City of Richmond Facade Improvement Program
Administered by Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
Program Overview
The Richmond Facade Improvement Pilot Program provides small businesses with funding to enhance the appearance, safety, and visibility of their storefronts. A total of $300,000 is available to be distributed as grants of up to $15,000 per commercial address.
The program is designed to:
● Improve the look and feel of Richmond’s commercial corridors. ● Support small, locally owned retail businesses.
● Stimulate economic activity and community pride.
The program will launch December 29, 2025 and will remain open until December 2026 or until all funds are awarded.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
● Retail & public-facing businesses: Ground-floor, street-facing establishments that provide goods or services in person to the general public during posted hours. ● Qualified nonprofit storefronts open to the public (e.g., thrift stores, museum/gallery retail, community arts retail) operating in a ground-floor, street-facing space with posted hours and public entry from the right-of-way. Administrative-only nonprofit offices are not eligible.
● Property owners with vacant ground-floor commercial spaces who commit to making the space available for lease within six (6) months of receiving conditional grant approval.
Eligible applicants must also:
● be located within the City of Richmond, in eligible program areas (see below); ● have 2024 business revenue of $2 million or less (may be verified); ● have an active City of Richmond business license;
● be in good standing with the California Secretary of State; ● have written landlord approval to make improvements.
Not Eligible:
● Home-based businesses
● Offices not open to the public (exceptions may apply if the business operates like a storefront office)
● Businesses not in compliance with City regulations
Eligible Improvements
Grant funds may be used for exterior improvements visible from the public right-of-way, including but not limited to:
● Windows and doors
● Awnings and canopies
● Signage
● Exterior painting
● Exterior lighting
● Storefront repairs
● Other exterior upgrades approved on a case-by-case basis ● Materials purchased for approved improvements if work is self-performed (labor costs for self-performed work are not reimbursable).
Projects must begin within 90 days of approval.
Projects must be completed within 90 days of project start, unless an extension is granted.
Eligible improvements must preserve full storefront transparency and avoid any exterior fixtures that obscure visibility into the business during daytime or nighttime conditions. Improvements whose primary purpose is physical security rather than beautification—particularly those that reduce transparency or alter the visual character of the façade—are not eligible.
Ineligible Improvements
Examples of ineligible projects include:
● Interior work
● Equipment purchases
● Landscaping or site improvements not attached to the building ● Routine maintenance or cleaning
● Debt service
Target Areas
Eligible businesses located in the following neighborhoods:
● Iron Triangle
● Santa Fe
● Coronado
Grant Amounts
● Maximum grant award: $15,000 per commercial address
● Eligible businesses located in multi-tenant buildings with separate addresses may each apply
Application & Approval Process
1. Application Submission
○ Apply online. or contact Renaissance ([email protected] or 510-619-8668) for help applying
○ Upload project description and contractor bid(s).
○ If doing work yourself, submit a detailed materials list with cost documentation.
The cost of labor will not be reimbursed if doing the work yourself, or if work is not performed by a licensed contractor.
○ Provide landlord written approval (if tenant).
○ Provide estimated project timeline. (Projects must begin within 90 days of approval and be completed within 90 days of project start, unless an extension is granted.)
2. Eligibility Review
○ Business location, license, and Secretary of State status will be reviewed. ○ All scopes of work will be reviewed for eligibility.
○ Additional documentation to support application responses may be requested.
3. Conditional Approval
○ If the applicant meets all eligibility requirements and the proposed scope is approved—subject to available funds—Renaissance will issue a Conditional Approval Letter.
4. Permitting
○ Applicant applies for required permits (e.g., signage review, planning approval) and pays fees.
○ Permit fees are eligible for reimbursement if project proceeds and grant is funded.
○ If project scope is denied by Planning, Applicant may revise and re-apply.
Permit fees will not be reimbursed if the project does not move forward.
5. Grant Agreement
○ Applicant signs a Grant Agreement and Acknowledgment. ○ Applicant submits W9.
Funding & Payment Process
● First Payment: Up to 50% of project cost upon proof of permit approval and either:
● a signed contractor agreement (if hiring a contractor), or ● paid receipts / vendor invoices for materials (if doing the work themselves). ● Final Payment: The remaining 50% is processed after project completion and site review. Processing is expected to take 15-30 days so payments can be expected 15-30 days after the site review.
Notes:
● Projects must begin within 90 days of approval.
● Projects must be completed within 90 days of project start, unless an extension is granted.
● Permit fees may be reimbursed only if the project ultimately moves forward. If the project is abandoned, permit costs are not reimbursed.
Public Recognition
All grant recipients agree to participate in a photo opportunity with City of Richmond officials as a condition of this grant. Photo sessions will be scheduled following project approval or completion.
Key Dates
● Program Launch: December 29, 2025
● Program End: December 2026 or until funds are fully awarded