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Downtown Commercial Beautification Grant Program
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The city of Corona is offering up to $20,000 for small-business improvement projects.
The Downtown Commercial Beautification Grant Program is available for for-profit businesses located within the designated boundaries of downtown Corona with 25 or fewer employees, according to the nonprofit Charitable Ventures, which is administering the grant program in conjunction with city officials. Eligible small businesses also must have started operating in the city as of Jan. 1, 2022.
Eligible improvements include storefront upgrades, awnings, exterior lighting, windows or doors, outdoor dining spaces, signage, property beautification, landscaping and safety-related improvements, including security cameras and security lighting. Other proposed capital improvements will be evaluated by city staff members on a case-by-case basis.
The application period opened Feb. 5 and will conclude March 4 at 5 p.m., according to a city statement announcing the grant program. Applications must be submitted online at https://charitableventuresoc.org/city-of-corona-downtown-commercial-beautification-grant-program/, which also has detailed information about the grants.
To qualify, applicants must be up-to-date on all required licenses, permits and land use entitlements, and successful grant applicants “should be able to demonstrate a tangible impact from COVID-19,” officials said. Grant funding must go toward reimbursing material costs that are only related to the applicant’s proposed improvements.
The grant program, which officials said totals approximately $300,000, is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
“The program is intended to encourage business owners and/or commercial property owners to enhance the appearance of properties through improvements to commercial buildings,” according to Charitable Ventures. “Improvements can have a significant impact on the appearance, community pride, economic setting, and marketability of the properties and businesses located Downtown.”
Grant recipients are required to complete all work by Sept. 30.
Charitable Ventures is available at 714-597-6630, ext. 111, or CoronaRelief@charitableventuresoc.org to answer questions about the grant program.
