Commercial Revitalization Grant

The Commercial Revitalization Grant Program, administered by the City of Milwaukee’s Commercial Corridor Team, is designed to stimulate the economic and visual vitality of commercial corridors throughout the city. These corridors serve as critical entry points and hubs within neighborhoods, and their appearance plays a significant role in shaping public perception and enhancing quality of life. The program aims to eliminate visible blight, improve storefront aesthetics, and activate public-facing areas, thereby supporting businesses and promoting community development. Grants are available to incentivize improvements to commercial properties, particularly those in areas experiencing disinvestment or underutilization. The program offers multiple grant categories tailored to different revitalization needs. These include the Signage Grant (up to $2,500), Façade Grant (up to $5,000), Storefront Activation Grant (up to $25,000), and the Retail Investment Fund (up to $50,000). Each grant covers up to 50% of eligible project costs and operates on a reimbursement basis. The Storefront Activation Grant, for example, supports the renovation of vacant commercial spaces and provides up to $10 per square foot, while the Retail Investment Fund incentivizes job creation by providing up to $5,000 per full-time equivalent (FTE) job created or 20% of eligible costs. Projects located on City-owned real estate or those creating substantial employment may qualify for enhanced funding. Applications are reviewed monthly by the Business Resource Committee, with deadlines falling on specified Thursdays each month. Applicants must submit their complete packages by 4:30 PM on deadline days to be considered that month. Projects must be pre-approved before work begins; any expenses incurred beforehand are ineligible for reimbursement. Once approved, grant recipients have nine months to complete their projects. Extensions may be requested but require demonstrable progress. Awardees must also adhere strictly to compliance requirements, including obtaining necessary permits, securing approvals for project or contractor changes, and submitting proof of payment documentation for reimbursement. Cash payments and lien waivers are not accepted as valid proof. Eligibility is limited to for-profit commercial properties located on publicly visible commercial corridors within Milwaukee. Ineligible applicants include home-based businesses, nonprofit and religious organizations, tax-exempt properties, and those with unresolved code or tax issues. Specific business types, such as national franchises operating in three or more states, liquor stores, and payday loan providers, are also excluded. The program cannot fund routine maintenance, roof repairs, or projects aimed solely at resolving code violations. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with key evaluation criteria, including location within strategic districts (e.g., Community Development Block Grant areas, Business Improvement Districts), activation of the street through improved facades, funding need, design quality, and potential community impact. Applications are scored based on these factors. While receipt of a grant is not guaranteed, projects with strong alignment and complete documentation have a higher likelihood of approval. The submission process involves contacting the Commercial Corridor Team for an initial consultation and site visit. Required materials include a completed application form, contractor quotes, visual renderings, a uses and sources budget form, narrative responses, a conflict of interest form, and a W-9. For Storefront Activation and RIF grants, applicants must also provide a business plan and floor plans. Once a project is completed and inspected, reimbursements are processed within approximately 45 days. The program provides a pathway for businesses to reinvest in their properties and their neighborhoods, supporting both economic growth and visual enhancement across Milwaukee’s commercial corridors.

Submit complete documentation; do not begin work before approval; ensure contractor licensing and permitting.