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 delinquent or tax exempt properties
-Properties with condemnation or raze orders
-Properties in receivership or litigation
-Applicants with other delinquent property taxes
-Properties not located on publicly visible commercial corridors
-Properties not zoned for commercial purposes
-Exclusively residential properties
-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
-Routine maintenance such as painting, tuck-pointing, roof repair/replacement or other work that does not result in a visibly noticeable improvement

-Home-based businesses

-Religious Assembly
-National Franchises* or Retail Chain Stores
-Tobacco and/or Liquor Stores
-Pawn Shops
-Strip Clubs
-Cash for Gold
-Pay Day Loan Store
-Multi-Level Marketing
-Gun Stores

-Non-public and non-profit uses
-Daycare or Childcare Centers on case by case basis
-Exclusively Liquor Establishments
-External Security Gates or Bars on windows or doors
-Internally Lit Cabinet/Box Signs
-Tinted, Reflective or Non-Transparent Window Treatments or Glazing
-Applicants who have received an award in the

previous 12 months

*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 to discuss their project. Applications are accepted throughout the year and are reviewed by the Business Resource Committee once a month to determine if the project merits an award and an award amount. A completed application package is due a minimum of two weeks prior to the committee meeting. Any expenses incurred or work started prior to committee approval will be ineligible for reimbursement.

Once approved, applicants have up to 9 months from the date of committee approval to complete the project. Any changes to project design or contractors must be approved in writing by staff prior to project alterations. 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.

Once the project is completed, staff will verify that all work has been completed. See next section for compliance and reimbursements guidelines.

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.

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 paid 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
Special Consideration may be given to projects within Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Areas, Target Investment Neighborhoods, Business Improvement Districts, Neighborhood Improvement Districts, and Commercial Corridors with significant blight or storefront vacancies

Activation of the street

The project must eliminate blight.

All façade work must be done on the exterior of the building and result in a publicly visible improvement.

All façade work must be done on a street facing side of an existing building.
Work on the rear or roof of the building is not eligible for a façade/signage grant.
Live-in studios must be classified as a commercial or mixed use building.

Funding Need
Will the grant result in an improvement that would not be made otherwise?
Will the project substantially leverage more investments than the required matching amount of the grant?

Design
Complies with City Building code and all applicable bodies that govern design (e.g. Historic Preservation,
Architectural Review Board (ARB), etc.)
Does the project utilize higher quality materials?
Is the work being proposed an enhancement?
If required, has the project obtained a Certificate of Appropriateness or approval by an ARB? (examples include locally designated historic districts or buildings and/or the Third Ward and East Side ARB)

Community impact
Does the proposed project serve the community or contribute to the well-being of the neighborhood?
Does the project positively contribute to the development and growth of the corridor?
Is there community support for the project?

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 $5,000. 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 $10,000. The grant may not exceed 50% of the total eligible project costs.

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.

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 $20 per square foot with a maximum grant in the amount of $50,000. The grant may not exceed 50% of the total eligible project costs.

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 40% of eligible costs. In either case, the maximum grant allowed through the RIF program is $75,000. 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.

Bruce/Pierce/St. Paul Avenue Exterior Enhancement Grant Program

Eligible businesses located within the designated corridors may participate in Bruce/Pierce/St. Paul Avenue Exterior Enhancement Grant Program. Program rules and terms are available in the grant guidelines. If applying to participate in this program, please check the Facade Grant box below, as well as the box for the Bruce/Pierce/St. Paul Avenue Exterior Enhancement Grant Program below.

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

Please check the box below if you are participating in the Bruce/Pierce/St. Paul Avenue Exterior Enhancement Grant Program. Special rules apply for participating eligible businesses, please see grant guidelines for details.

Bruce/Pierce/St. Paul Avenue Exterior Enhancement Grant Program

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 $5,000.00)
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 $10,000.00*
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

Bruce/Pierce/St. Paul Avenue Exterior 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 $40,000.00*
Subject to Committee Approval *

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 $20 per Square Foot
Not to exceed $50,000
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
40% of Eligible Expenses
Not to exceed $75,000
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?)

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.

Acknowledgements

Please initial under each statement to acknowledge your understanding:

Submittal of an application does not guarantee that my project will be awarded a grant. *

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

Grant approval does not guarantee that work presented meets all permitting codes and zoning ordinances. I will be responsible for ensuring the work performed is up to code and permits are applied for to comply with my grant award. *

I need to obtain written permission from grant staff prior to making any changes to the designs of the project. I acknowledge that failure to do so will result in the potential forfeiture of my grant as the final project will not comply with the designs that were approved by the committee. *

I need to obtain written permission from grant staff prior to working with any new contractors not approved in my application. I acknowledge that failure to do so will result in partial or full forfeiture of my grant. *

Submitting fraudulent documents or efforts to circumvent the guidelines and rules of the grant can result in complete forfeiture of my grant. *

Reimbursement will require copies of paid invoices and proof of payment including images of posted checks or credit card statements. I may also be required to submit additional documents. *

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

It is my responsibility to ensure the project is completed in the appropriate amount of time and that due to the high demand for the programs, that my funds cannot be held indefinitely. *

It is my responsibility to request any extensions prior to my grant expiration date and that the City has the right to deny my extension if I have not demonstrated sufficient progress in completing my project. The City also has the right to terminate my grant if it is expired and I have not responded to staff. *

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 Façade 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 Storefront Activation expenses: You are able to upload 2-4 files here, 2 quotes are required but for some projects there will be more than 2. *

RIF Quotes: Copies of any estimates, bids, contracts, or quotations regarding rehab or construction work to be done or equipment 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 *