The CRA approved four CPIP grant awards to help fill commercial space and support local businesses across the downtown and Greater Frenchtown Southside districts:

- 440 North Monroe (The Industry) — Sushi Sake: $200,000 for interior tenant fit‑out and some exterior improvements. The tenant is a South Florida restaurant group expanding into Tallahassee. DRC and staff found the application consistent with CPIP guidelines, and the board approved the maximum grant.

- 1100 North Monroe — local florist expansion: $43,308 to replace signage, upgrade HVAC and replace roll‑up doors. Owner expects to add 3–5 jobs; staff required community engagement as a condition and the owner agreed to participate in a Coffee & Connections event.

- 1104 Old Bainbridge Road — building improvements: $49,038 for exterior and interior improvements to ready a vacant building for tenancy. The applicant supplied proof of liability insurance and agreed to post no‑loitering/trespassing signage; CAC recommended community engagement and the owner agreed to host the Coffee & Connections community event at the site.

- 1450 Lake Bradford Road — multi‑tenant building improvements: $33,147 for plumbing, HVAC work, stair railing upgrades to current code recommendations, painting, parking and signage. The property houses four long‑term tenants.

Why it matters: Staff said the CPIP program reimburses eligible expenditures after completion and encourages long‑term tenancy by upgrading building stock. The board tied approval of the Frenchtown projects to community engagement steps; the owners agreed to attend an October Coffee & Connections outreach event.

Decision and next steps: Each CPIP award passed by unanimous vote. Grants are reimbursement‑based: the property owners must complete work, provide documentation, and the CRA will reimburse eligible costs according to program rules and restrictions that prohibit certain uses (for example, standalone liquor stores and convenience stores with fuel pumps).