Storefront Improvement Program

The City of Greenfield, Massachusetts, through its Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD), is offering a Storefront Improvement Program aimed at revitalizing the visual appeal and economic activity of the city's downtown area. This grant-funded initiative targets local businesses operating within the Central Commercial Zone, helping them enhance their exterior appearance to make Greenfield a more inviting place to visit, shop, and work. By focusing on the aesthetics of storefronts, the program supports the broader mission of community development and downtown revitalization. This initiative is made possible through funding from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is administered at the state level by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) and passed on to the City of Greenfield. As the program administrator, the City handles all aspects of the grant including application review, eligibility assessment, and compliance with procurement laws. Eligible applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding. While the primary focus is on signage and awnings, any visual improvements to storefronts are considered for eligibility. To apply, businesses must submit a complete application and provide multiple quotes for proposed improvements, as mandated by Massachusetts General Law (M.G.L. 30B), which requires the solicitation of multiple bids for purchases under $10,000 to ensure cost efficiency. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning February 17, 2026. While there is no fixed deadline for submission, the program will close once all available funds have been awarded. All funded improvements must be completed by June 1, 2026. This timeline ensures that projects contribute timely enhancements to the downtown business district. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals as early as possible to secure funding before resources are depleted. Applications will be reviewed by CEDD staff for completeness and eligibility. Final selections will prioritize those proposals that demonstrate a high likelihood of completion within the required timeframe and offer a meaningful visual impact on the downtown streetscape. The City anticipates making between five and seven grant awards, depending on project costs and available funding. Interested applicants can download the application form from the City of Greenfield's official website. For more information or application assistance, contact Anna Oltman, Community Development Administrator, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 413-772-1548 ext. 5. While the City currently does not have a recurring funding source for future storefront improvement programs, it remains committed to identifying new opportunities to support local businesses and the continued revitalization of Greenfield’s downtown.

Submit early, as funds are limited and awarded based on visual impact and project feasibility.