Vibrant Places Matching Grant Program
$30K GRANT PROGRAM MATCHES YOUR STOREFRONT UPGRADES
South Bend and the Urban Enterprise Association (UEA) have joined hands to offer matching grants for qualifying exterior improvements to commercial, mixed-use, and industrial buildings across the city. Hayes Design Co. (HDCO) is excited to present this program that helps fund well-designed exterior enhancements. With this matching grant, you can jazz up your storefront, upgrade signage and lighting, expand outdoor seating and much more while HDCO manages the process!
The Intent of the Vibrant Places Matching Grant Program is to:
- Enhance the appearance, value and character of properties in the city
- Encourage investment by business and property owners
- Generate additional sales for qualifying businesses
- Invest in sustainable, energy-efficient, low-carbon improvements and climate change mitigation
- Promote a walkable urban development pattern
Hayes Design Co.
HDCO specializes in creating elevated signage and outdoor brand experiences that maximize your customers’ engagement.
Services Include:
Exterior Signage | Painting Exterior Surfaces | Facade & Awnings Outdoor Tables & Seating | Architectural Lighting | Sound Systems
Grant Program
Standard Grant
50% Matching Funds*
Sustainable Grant
20% Matching Funds*
Sun-Powered Grant
15-20% Matching Funds*
*Maximum grant amounts and percent matching grant funds vary based on business location.
Grant Program
Standard Grant
50% Matching Funds*
Sustainable Grant
20% Matching Funds*
Sun-Powered Grant
15-20% Matching Funds*
*Maximum grant amounts and percent matching grant funds vary based on business location.
Grant Process
Applicant submits pre-application
City reviews pre-application
Hayes Design Co. develops project design with applicant
Hayes Design Co. submits full application
City reviews application
If application is accepted, applicant signs grant agreement
Hayes Design Co. and applicant complete project
Applicant submits grant payment request with proof of private investment
City provides grant payment check
Solar applicant shares utility data 12 months after solar panel installation
Eligibility
To be eligible for a matching grant and sustainability bonus, the property must have frontage on the street. The improvements should be visible from the street except for solar panels or green roof installation. A business use must be present on the property or be established within six months of the final grant payment. Property taxes must be current. The property must not be listed for sale. A business does not need frontage on the street to apply for and be eligible for the solar grant.
Projects Not Eligible
- Interior improvements or improvements to single-use residential buildings
- Regular and deferred maintenance items
- Roof replacement or repairs, except when serving as an architectural element
- Chain link and other non-decorative fencing
- Demolition of structures
- Improvements in progress or completed prior to grant approval
- Improvements not visible from the street, except for solar panel or green roof installation
- Removal or enclosure of architecturally important features
- HVAC systems
- Freestanding signs, except monument signs
- Parking lot paving
- Security systems, window or door bars, security gates, and driveway gates
- Environmental consulting, hazardous material testing services, or abatement costs
Additional Info
All work on approved projects is subject to City building and zoning codes.
- Grantee is responsible for all project costs until the project is completed as approved and the grant payment is made.
- A maximum of one grant may be received per address per year.
- The City/UEA reserves the right to reject any and all applications up to the time of the grant agreement signing. The specific program guidelines detailed herein are subject to revision or amendment by the City of South Bend/UEA and the Vibrant Places Matching Grant Program partners. Subject to the availability of funding, this program may be discontinued at any time.
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