Storefront Enhancement Grant

Downtown Everett Storefront Enhancement Grant

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 window displays with the aim of improving the downtown district’s visibility, attractiveness, safety, and shopability.

A total of $45,000 is available to be awarded on a competitive basis. The program is a 50/50 match with up to $5,000 awarded to each approved applicant. The deadline to apply has been extended to November 30, 2023.

Quick Links:

Overview

Use of Funds:

Funds may be used to reimburse costs of materials and labor including, but not limited to, the following types of projects:

  • Fresh coat of paint
  • Lighting improvements
  • New signage and/or awnings
  • New windows and/or doors
  • Entryway improvements, including new flooring
  • Repair of historical architecture features
  • New display fixtures
  • Outdoor planters/curb appeal enhancements
  • Outdoor seating
  • Consulting and design fees
  • Equipment rental and construction costs

 

Routine or deferred maintenance is NOT eligible for funding.

 

Eligibility:

  • The property or business must be located within Everett’s Downtown Improvement District (DID) boundaries. View Map
  • The business must be located on a ground floor, fronting a public sidewalk.
  • Commercial property owners and tenants may apply.
  • The expenses must not have been incurred prior to October 12, 2023.
  • The applicant must be current with property taxes, assessments, city license fees, city business taxes, and permit fees.
  • Applicants can apply separately for multiple addresses.

 

Terms:

  • Projects can receive the grant maximum of $5,000. Some projects may receive less depending on the requested amount, proposed scope of improvements, discretion of the committee based on set criteria, and availability of funds.
  • All projects must adhere to applicable zoning and building codes; some projects may require City of Everett permits.
  • Property Owner Authorization must be submitted for work outside the applicant’s lease agreement.
  • Proof of costs and payment, in the form of paid invoices, will be required.
  • The deadline to complete the project and submit receipts is September 30, 2024.

 

Key Dates:

 

  • Application deadline: November 30, 2023
  • Grant awards announced: December 2023
  • Deadline to Complete Project: September 30, 2024

For questions about the Storefront Improvement Grant, please reach out to Stephanie at 425-258-0700 x100 or email [email protected].

 

Funding for the Storefront Enhancement Grant is made possible by the Downtown Everett Association and economic recovery funds allocated by City of Everett Councilmember Paula Rhyne.October

Application Process

How to Apply:
Download the grant application form. Applications can be submitted via email to [email protected] or delivered to the DEA office at 1511 26th St, Everett.

The deadline to apply for funding is November 30, 2023. Grants will be announced the following 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 $5,000 but may receive less based on the request, cost of the project, discretion of the committee, and 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 September 30, 2024, 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:

  • Application Form with Project Summary
  • Scope of Work & Estimated Costs
  • Property Owner Authorization Form (if applicant is a tenant)

 

Email your completed application to [email protected] or deliver it to:

Downtown Everett Association

1511 26th St

Everett WA 98201

Frequently Asked Questions

My storefront or building is not located in Downtown Everett. Can I apply for this fund?

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

What types of projects are eligible to receive funding?

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.

What fees may be included in my request for grant funding?

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.

I have an idea for an improvement project that is not listed. Can I still apply?

Other types of improvements may qualify on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Liz Stenning at [email protected] to inquire about project eligibility.

Is there a maximum dollar amount I can request?

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. 

Can I request less 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.

Is this a matching grant?

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.

Can I apply for funding for expenses that have already been incurred?

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

When is the Property Owner Authorization Form required?

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.

Do I need a City of Everett permit for my project?

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.  

Can I apply for more than one property?

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. 

Will another round of grant funding be offered later?

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.

Past Recipients

2023 Storefront Enhancement Projects:
Artisans – added decorative window decals

Burkett’s – new exterior paint; replaced awning with new facade

Cafe Uu – added new exterior sign

MyMyToyStore – new exterior paint/mural; replaced front door

Petrikor – refreshed coat of paint to join two storefronts

Schack Art Center – added new lighted sign

The Cakewalk Shop – added new exterior lights

The Sisters Restaurant – added outdoor dining furniture

Wick-Ed Wines – added outdoor planters and new lighting