The purpose of the Storefront Improvement Grant Program (SFIF) is to encourage and assist with the exterior renovation and rehabilitation of existing commercial, industrial, and multi-family buildings within eligible CDBG target areas and the federally designated Enterprise Community.  The program provides matching grants for

• complete storefront renovation
• exterior lighting
• new signs and graphics
• windows, doors, and window displays
• awnings
• certain types of passive security and energy conservation systems.

Eligibility

Grants and Amounts

Grants from the City must be matched on a one-to-one basis with private funds from the applicant.  The maximum amount of any grant for non-residential buildings will be either:

• $10,000 within any CDBG target area or
• $20,000 within the federally designated Enterprise Community

Multi-family buildings may apply for higher grant amounts.

Compliance with Other Regulations

Federal:  Applicants must comply with all applicable city, state, and federal regulations pertaining to wages, hours worked, safety, etc.  Applicants who receive $2,000 or more must comply with the Copeland Act and the David-Bacon Act.  These acts prohibit kickbacks and require the employer to pay the prevailing federal wage rate and submit weekly certified payrolls, among other requirements.  Failure to comply with these regulations will result in the forfeiture of the grant award.

Local: All rehabilitation work must comply with all applicable City codes, ordinances, and policies, including but not limited to

• building codes
• sign and design standards
• development review
• historic preservation review

Historic Preservation Review:  Any changes to a building that is on the National Register of Historic Buildings or is a local or state landmark or is located within a local historic preservation district must be approved by the State of Mississippi SHDO and/or have a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Historic Preservation Commission.

Application Process

Applications must be returned to the Office of Economic Development at 200 South President St, Room 223, Jackson, MS 39201.  Applications are reviewed by the City of Jackson Storefront Improvement Grant Review Committee and approved by the City Council prior to physical initiation of any proposed storefront renovation or restoration.  The committee grades applications using a point system, and a minimum score of 70 is required. 

• Storefront Improvement Grant Application

After approval by the City Council, the applicant executes a contract with the City.  Work must begin within 45 days after approval.  Reimbursement funds are paid by the City after the renovation or restoration project has been completed and the project has received final approval.