The Commercial Façade Improvement (CFI) Matching Grant Program, funded by Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) through HUD, is an initiative of the City of Santa Monica aimed at enhancing the exterior appearance and security of small businesses. The program supports brick-and-mortar shops along Pico Boulevard, focusing on low- and moderate-income (LMI) areas. Eligible businesses can receive a dollar-for-dollar match of their investment, up to $10,000, for improvements such as signage, lighting, ADA-compliant entryways, and security enhancements, with input from the Santa Monica Police Department's Crime Prevention Team.
Eligible applicants must be existing Santa Monica businesses with annual revenues under $2,000,000 and valid business licenses. Priority consideration is given to minority-owned, female-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses, as well as those sourcing materials and labor locally. Grant applications are evaluated through a randomized online system, with additional emphasis on serving LMI clientele and areas defined by HUD's 2020 Census tracts.
To apply, businesses must submit a complete application form, photos of existing conditions, supplementary improvement illustrations (e.g., sketches or specification sheets), and at least two cost estimates, including detailed vendor information. Applications open on January 15, 2025, coinciding with an informational meeting at the Pico Branch Library. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Selected projects must be completed within one year of the award date, followed by an inspection prior to reimbursement.
The grant covers 50% of eligible project costs, up to a $10,000 reimbursement cap. Businesses must provide proof of payment and detailed invoices to demonstrate alignment with the approved proposal. Any deviations from the initial project plan may result in denial of reimbursement. If funds are unavailable at the time of application, submissions will be retained for up to 12 months, pending additional funding.
The CFI Matching Grant Program is designed to support Santa Monica’s economic development by fostering public-private partnerships that enhance the safety, aesthetic appeal, and operational viability of small businesses in historically underserved areas. For more details or assistance, applicants can contact the program's economic development team at econdev@santamonica.gov.
