Small businesses in parts of southern and east Dallas have the opportunity to upgrade their storefronts and get reimbursed by the city.
Business owners can get up to $50,000 in reimbursements for security upgrades, beautification and other improvements as part of a city grant program.
Improvements could include fixes to building facades, sidewalks, lighting or murals in Dallas City Council District 7. Adam Bazaldua, the district representative, said in a statement he was excited for the revitalization the funding will support.
“This initiative is a meaningful investment in both our small business community and the overall look and feel of our neighborhoods,” Bazaldua said. “I look forward to seeing the success of this program and implementing it on a large city scale.”
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Nearly $797,000 in bond funds have been put toward the grant initiative, with applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, until funding runs out. The program opened up in December.
Funding must be used for improvements that increase a property’s value and encourage business activity. In addition to aesthetic improvements and infrastructure, the program could help make buildings more environmentally efficient or fund improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Reimbursement will be provided based on a project’s size. For example, a project under $25,000 could receive a grant for 80% of the project’s cost. A project of more than $50,000 could receive up to 50% in reimbursement.
More information and applications are available through the city’s economic development office.
This reporting is part of the Future of North Texas, a community-funded journalism initiative supported by the Commit Partnership, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, the Dallas Mavericks, the Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Lisa and Charles Siegel, the McCune-Losinger Family Fund, The Meadows Foundation, the Perot Foundation, the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the University of Texas at Dallas. The News retains full editorial control of this coverage.