Facade and Tenant Improvement Grant

Small business owners and property owners can apply for up to $75,000 through the City of Oakland’s expanded and updated Facade and Tenant Improvement Program to improve the exterior and interior of their commercial properties.

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Applications are now closed for the Facade and Tenant Improvement Grant Program. We received over 600 applications, and issued over 100 grant commitments.

Awardees have been divided into multiple phases. Staff began processing the first phase of 20 applicants immediately, and the remaining grants will be processed in a later phase targeted for mid 2024.

In order to increase the capacity to process the large number of FTIP grants, the City issued an RFP in February 2024 for a third party to administer FTIP, which will allow more rapid assistance to FTIP grantees to complete their projects and improve their properties.

Note: Applicants must sign a grant agreement with the City before starting construction, in order for those project expenses to be considered eligible for reimbursement.

Key Program Features & 2022 Updates

• Grants now available city-wide
• Projects up to $25,000 are fully reimbursable; additional costs reimbursed at 50%. Grant funds are given out after work is completed and proof of payment submitted.
• Reimbursement can be provided in stages throughout project
• Emergency Window Repair Grants of $2,500 due to vandalism (first-come, first-served basis)
• Open to both property owners and their business tenants.
• Tenant applicants must be an independently owned, for-profit business. Churches, nonprofit organizations, chains, and franchises are not eligible.
• Applications will be prioritized based on the Equity Scoring Criteria(JPG, 145KB) and the fulfillment of the following goals: a) Support the City’s broader economic development goals; b) Improve the retail climate of the surrounding commercial district; c) Enhance the appearance of the property and preserve/restore valuable historical features.