Small Business Façade Improvement Grant Program

The Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District is excited to announce the availability of $115,000 in funding for a Small Business Façade Improvement Grant Program.

This grant program is available to all properties in the Hyannis BID and eligible improvement include new signage, windows, planters, painting, masonry, siding, doors, awnings and or structural or design changes. The program is intended to improve the aesthetics of downtown Hyannis and enhance the quality of the commercial properties in the area.

Funding for this grant program is being provided by a Mass Development TransformativeDevelopment Initiative (TDI) Local grant, and $75,000 will be allocated to properties located in the Hyannis TDI District. Additionally, funding for the program is being provided by a Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) grant from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development and administered through Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

“A Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Program was identified in the Hyannis Local Rapid Recovery Plan Study and Hyannis TDI Downtown Action Strategy Plan as a best practice to elevate the level or the attractiveness o the downtown while directly improving individual small businesses, stated Elizabeth Wurfbain, Executive Director of the Hyannis BID, “Our community partnerships have made it possible to launch this exciting new program, including partnering with the Town of Barnstable Planning & Development Department, Love Live Local, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, MassDevelopment (TDI), and MOBD. We are so grateful for the support to create a new consistent and simple grant program that will continue to revitalize downtown Hyannis.”

The application deadline is March 19, 2023 and awarded projects must be completed by December 31, 2023. Preference will be given to projects that can be completed by June 30, 2023 and are consistent with Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District Commission guidelines.

Elizabeth Wurfbain is available to advise, please call the office at 508-775-7982. (Note: Replacement of existing signage etc., and landscaping, do not need to go through the Historic Commission)

Program Guidelines can be found HERE.

Please read through the guidelines before completing your application.

Please click HERE to download the online application.

Save the PDF with your responses, and email your application, along with all supporting documents to [email protected].

Please click HERE for paper applications.

Call our office at 508-775-7982, to arrange for drop-off of paper applications.

 

Resources for Façade Improvements:
Awnings (a highly recommended façade improvement)
Signage
Planters
  • Country Garden (email [email protected], she can come and make an estimate and proposal with a drawing. Ex. take part in a program to have Country Garden deliver, plant, and change out the plants 4x a year.
2023 Small Business Façade Improvement Program FAQs
Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District Program
In Partnership with the Barnstable Planning & Development Department
1. What types of projects are eligible for this program?
>> Any new improvement to primary front-facing commercial facades is eligible, such as:
  • Signage
  • Outdoor Seating/Dining Improvements
  • Exterior Painting and/or Siding
  • Landscaping and/or Planter Boxes
  • Decorative Features (Shutters, Awnings, etc.)
  • Windows/Doors
  •  Brick or Stone Work
2. What properties are eligible for the program?
>> Any properties located in the Hyannis BID or TDI District are eligible.
3. Can I apply for the grant if I’m not the property owner?
>> Yes but you will need to include a signed letter from the property owner authorizing the application, as well as a copy of your lease.
4. Do I need to include an estimate and rendering with my application?
>> Yes, incomplete applications will not be accepted.
5. How many estimates do we need to provide?
>> One estimate from a professional is sufficient.
6. Does the sketch/rendering of the project need to be professionally done?
>> No, it can be a rough sketch as long as it accurately depicts the proposal.
7. Are there insurance or wage requirements for the contractors performing the work?
>> No.
8. When do projects using grant funds need to be completed?
>> By the end of the calendar year (12/31/23).
9. How will we receive the grant funds if awarded?
>> Grants funds will be paid directly to the contractor performing the work after it’s completed.
10. What if my contractor requires a deposit?
>> In this case we’d encourage you to pay for the deposit as your 20% matching funds for the project.
11. Who decides how funding will be awarded?
>> An application review panel consisting of a representative from the BID and Town (among others) will review applications based on the evaluation criteria listed in the program guidelines.