Dubuque Main Street (DMS) is introducing a new grant program intended to assist with the buildout of vacant storefronts in downtown Dubuque. Designed to help local entrepreneurs and business owners close funding gaps for improvements to retail/commercial space in underutilized buildings within the city center, the 2019 Downtown Storefront Improvement Grant competition will accept applications through May 15, 2019.
Grant allocation will encourage the creation of new companies and the expansion of existing businesses into downtown Dubuque. The winner(s) of the competition will receive up to $5,000 toward rehabilitation costs.
Projects must be for space located in the DMS service area that has been vacant for at least one year. Eligible expenses may include: structural repairs/improvements; code compliance; first floor interior rehabilitation; energy efficiency/sustainability improvements; and handicap accessibility improvements for storefronts, like restrooms or lifts. Plans will be locally judged on building and district improvement, as well as the benefit to Dubuque of the proposed improvement venture. A 100%, dollar-for-dollar, cash match is required.
A brief summary of the project must be presented to DMS by May 15, 2019. From these proposals, up to three projects will be selected by May 31 and developers/business owners will be asked to prepare a full buildout plan and may be asked to give a brief presentation on the plan, with winners announced by June 30, 2019.
Interested parties should contact the DMS office at (563) 588-4400 or dan@dubuquemainstreet.org for details.
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