Frank Lopez<\/a><\/p>\nLocal businesses continue to benefit from the city of Fresno\u2019s Small Business Fa\u00e7ade Improvement Grant Program, receiving reimbursement grants to improve the exterior appearance of commercial buildings, attract customers and strengthen neighborhood business districts.<\/p>\n
\nApproved by the Fresno City Council in 2023, the program is administered by the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation. It provides reimbursement grants for exterior improvements including new paint, windows and doors, signage, lighting, masonry repair and accessibility improvements.<\/p>\n
\nThe city created the program using American Rescue Plan Act funds to help revitalize commercial corridors by encouraging private investment and improving neighborhood business districts.<\/p>\n
\nThe grants are available to eligible businesses in City Council districts 1 and 4.<\/p>\n
\nQualifying businesses can receive up to $20,000 for single storefront properties and up to $50,000 for multiple storefronts. Businesses must provide a 25% match to the grant they receive.<\/p>\n
\nAccording to the city\u2019s 2025 Recovery Performance Report, more than $1.18 million had been allocated for fa\u00e7ade improvements. Technical assistance has been provided to more than 150 businesses and 53 grants have been awarded, the report said.<\/p>\n
\nMayor Jerry Dyer has supported the program and has attended several ribbon cuttings for businesses that have received assistance.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cOur local businesses help define the character of Fresno\u2019s neighborhoods,\u201d Dyer said. \u201cThe City\u2019s Fa\u00e7ade Improvement Program has helped more than 100 businesses enhance their storefronts, attract new customers, and contribute to the continued revitalization of Downtown Fresno, Chinatown, the Tower District, and Airport District. These investments support local business owners while creating vibrant neighborhoods that our residents can be proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIn April, several businesses announced improvements made through the grant program. The latest recipients include Central Fish, Cuca\u2019s Restaurant on F Street, La Elegante Taqueria, El Molino Rojo, El Paso Furniture and Dulceria Maggis.<\/p>\n
\nDyer said simple changes such as new signs or a fresh coat of paint can \u201ctransform a storefront and make a big difference in the area.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTo support the program, the city has partnered with three community organizations \u2014 the Chinatown Foundation, Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association and the Downtown Fresno Partnership.<\/p>\n
\nMorgan Doizaki, owner of Central Fish, said that before renovations made possible through the city\u2019s fa\u00e7ade program, the exterior of the 10,000-square-foot store had not been updated in decades.<\/p>\n
\nRenovations at Central Fish included new paint, a new sign in front of the store and repairs to the framing of the parking lot sign.<\/p>\n
\nDoizaki said they advertised the renovations and \u201cmade a big deal out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHe said the exterior renovations make the team at Central Fish feel good, and the strong push to direct funding to Chinatown has allowed multiple nearby businesses to improve their storefronts, bringing a positive impact to the neighborhood.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI think, in the past, a certain stigma with this neighborhood existed and now people come here and are like \u2018wow, this is not like what they say it is.\u2019 This is actually cool and nice and the architecture is like no other and they can appreciate a historic area,\u201d Doizaki said.<\/p>\n
\nHe added that the program gives them hope and appreciation for being in the area.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt keeps the established established, and helps small businesses thrive. Chinatown is a bunch of small businesses and we want to support more of them,\u201d Doizaki said.<\/p>\n
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