The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (“ECDEP”) has announced that it will begin accepting applications from small business owners on May 2, 2022 for its $10 million Enhanced Storefront Revitalization Program (“the Program”). Announced by Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz in his 2022 State of the County address, the Program will grant eligible small businesses in Erie County up to $40,000 to renovate their storefronts to increase foot traffic into their stores. These grants will assist small businesses that may have lost revenue during the COVID pandemic, helping them with exterior façade upgrades and improvements that will in turn attract new customers, business and revenue.

“As we continue to build back better from the COVID pandemic, this year we are assisting eligible small business owners in improving the physical appearance of their business in order to attract customers, enhance curb appeal and beautify the neighborhood, and most importantly drive business,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “During the pandemic, we helped local small businesses attract customers and generate millions of dollars in sales with the successful Shop 716 campaign, and today I want to let small business owners know that Erie County still has your back. Our goal is to improve and enhance hundreds of storefronts countywide this year, bringing business and building stronger communities.”

Eligible activities include the repair, replacement and/or installation of existing building façade material (siding, brick/masonry repair, etc.), awnings, signage, window and door treatments, roof replacement, and lighting. Permanent outdoor fixtures such as planters, benches, and bike racks are also eligible. Grounds improvements such as paving and landscaping may be eligible if they are incidental to the main rehab work to the building façade but it is anticipated that only in rare occasions will grounds improvements satisfy the test for meeting the incidental work definition. Eligible activities also include items necessary to insure building compliance with federal Americans With Disabilities (“ADA”) regulations. The business owner shall be responsible for all costs in excess of $40,000.

Interior renovations are not eligible for assistance under this program, and routine maintenance or repair items and new façades that mask building architecture are also not eligible for assistance.

“All businesses physically located in Erie County that meet the criteria are eligible to apply, so I encourage business owners to find out more by visiting our website and get involved as soon as possible,” said Commissioner of the Department of Environment and Planning Dan Castle.  “Among other eligibility requirements businesses must be current with federal, state, and local taxes, including property taxes, for the building they wish to improve through the program. Also, eligible applicants can have no pending petition for bankruptcy protection, and no pending liability claims.  We anticipate wide interest in this program so businesses should get more information right away.”

There is no match requirement for this program and business owners do not need to provide funds up front to participate in it. Erie County will pay the contractor directly for work completed up to $40,000. All facade improvements funded through this program must be carried out in a manner that insures full compliance with any local, state, and federal regulations applicable to the Project. This includes any local building permits, zoning or sign code requirements, and/or historic designation requirements. It also includes compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act.  As a condition of participating in the Erie County Storefront Revitalization Program, business owners will be required to incorporate alterations to the exterior of the structure to insure compliance with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. This only pertains to that part of the exterior which may be altered as part of the building improvement project such as entrance doors.

When applying, business owners will identify in general terms the proposed improvements and an estimate of their cost. Owner will need to include photos of existing conditions, quote or cost estimates, along with any photos/renderings of improvements to be made. If the proposal is eligible for assistance, the Program Architect will meet with the business owner to obtain more detailed information including property maps, historic drawings (if within or near to historic site and/or district), photographic inventory, and detailed information concerning desired improvements and other items as necessary in anticipation of preparing detailed drawings. The business owner must have final approval of scope from Project Architect and from the Building/Property owner before proceeding. Upon approval by the Project Architect, the County will authorize a written commitment to the business owner in an amount not to exceed $40,000.  The owner and the contractor shall then enter into a contract for the improvements.

An informational Webex meeting introducing the program will be held at 6:00 PM on May 9, 2022. To participate, or for information on eligibility requirements and how to apply for the Storefront Revitalization Program, visit:      www.erie.gov/storefront 

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