City of Bakersfield Façade Improvement Grant Program

The City of Bakersfield is announcing competitive grants for property and/or business owners along five Downtown business district corridors: 18th, 19th streets and Wall Street Alley between F and Q streets, H Street and Chester Avenue between 24th Street and Truxtun Avenue. Donor Name: City of Bakersfield State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The grants are for large scale exterior façade improvements to eligible applicants and properties within the boundary. The City has allocated $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and is asking for applications. The City anticipates awarding funding to 4-6 projects. Funding Information The City anticipates awarding funds to 4-6 projects. Any awarded funding $100,000 and over will require a 10% match in private investment and a public hearing before the City Council. For example, if an applicant is awarded a grant for $150,000 in eligible improvements, the applicant is required to match $15,000 (10% of $150,000). In this example, a business or property owner can realize a total of $165,000 in improvements with a $15,000 investment. Private investment may exceed the matching grant portion of the project if, for example, interior improvements are included in the scope of work even though they are not eligible for the grant. Project Period ARPA funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and expended by December 31, 2026. Eligible Applicants Small Business – has no more than 500 employees or, if applicable, the size standard in number of employees established by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration for the industry in which the business concern or organization operates; and (2) Is a small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). Non-profit – a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Impacted Industry – an industry or businesses within an “impacted” industry that experienced a negative economic impact during the pandemic including tourism, travel, and hospitality. If the industry is outside of travel, tourism or hospitality sectors, the industry is impacted if: 1) The industry experienced at least 8 percent employment loss from pre-pandemic levels, or 2) The industry is experiencing comparable or worse economic impacts as the tourism, travel and hospitality industries as of the date the ARPA Final Rule (published 12/6/2022). For more information, visit City of Bakersfield.