(Washington, DC) - The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is soliciting applications for the Ward 4 Storefront Improvement Program (SIP), which it launched November 2009. The program is designed for eligible Ward 4 applicant business owners to make small design fixes to their store exteriors, including signs, awnings, lighting, painting, and window glass. Approved improvement services will be funded by the Ward 4 Capital Improvement Program. Review the Ward 4 Storefront Improvement Program Guidelines* and the news release for additional details.
Service Award and Costs
Business owners are eligible for up to $15,000 in exterior improvement services. Selected businesses will not receive direct funding. While the storefront improvement services are free to the business owner, the business owner is responsible for any permit fees, which range from $150 to $600.
Application Process
The application comprises two components.
- Eligible businesses must first complete the Step 1 Application for Services, which focuses on required business information (including Clean Hands certification) and the demonstrated need for storefront improvement services.
- Based on satisfactory completion of Step 1, applicant businesses will receive the Step 2 Application for Services in which they will convey the detailed design specifications for each requested improvement.
Download and review the Program Guidelines*, which includes details about eligible applicants and storefront improvement services.
Download and complete the Step 1 Application for Services*, which is also available in hard-copy at DSLBD, 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 970N, Washington, DC 20001.
Submission Process – DEADLINE: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 5 pm.
Ward 4 business owners applying for the SIP must submit a completed Step 1 Application for Services by December 30, 2009 by close of business (5PM). Applicants may mail their application for receipt in DSLBD’s office on or before December 30th or hand-deliver it to be time-date stamped by DLBD before 5 pm on December 30, 2009 (photo ID needed to enter the building).
Department of Small and Local Business Development
Commercial Revitalization Division
441 4th Street, NW, Suite 970N
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 727-3900
The first round of applications is due Wednesday, December 30, 2009. However, a second round of applications will likely be announced for submission in early February 2010.
Selection Process
Ward 4 businesses will be selected, through a competitive application process. As a pilot program, resources are only available for a limited number of Ward 4 businesses.
Outreach
DSLBD convened business outreach meetings* in Ward 4 commercial districts on November 16, 2009, November 18, 2009, and November 19, 2009 to inform businesses about the participation requirements, eligible improvements, and the application process, published a Notice of Available Funding* in the DC Register and emailed business owners who provided their email addresses online.
For more information, contact Phyllis R. Love, Assistant Director, Commercial Revitalization Division, Department of Small and Local Business Development at (202) 727-3900 or restoredc@dc.gov.