City of Virginia Beach Development Authority Façade Improvement Grants

The Façade Improvement Grants (FIG) program is administered by the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development. This local government initiative aims to support the revitalization and visual enhancement of commercial and industrial areas throughout the City of Virginia Beach. The department promotes economic vitality and inclusive prosperity by encouraging investment and innovation through targeted support programs like FIG. The primary purpose of the FIG program is to assist small, locally owned and operated businesses in enhancing their physical appearances, thereby improving the city’s business environment and encouraging community development. The FIG program offers matching grants to eligible applicants for significant exterior improvements on properties located within commercially or industrially zoned areas of Virginia Beach. The funding is designed to reimburse businesses for visible, permanent improvements such as façade upgrades, new signage, landscaping, fencing, outdoor dining setups, and major parking lot improvements. The grant is not intended for routine maintenance, interior changes, or any movable or non-capital investments. To be considered, all proposed improvements must comply with relevant zoning, building codes, and design guidelines. Eligibility is extended to new or existing small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and to property owners who lease space to these businesses. Nonprofit entities and organizations are also eligible. Applicants must be current on all city licenses, fees, and taxes. Properties must be zoned for commercial or industrial use, including districts such as H, O, B, I, PD-H, OR, RT, and CBC. Ineligible applicants include chain businesses with more than three locations, national franchises, religious institutions, residential complexes, government-supported organizations, and private clubs. Funding requests must fall between $1,000 and $10,000 and be matched dollar-for-dollar by the applicant. A third-party cost estimate must support the funding amount requested. Only one award is permitted per business or property owner per fiscal year. Funding is competitive and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all allocated funds are distributed. A Grant Review Committee initially ranks applications based on completeness, applicant and project eligibility, and whether the applicant is a woman-, minority-, or veteran-owned business. Final selections are approved by the Virginia Beach Development Authority. Once a grant is awarded, the improvements must be completed within six months. Applicants must provide proof of expenses and undergo a final inspection by city staff to ensure that the project aligns with the approved plans. One administrative extension of up to two additional months may be granted. Further extensions must be approved by the Virginia Beach Development Authority. Failure to begin the project within the allotted time frame may result in forfeiture of the grant. Applications require a completed W-9 form, a detailed project description including drawings and photographs, cost estimates from licensed and insured contractors, and a property owner’s authorization letter if the applicant is a tenant. The application portal is currently closed and expected to reopen in January 2026. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documentation in advance and monitor updates from the Department of Economic Development. For more information, the primary contact is Roosevelt Grandberry, who can be reached at rgrandberry@vbgov.com or (757) 385-6463.