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MEDC previews Business Improvement Grant program with matching grants, displacement aid and downtown guidance
Summary
At a June 30 special meeting the Montgomery Economic Development Corporation reviewed proposed Business Improvement Grant Guidelines including matching facade and landscaping grants, a mega grant of up to $20,000, a six-month displacement supplement, and a $25,000 FY2026–27 funding set-aside. Staff will bring formal guidelines to the board for adoption.
The Montgomery Economic Development Corporation reviewed a proposed Business Improvement Grant Program at its June 30 special meeting, with staff describing matching reimbursements for building and site upgrades and a separate small-business displacement assistance option.
"The MEDC's Business Improvement Grant Program is designed to encourage investment in local businesses and commercial properties by providing financial assistance for improvements that enhance the community's economic vitality and appearance," said Kimberly Gonzalez, the assistant director of economic development, during her presentation. She told the board the program aims to support business growth, downtown revitalization and job creation.
Eligible improvements in the draft guidelines include exterior facade work, site and general property improvements, landscaping, sign upgrades and a mega grant option for multi-tenant commercial buildings. Gonzalez said most grants will be matching reimbursements—typically a 50% match—with specific caps: facade and some property improvements capped at $10,000, sign improvements set at $2,500 for existing businesses and up to $1,000 for new businesses, and landscaping improvements capped at $10,000.
Gonzalez described a mega grant up to $20,000 for an entire multi-tenant building but said that award would require a substantial private investment: "There is a requirement that ... they would have to make an $80,000 investment on their own for a total improvement of $100,000," she said.
The draft also includes a business displacement grant structured as a month-to-month supplement: Gonzalez said the program would pay a portion of rent to a property owner for up to six months (up to $10,000), intended to help businesses that must relocate after being displaced.
To guard against short-term flips, the guidelines require recipients to remain in the funded location for 24 months after disbursement; if a recipient sells or closes within 24 months the MEDC would have authority to claw back funds with a 10% interest penalty, Gonzalez said.
Staff described application and oversight procedures: applicants must provide proof of property ownership or a signed owner approval, obtain necessary city permits, and submit photographs, cost estimates and receipts. Gonzalez said compliant reimbursements would be made within 60 days of inspection and that noncompliance could lead to forfeiture of the grant.
Board members asked staff to include guidance that would promote downtown continuity—such as a recommended streetscape package or scoring sheet—while avoiding an unfair funding advantage to downtown businesses. "We could put together for the board a scoring sheet and give more weight to businesses that are in downtown," Gonzalez said; board members agreed staff should add recommended downtown guidance but keep the main program available citywide.
Gonzalez said the MEDC budget includes an initial $25,000 for the grant program in FY2026–27; she told the board the amount can be adjusted depending on demand. Staff will present formal guidelines and the grant application to the board at an upcoming regular meeting for final action.
