Storefront Enhancement Grant

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

Improvements that are highly visible to customers, neighboring merchants, and residents will be considered. Examples of eligible projects include exterior painting or murals, improved lighting, new signage, new window 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 $5,000. Additionally, a business or property owner must contribute an equal amount of the request. (If a project costs $5K, then the request cannot be greater than $2,500.)

Although some project costs could exceed $10,000, a business or property owner cannot be awarded more than $5,000. 

Yes, you can request reimbursement for any amount up to $5,000. Priority will be given to projects that costs at least $1,000.

Yes, this is a 50/50 matching grant. Awardees will be reimbursed for 50% of an improvement project, up to $5,000.

If a project costs $5K, then you could receive $2,250; if the projects costs $10K, you could receive $5,000. If the project costs more than $10K, then the most you can receive is $5,000.

Yes, eligible expenses incurred after October 12, 2023 may be funded through the grant.

A Property Owner Authorization Form is required for applicants who do not own the property they occupy. The form must be signed by the property owner before any work may commence.

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, proof of responsibility may be required in place of the Property Owner Authorization Form.

Some projects may require City of Everett permits. Storefront Improvement Grant applications will only be reimbursed 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 or next year. Businesses may apply more than once, but we will prioritize funding as many different projects, businesses, and locations as possible.