Small Business Investment Grant

The Williamsburg Economic Development Authority (EDA) offers a 50% matching grant up to $7,500 for exterior improvements to existing businesses in the City of Williamsburg.

Application Information

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Overview

Williamsburg is excited to offer an opportunity to encourage private investment in the City. The Economic Development Authority offers Small Business Investment Grants to encourage existing businesses and commercial property owners to invest in their properties through exterior façade improvements, landscape enhancements, and other capital improvements.

Purpose

The Williamsburg Economic Development Authority Small Business Investment Grant Program encourages existing business owners and commercial property owners within the City to make capital investments to enhance the vibrancy and character of this area.

The program encourages investment in existing commercial properties to improve the economic vitality of commercial areas from a functional and aesthetic perspective, with the ultimate goal of increasing customer traffic and business revenue. To that end, this grant may be used for improvements that are readily visible from City streets and sidewalks and is not intended for routine maintenance or mechanical equipment purchases or replacements.

The Small Business Investment Grant Program is administered by the Williamsburg EDA and provides grants for exterior improvements to commercial properties within the City.

Qualified Improvements

The following exterior improvements are eligible to receive a Small Business Improvement Grant:

  • Canopy or awning installation and/or repair, where appropriate
  • Decorative fencing (chain-link fencing does not qualify)
  • Design and construction costs associated with qualified improvements
  • Exterior monument sign for business
  • Exterior painting (when associated with a larger rehabilitation effort)
  • Hardscape improvements (brick sidewalks, walkways, etc.)
  • Landscaping improvements
  • Outdoor furniture (benches, tables, etc.)
  • Removal/replacement of architecturally inappropriate or incompatible exterior finishes and materials
  • Replacement of façade materials
  • Replacement of windows, doors, and cornices

Grant Details

A grant from the Williamsburg EDA is available for exterior renovations for existing businesses located within the City of Williamsburg. The maximum grant award per business and property is the lesser of $7,500 or 50% of the costs of the qualified improvements. 

While the applicant may use whichever contractor he or she wishes, the project cost will be determined by the lower of two separate competitive arms-length bids or estimates obtained by the applicant for each qualified project. However, for good cause shown the EDA may waive the requirement of two arms-length bids or estimates. Grants are made on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the availability of program funds. Program funds are limited.

Eligibility & Procedural Guidelines

  1. All fee simple owners of the property must sign the application.
  2. Application must include at least two cost estimates for the proposed improvements.
  3. Awarded funds will be disbursed to the applicant upon satisfactory completion of the qualified improvement project, approval by the City Planning and Codes Compliance Department and submission of all receipts for the work performed.
  4. Completion of the qualified improvement project must occur within six months of the EDA approval unless an extension is granted by the EDA for just cause.
  5. An individual property may qualify for this program multiple times with a maximum lifetime grant amount of $7,500.
  6. Awards are not retroactive. The small business investment grant must be approved before any qualified improvement activity begins.
  7. All applicable City regulations, including Architectural Review Board (ARB), must be followed and approvals must be obtained before the improvement work commences. If ARB approval is required, applicant must apply for ARB approval before submitting SBIG application to EDA.
  8. Prior to the distribution of any grant monies, the following must be paid in full: 
    1. BPOL
    2. Delinquent real property
    3. Fines
    4. License fees
    5. Meals taxes
    6. Personal property, sales
    7. Transient occupancy
    8. Utility charges
    9. Any other amounts owed by the applicant and property owner to the City of Williamsburg
  9. No principal, officer, or manager-employee of the applicant may be a principal, officer, manager employee or investor in the entity employed to perform the services to be funded in whole or in part by the grant.

Publicity & Acknowledgement

Applicants agree to public recognition for participating in the program. Applicants will allow the EDA to install a sign on the property identifying the project as being affiliated with the Williamsburg EDA Small Business Investment Program.

Funding

The program may distribute monies appropriated to the EDA by City Council for such purpose.

Application Information

Email the Williamsburg Economic Development Office or call the office at 757-220-6116 for more information.