San Bernardino launches business facade improvement grants

The city of San Bernardino is accepting applications as of Monday for its Paintbrush Program that provides grants to local businesses for facade improvement.

The program offers grants between $10,000 and $20,000 to businesses located in San Bernardino commercial corridors to improve curbside appearances.

Types of improvements could include exterior signs, awnings, canopies or sunshades, painting, stucco, tile, stone or brick repair, asphalt paving, sidewalk or courtyard repaving, outdoor lighting, windows, architectural features, outdoor landscaping, irrigation and fountains. 

The program’s funds must be used to enhance or restore the exterior elements of a business or the appearance of its exterior, a of the business and must be visible from the public right-of-way.

“This is a great opportunity to spruce up our commercial corridors and to assist local entrepreneurs invest in the improvement of their businesses,” San Bernardino Economic Development Director Ken Chapa said in a statement.

The grants come from a City Council allocation of $1 million from the federal American Rescue Plan, officials said. Grants will be available to businesses on a first-come, first-served basis.

Businesses open prior to March 2020 are eligible for up to a $20,000 grant, while businesses that started after March 2020 can receive up to $10,000, according to the San Bernardino officials. Businesses must have a valid business license from the city, and the program requires applicants complete a “business mentoring session” with a representative from the city’s Small Business Development Center.

Businesses must reside along the following areas:

• Downtown San Bernardino
• Mt. Vernon Avenue – between Highland Avenue and Mill Street
• E Street – between 30th Street and Mill Street
• Waterman Avenue – between Highland Avenue and Mill St.
• 40th Street/E Street – between Little Mountain Drive and 31st Street
• Highland Avenue – between Macy Street and Mt Vernon Avenue
• Highland Avenue – between Victoria Avenue and Boulder Avenue
• Fifth Street – between Rancho Avenue and Victoria Avenue
• Base Line Street – between Meridian Avenue and Mt. Vernon Avenue
• Base Line Street – between the 215 Freeway and Victoria Avenue
• Redlands Boulevard – between Waterman Avenue and Gage Canal. 

It was unclear if there is an application deadline. The application form and program guidelines are on the internet at SBCity.org/PaintbrushProgram.

For additional questions, contact the San Bernardino Economic Development Department, 909-384-5366 or EconDev@SBCity.org.

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