The Community Redevelopment Agency has launched new and improved business assistance programming which provides multiple grant opportunities to benefit commercial properties in the Downtown CRA. The grant opportunities offer varying levels of support, and address both short and long-term challenges that commercial stakeholders have experienced in Downtown Clearwater. This comprehensive business assistance program aims to reduce blight and activate vacant, ground floor commercial spaces with uses that aspire to generate creative and innovative gathering spaces, walkable pedestrian thoroughfares, and increased overall activity. The overarching goal is that Downtown Clearwater's businesses are economically robust and thriving!
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and are subject to CRA approval and budget availability. Eligible applicants must meet the program guidelines and be located within the geographic boundaries for each program. Interested parties should note that no projects will be funded retroactively, and applications must be approved prior to beginning work.
For more information on CRA grants please contact Vickie Shire, Program Manager at (727) 562-4038 or by email at Vickie.Shire@myclearwater.com.
Business Renovation Grant Program
Assist business owners or commercial tenants with funding to renovate occupied spaces with long-term or short-term uses that generate significant downtown pedestrian foot traffic and assist in the CRA mission of blight removal. Grants may be awarded to business owners or commercial tenants for exterior and interior improvements to commercial property within the Downtown CRA boundaries. This program is intended for renovations and repairs of blighted buildings and buildings needing renovation that do not exceed a total project cost of $200,000.
Program Description(PDF, 209KB)
Application(PDF, 225KB)
Façade Improvement Program
Assist property/business owners and commercial tenants improve the physical appearance of buildings within the CRA boundaries. The Façade Improvement Program provides assistance for design services and construction services. This funding will help you design a fresh, and appealing look for your building that adheres to the Downtown Design Guidelines while also helping pay for construction costs.
Program Description(PDF, 272KB)
Application(PDF, 238KB)
Restaurant Operations: Essential Equipment Grant Program
Provide micro-grants up to $3,500 to assist Food & Beverage (F&B) operators with the purchase or repair of essential equipment needed to effectively operate F&B establishments. Grants may be awarded to brick and mortar F&B establishments within the Downtown CRA boundaries.
Program Description(PDF, 309KB)
Application(PDF, 190KB)
Vacancy Reduction Grant Program
Assist property owners with exterior and interior renovations and repairs of commercial property within the CRA boundaries to reduce ground floor vacancies in commercial buildings. This program is intended for large renovations and repairs and the maximum CRA grant is $500,000 for Part A and $500,000 for Part B. Grants cannot be awarded retroactively for work completed prior to a grant award.
Program Description(PDF, 628KB)
Application(PDF, 412KB)
Sidewalk Café Furniture Grant Program
Offer financial assistance to qualified business owners or commercial tenants seeking to furnish approved sidewalk café areas within the Downtown Core District. The grant program makes available one-time grants, up to $7,500 per applicant (which includes the reimbursement for the $50 Sidewalk Café Permit), for outdoor furniture specified in an approved site plan as specified on approved sidewalk café permit.
Program Description(PDF, 151KB)
Application(PDF, 136KB)
Placemaking and Resident Engagement Grant Program
Provide support and funding to those who are interested in making a positive change through placemaking, which assists in transforming the Downtown CRA into a destination filled with a variety of active, beautiful, and creative public places. Placemaking projects may be spearheaded by residents, nonprofits, community groups, artists, businesses, or property owners who want to transform Downtown Clearwater’s public spaces in the following categories: Beautification, Activation, and/or Engagement.
Click Here for Program Information and to Apply