The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (“ECDEP”) is readying $10 million in grant funding for local small businesses as part of the storefront revitalization program announced by Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz at his 2022 State of the County address. 262 small businesses countywide will receive grants of up to $40,000 to improve their storefronts, increase their curb appeal and generate foot traffic to their stores with funding provided through the Poloncarz administration’s RENEW plan.  

“I want our small business community to know that Erie County has their back, and that after weathering the pandemic together we are here to help reinvigorate your storefronts and generate business with increased foot traffic. $10 million was allocated to this program and I am pleased to see that funding has been assigned across a wide swath of the county,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “During the pandemic my administration allocated $20 million in critically-needed Back to Business grants to directly assist small businesses and also led the charge in the hugely successful Shop 716 campaign, generating millions in sales for local small businesses. This program is our latest investment to build business and our community by helping store owners improve their facilities and attract new customers.”

Of the 262 grant awardees, 98 are in the City of Buffalo while 5 are in the City of Tonawanda and 5 are in the City of Lackawanna. 80 small businesses in 23 Erie County towns are receiving grants, as are 74 businesses located in 13 villages. Funding awards will vary up to the maximum $40,000 limit. The business owner is responsible for all costs in excess of $40,000.

Eligible revitalization 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. Eligible activities also include items necessary to insure building compliance with federal Americans With Disabilities (“ADA”) regulations as well as with the Architectural Barriers Act.

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