Storefront Activation

Retail Investment Fund

Applicant Information

Information on the person applying for and receiving the grant funds.

First Name *

Last Name *

Mailing Address *

Address Line 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Are you the head of the household? *

Yes

How many people reside in your household *

Race/Ethnicity (check all that apply) *

African American/Black

Asian/Indian/Southeast Asian

Caucasian/European American/White

Chicana/o, Hispanic, Latino/a, Latinx

Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

Indigenous American/Alaskan Native

Other (please describe): Other (please describe):

Gender *

How did you hear about our grant programs? *

Project Information

Where will the improvements be made?

Address of the Project *

Address Line 2

Zip Code *

City (Property MUST be located in the city of Milwaukee) *

State *

Property Owner Information

Do you own the property where these improvements will be made? *

Yes

Name of the Entity that owns the building *

Building Owner Contact Full Name *

Building Owner Contact Street Address *

Building Owner City *

Building Owner State *

Building Owner Zip Code *

Building Owner Phone Number *

Type of Ownership *

Sole Owner

Corporation

LLC

Other Other

How many years has this ownership owned this property? (round to decimal if under 1 year) *

If you do not own the property, please provide a letter from the owner of the building confirming authorization of the project *

For RIF grant consideration, please upload a copy of your lease *

Please list all properties the applicant owns in the City of Milwaukee: *

Business/Occupant Information

Who will be the end user of the space?

Has the final user of the space been confirmed? *

Yes - Complete section below

No - fill in only type of business(es) you are seeking

What type of business are you applying for? *

Business Start Up/New Business

Existing Business Expansion

Name of Business

Type of Business *

Business Contact Name

Business Phone Number

Business Email Address

Will this business sell alcohol or alcoholic beverages?

Yes - a liquor license will be required

Licensing Resources:

Alcohol Beverage Licensing Process for New Applicants

Sales and Service Restrictions related to each type of Alcohol Beverage Establishment License

If the business will be serving alcoholic beverages, please estimate what percentage of overall sales will be from alcohol *

Grant Selection

Form fields will appear here once you have selected the grants you are applying for.

Signage Enhancements

	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Sign Fabrication	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
External Lighting Fixtures	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Electrical Work	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Installation	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Awnings	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Contractor Fee	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Other	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Other	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete

TOTALS:

Total cost from Quote 1 *

Total cost from Quote 2 *

Grant Calculation:

50% of Lowest BID
(Maximum grant is $2,500.00)
Subject to Committee Approval *

In addition to this form, please include:
 Renderings or drawings of the proposed sign
 Official quotes from two licensed and bonded contractors detailing the above costs
We also recommend that you contact the development center to obtain a sign permit before starting your project to ensure your sign meets City guidelines. This may help to prevent losses resulting from signs that do not meet City codes.

Façade Enhancements

	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Major Façade Alterations	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Window Improvements	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Awnings	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Doors	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Lighting improvements (eligible if part of a larger project)	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Landscaping (eligible if part of a larger project)	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Fencing (eligible if part of a larger project)	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Contractor Fee	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Other	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Other	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete

TOTALS:

Total cost from Quote 1 *

Total cost from Quote 2 *

Grant Calculation:

50% of Lowest BID
Maximum grant is $5,000.00*
Subject to Committee Approval *

*A separate Façade Grant may be considered for buildings on a corner lot, where more than one façade abuts a public street.

In addition to this form, please include:
 Renderings, elevations or drawings of the proposed façade improvements
 Official quotes from two licensed and bonded contractors detailing the above costs

Storefront Activation

	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Demolition	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Ceiling	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Lighting	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Plumbing	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Interior Walls	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Electrical Work	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Flooring	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
HVAC	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Contractor Fee	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Other	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Other	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete

TOTALS:

Total cost from Quote 1 *

Total cost from Quote 2 *

Grant Calculation:

50% of Lowest BID
Maximum Grant is $10 per Square Foot
Not to exceed $25,000
Subject to Committee Approval *

Square feet of commercial space being remodeled: *

In addition to this form, please include:
 Renderings, drawings or floor plans of the proposed storefront activation improvements
 Official quotes from two licensed and bonded contractors detailing the above costs

Retail Investment Fund

	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Construction	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Architecture & Engineering	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Purchase of Furniture, Fixture and Equipment (FF&E)	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Start-Up Inventory	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Other	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete
Other	Description of Materials and Activities	Cost from Quote 1	Cost from Quote 2	Estimated time to complete

Number of full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs being created.
The new jobs must be created after approval, and qualifies once the employee is retained for at least 45 days. Full-time employees must work 32+ hours a week. Part- time employees can count toward the requirement of one FTE if the hours worked add up to at least 2080 per year. In such a case, they would be converted to one full-time equivalent. To meet the terms of this grant all employees considered must be city of Milwaukee residents. *

Grant Calculation:

Lower of the following:
$5,000 per FTE job created
20% of Eligible Expenses
Not to exceed $50,000
Subject to Committee Approval *

DUNS Number (http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform) *

For Existing Business Expansion

Balance sheet and profit & loss statement for previous three years.

Number of Full-time equivalent (FTE) employees currently (at the applicant business). You may include yourself if you are on the payroll *

Business federal income tax returns for the last three years.

A current balance sheet and a current operating statement. This statement should not be over sixty days old.

