BDC Grants
We offer a number of grant programs that can be combined to fit the needs of your project:
For all grants: Pre-Application Meeting required for all grant applications. You must be approved for the grant by the BDC before beginning work you wish to be reimbursed for with grant funds. If you have questions, please call the BDC at 336-222-5002.
Grant Downloads:
BDC Small Grants Program Overview 2012-2013
Small Grants Program Application
Event Grant Guidelines and Application
Building Rehabilitation and Modernization
- Maximum $25,0000
- 50/50 match
- Covers: exterior facade repair, signage, awnings, roof repair, interior system upgrades required by building codes.
- Business plan required
- Award amount depends on size of building and the level of investment proposed
Quick Fix Facade
- New Program!
- Maximum $2,000
- 50/50 match
- Covers new awnings, window repair, signage
- No business plan required for established businesses
- Expedited Review
Retail Up-Fit
- Maximum $5,000 for preferred retail, office uses
- Business plan required
Restaurant Up-Fit
- Maximum $15,000 for restaurants/bakeries
- Business plan required
Business Marketing Grant
- Maximum $3,000 for execution of research-based marketing plan
- 50/50 match
- Business plan required
- 2-year marketing plan required
- Activities covered: research development, consulting services, design services, website development, etc.
Downtown Residential Incentive
- $3.50/square foot incentive for up-fit of upper-story residential units
- Unit maximum of $5,000
- 4:1 matching required. (I.e., if you spend at least $20,000 on the up-fit you are eligible for the $5,000 subsidy)
- Class A Units only (see program guidance for materials guidance)
- Rental or owner-occupied units accepted
Downtown Event Grant
- New Program!
- Maximum award amount per event: $1,000 per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30)
- The BDC is taking applications twice a year for grants to support downtown events.
- Eligible activities: Marketing, Logistics, Materials
- Events must support the viability of the downtown district
- Events must encourage economic development or tourism
- Proceeds must in part benefit the community
Grants can be applied for individually or packaged together. In some cases, property owners will apply for the Building Rehab and Modernization Grants and their tenants will apply for the Business Up-Fit and/or Marketing Assistance Grants.
Pre-Application Meeting Required
If you are interested in applying for one of the grants we suggest you call and discuss your plans with BDC as soon as possible. A Pre-application interview with BDC staff is required as part of the application process. This allows us to answer any questions and help you fill in any holes prior to application submittal. Most grants are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Please review the program materials to decide which application date will best fit your project’s timeline. A current lease or ownership of property within the Municipal Service District is required prior to application for BDC grants.
You may apply for one or more of the following grants individually or by combining two or more to best meet the goals of your project.