The City of San Bernardino, in its continuing efforts to support the development of small businesses, has created the Façade Improvement Grant Program. This is a property enhancement program designed to improve the appearance of existing businesses within the city’s commercial corridors.
The purpose of this grant program is to enhance economic opportunities within the small business community and to encourage additional investment in the city’s commercial corridors. The program will help create a pedestrian-friendly, aesthetically pleasing environment for residents, visitors, and tourists, and may also create substantial economic benefits for merchants and property owners as a result of increased interest and activity.
The goals of the program are to:
- Facilitate commercial revitalization.
- Stimulate private investment and customer patronage.
- Generate shopping opportunities and create a pleasant walking environment by improving the visual aesthetics of commercial building façades.
Step 1
Determine your Eligibility
Small Businesses must be located within a Qualified Census Tract and
along one of the identified commercial corridors to be eligible.
Use the Façade Improvement Corridors Interactive Map to search for your business location.
Step 2
Are you a business that was open before March 13, 2020 and are still open and operational OR
Are you a business that opened between March 14, 2020 and May 11, 2023 and are still open and operational?
If the answer was YES! then read through the Façade Improvement Grant Program Guidelines to learn more about the process and what is required.
Step 3
Fill out the Façade Improvement Grant Application and complete the application process!
Eligible improvements to be made with Program funds must enhance or restore the exterior physical condition or appearance of the building. Types of improvements include, but are not limited to:
- Exterior Signs (installation of new or repair or replacement of legally installed and mounted signs
- Awnings, canopies or sunshades (installation of new or repair or replacement of fixed metal or fabric awnings)
- Painting or exterior surface treatment (stucco, tile, stone or brick replacement or repair)
- Asphalt paving, replacement or repair of tiles or decorative pavers, sidewalk or courtyard repaving (not in the public right-of-way)
- Repair or replacement of masonry walls or footings
- Outdoor lighting (installation of new exterior lighting fixtures; repair or replacement of existing exterior lighting fixtures)
- Installation, repair or replacement of decorative or security fencing
- Replacement of plate glass windows, reglazing of windows or change of windows
- Replacement or refurbishment of architectural features
- Rehabilitation of historical features
- Installation or replacement of outdoor landscaping, irrigation and fountains
All improvements must be visible from the public right-of-way.
Procurement
Applicants are free to select their contractor(s). The chosen contractor must comply with the City’s requirements for contractors. The City reserves the right to obtain additional bids/estimates to determine the validity of the proposed project.
Contractor Requirements
The City shall maintain a file for each contractor performing work pursuant to the terms and conditions of this program. The file shall include the following information:
- Copies of the contractor's current California Contractor's License;
- Copy of contractor’s City Business License;
- Copies of the contractor's current liability and worker’s compensation insurance policies; and
- Provide a subcontractor list as applicable.
Any contractor with an expired General Liability and/or Workers Compensation insurance or a valid state contractor's license shall be removed from the job until he/she is able to provide proof of current insurance and/or license. All contractors shall be required to obtain a City Business License prior to the issuance of a building permit.
Contractor Payment
Payments for work being completed as outlined within the scope of the Façade Improvement Grant “Paintbrush” Program Agreement will be made directly to the selected qualified contractor per the requirements listed above.
Click on the flyer to download a PDF copy
For additional information regarding the Round Two Small Business Grant Program, please contact the following:
City of San Bernardino Economic Development Department
201 North E Street, 3rd Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92401
[email protected]
For questions about the guidelines and application or assistance in completing the application, please contact:
Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network
Paul Nolta, Director, Inland Empire SBDC
[email protected]
800-616-7232