Schedule of Existing Debt form

For Start Up Businesses

A three-year projection including balance sheets and income statements and assumptions supporting these statements

Monthly cash flow projection for the first twelve months of operation or three months beyond the breakeven point, anticipated volume of sales

A feasibility study showing the likelihood of the project’s success. Show how the business will operate; project definition

Personal federal income tax returns for the last three years

Bank and Equity Documentation

Copy of MEDC and/or bank's credit write-up

Copies of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws if a corporation; Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement if an LLC; or any written Partnership Agreement if a partnership (including name, address and % ownership for co-owners) *

Project Uses and Sources

Project Uses

(Please calculate your estimated total project costs. Please note that not all costs are eligible for our grant programs.)

Purchase Building

Remodeling/Improvements (total) *

Equiptment Purchases

Other

Current Total:

0.00

Project Sources

(How will the project be paid for? List 0 if no source of that type is being used)

Bank/CDFI Loan 1 *

Loan 1 Lender *

Bank/CDFI Loan 2 *

Loan 2 Lender *

Owner Equity/Cash *

City Grant Funding - Grant Calculation(s) *

Other Grant Funding *

Other *

Conflicts of Interest

	Yes	No
Are you or any of your partners, Board Members, investors, or other persons directly and meaningfully affiliated with your company -- and/or this project -- an employee of the City of Milwaukee, the Department of City Development (DCD), or one of its affiliate agencies?	Yes	No
Are you or any of your partners, Board Members, investors, or other persons directly and meaningfully affiliated with your company -- and/or this project -- married to an employee of the City of Milwaukee including DCD or one of its affiliate agencies?	Yes	No
Are you or any of your partners, Board Members, investors, or other persons directly and meaningfully affiliated with your company -- and/or this project -- the brother, sister, parent or child of an employee of the City of Milwaukee, DCD, or one of its affiliate agencies?	Yes	No

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, please explain below.

Narrative Questions

Is your project supported by an organization (BID, business association, etc.) that represents the surrounding business community or neighborhood? *

Please describe your specific need for the grant funds in question. (Why do you need the grant?) *

If approved, how would the reimbursement help to maintain the long-term sustainability of your business? *

Alternatively, upload a document here answering the above questions. You will need to put something in the boxes to complete the application ("see upload", Attached, etc.)

Acknowledgements

Please initial under each statement to acknowledge your understanding:

Submittal of an application does not guarantee a grant award. *

Commercial Revitalization Grant funds are limited, and the City may deny the application or reduce the award amount, if insufficient program funding is available. *

Applications may be denied, or award amount reduced, based on alignment with the Criteria of Consideration (located above in this application). *

Any expenses incurred or work performed prior to committee approval will be ineligible for reimbursement. *

Grant approval does not guarantee compliance with all permitting codes or zoning ordinances. Applicants are responsible for ensuring the work performed is up to code and permits are applied for to comply with the grant award. *

Written permission from grant staff is required prior to making any changes to the design of the project or work with new contractors. Failure to comply may result in the partial or full grant forfeiture. *

Fraudulent documents or efforts to circumvent the guidelines and rules of the grant will result in complete forfeiture of my grant. *

Reimbursement will require copies of invoices and proof of payment; such as images of posted/canceled checks or credit card/bank statements and maybe additional documents. *

Cash payments are not allowed and Lien Waivers Cannot be substituted for proof of payment. Failure to provide the sufficient documents will result in forfeiture of eligible grant expenses or a reduced final grant reimbursement. *

Projects must be completed in the 9-month grant award timeframe. Due to the high demand for the programs, funds cannot be held indefinitely. *

Extensions must be requested prior to the grant expiration date. Extension may be denied if sufficient progress has not been demonstrated. The City also has the right to terminate the grant if expired. *

Do you authorize DCD to post photos and descriptions of the work at your business on DCD social media? *

Yes

Application Checklist and Supplementary Materials

Complete this online application, or contact CCT for a paper copy

Two (2) detailed, itemized quotes from licensed and bonded contractors for signage expenses: You are able to upload 2-4 files here, 2 quotes are required but for some projects there will be more than 2. *

Two (2) detailed, itemized quotes from licensed and bonded contractors for each Façade expense: You are able to upload 2-8 files here, 2 quotes are required but for some projects there will be more than 2. *

Two (2) detailed, itemized quotes from licensed and bonded contractors for each Storefront Activation expense: You are able to upload 2-8 files here, 2 quotes are required but for some projects there will be more than 2. *

RIF Quotes: Official quotes from two licensed and bonded contractors detailing the any construction-related costs. Copies of any estimates, bids, contracts, or quotations regarding equipment, furniture or fixtures to be purchased in connection with the project. Maximum 10 documents can be uploaded here, please contact us if you need to upload more. *

Certificate of Insurance for your business. *

Evidence of Workers Compensation and Employer’s Liability coverage.

Business plan describing products and services, hours of operation, and staffing needs, and the business' market and competition. *

Detailed project description that includes the following:
• Number of jobs to be created, when they will be created, the type of job, and estimated compensation
• Describe the project for which you are requesting RIF funds
• Describe the public benefit being generated; quantify as much as possible this benefit. Will it bring a necessary change? Fill a need in the neighborhood?
• Provide a detailed project budget, which shows all sources and uses of funds necessary to complete the project.
• Timeline for project initiation and completion
*

Résumés of principal applicants, guarantors, and key management personnel. *

Floor Plan *

A rendering or illustration that visually demonstrates the impact of the improvements proposed; the documents should provide accurate measurements, proportions and descriptions of colors and materials that will be utilized. 1 document is required, up to 4 can be uploaded here. *

A completed current W9 Form Version 2024 - blank form can be downloaded from the IRS website here *