Small Business Façade Improvement Grant Program
The Small Business Facade Improvement Grant Program is a reimbursement grant program designed to enhance the visual appeal and economic vitality of commercial districts within eligible low and moderate-income areas of our community. Eligible businesses may be awarded up to $30,000.
The purpose and objectives of the program are:
- Revitalize Hamden's commercial districts by supporting small businesses
- Eliminate substandard or deteriorating conditions in low and moderate-income areas
- Promote a climate for reinvestment in revitalizing neighborhoods
- Restore or preserve the architectural integrity of property located along public roadways
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
Small businesses will be considered eligible for this program if they are located within a commercially zoned area of a Community Development Target Area, established by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and the Town of Hamden Community Development Advisory Commission.
Eligible program activities include the following:
- Restoration of original architectural features and removal of elements that cover the original design
- Installation or replacement of business signage and awnings (must comply with town regulations)
- Exterior painting, cleaning, and repointing of masonry
- Replacement of exterior doors, windows, stairs, porches, and/or railings visible from the public right-of-way
- Repair or paving of customer parking areas visible from the public right-of-way
- Installation or upgrade of exterior lighting to improve safety and visibility
- Replacement of architectural elements with structural issues
- Correction of exterior building code violations
- Installation of accessibility improvements (ramps, accessible doorways, etc.)
- Landscaping improvements that enhance curb appeal
- Other permanent exterior improvements with significant visual impact
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
To qualify for the program, businesses must meet these criteria:
- Location: Business must be in eligible low and moderate-income census tracts (1651, 1655, and 1656)
- Business Type: Must be a for-profit entity with 25 or fewer employees
- Operating History: Must have been in operation for at least one year
- Financial Standing: No delinquent taxes (Town, State, Federal) or liens due to the Town of Hamden
- Legal Operation: Must possess all necessary licenses and permits
- Ownership Structure: Must not be a franchise operation
- Application Authority: Business owners may apply; for multiple owners, one representative must be designated in writing. The property owner must approve of the project and authorize the Town and contractors to complete the improvements in writing. The property owner may also be required to sign off on any permit requests.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The program opens July 1, 2025, accepting applications on a rolling basis with quarterly award cycles.