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The Downtown Everett Storefront Enhancement Grant is intended to provide financial support to business and property owners who embark on projects to improve the appearance of their building facades, storefronts, and interiors with the aim of improving the district’s visibility, attractiveness, safety, and shopability.
A total of $37,500 is available to be awarded on a competitive basis. Up to $3,750 will be awarded to each approved business.
The deadline to apply is September 7, 2022.
Table of Contents below will link to:
Use of Funds:
Funds may be used to reimburse costs of materials and labor including, but not limited to, the following types of projects:
Routine or deferred maintenance is NOT eligible for funding.
Eligibility:
Terms:
Key Dates:
For questions about the Storefront Improvement Grant, please reach out to Liz Stenning at 425-258-0700 x100 or email [email protected]
Funding for the Storefront Enhancement Grant is made possible by the Downtown Everett Association and the city’s Everett Forward Grant Program. The project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number 21.027 awarded to City of Everett, Washington by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
How to Apply:
Download the grant application form. Applications can be submitted via email to [email protected] or delivered to the DEA office at 2707 Colby Ave, Suite F.
The deadline to apply for funding is September 7, 2022. Grants will be announced by the end of the month.
Evaluation Criteria:
Grants will be reviewed by a committee and scored based on set criteria, along with discretion by the selection committee members. Priority will given to projects that are likely to increase business activity and best improve the district’s visibility, attractiveness, safety, and shopability. Priority will also be given to projects that can realistically be completed within six months.
Projects can receive the grant maximum of $3,750 but may receive less based on the request, cost of the project, discretion of the committee, or availability of funds.
Grant Agreement:
Awardees will be informed of their selection by DEA staff promptly after the selection process is completed. Upon acceptance of an award, successful applicants must sign a grant agreement that states the awardee agrees to the terms of the grant. The agreement must be signed before eligible expenses are incurred.
Reimbursement Process:
Upon completion of the project, proof of costs and payments must be submitted for reimbursement. Before and after photos must also be submitted. The project must be completed by March 31, 2023, to receive reimbursement.
Only approved project costs will be reimbursed. If there are any changes to the project before completion, qualifying expenditures must be approved by DEA staff. An extension to complete the project may be requested only if the project experiences unforeseen extenuating circumstances. Extensions will be reviewed and approved at the discretion of DEA staff.
Application Checklist:
Before submitting your application, please make sure the following are complete:
Email your completed application to [email protected] or deliver it to:
Downtown Everett Association
2707 Colby Ave, Suite F
Everett WA 98201.
No, the Storefront Improvement Grant is only available to property owners and business owners located within Everett’s Downtown Improvement District (DID) boundaries. view map
Projects intended to improve the appearance of a building or business visible from the public right-of-way will be considered. Examples of eligible exterior and interior projects include painting, improved lighting, new signage, new display fixtures, and outdoor curb appeal enhancements.
In addition to labor and material costs, grant requests may include costs that support the completion of a project such as consulting and design fees, permit fees, or equipment rental.
Other types of improvements may qualify on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Liz Stenning at [email protected] to inquire about project eligibility.
Yes, the maximum dollar amount for funding requests is $3,750. Although project costs can exceed this amount, a business or property owner cannot request more than $3,750.
Yes, you can request funding for any amount up to $3,750.
No, funding can pay 100% of an improvement project up to $3,750.
Yes, eligible expenses incurred after June 1, 2022 may be funded through the grant.
The Property Owner Authorization Form is required for applicants who are proposing projects that require property owner permission. These are projects that involve work outside of the applicant’s lease agreement. For example, if a tenant wants to change the color of the storefront facade but painting is not allowed per the tenant’s lease, the tenant/applicant will need to submit a completed Property Owner Authorization Form as part of their application.
If the project falls under the applicant’s responsibility per their lease agreement, the Property Owner Authorization Form is not required. For example, some leases may require the tenant to replace broken windows. In this case, the Property Owner Authorization Form would not be required.
Some projects may require City of Everett permits. Storefront Improvement Grant applications will only be approved if all required permits and approvals are in place, as applicable. For example, a sign permit is required for all signage that is visible from the street; a right-of-way permit is required for new outdoor cafe seating on the sidewalk. If you have questions about whether a city permit is required for your project, please contact City of Everett permit services at 425-257-8810.
Yes, a property owner can submit an application for more than one property located in Downtown Everett. We will consider all applications, but we intend to provide funding for as many different businesses and property owners as possible.
If any funding is unallocated, another round of grants may become available later in the year. Businesses may apply more than once, but we will prioritize funding as many different projects, businesses, and locations as possible.
