Commercial Assistance

The Office of Housing and Community Development offers a commercial-based program to assist business owners with their commercial properties through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This program funds the rehabilitation and restoration of commercial buildings located within eligible census tracts throughout the City. The OHCD offers a Storefront Reimbursement Program.

To learn more see the pdf brochure “Home Ownership & Rehabilitation Programs and Commercial Rehabilitation.”

Storefront Reimbursement Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance for necessary rehabilitation/restoration of commercial storefronts located within eligible census tracts throughout the City of New Bedford. Work cannot begin until written approval has been received from the Department of Planning, Housing & Community Development. No application will be accepted if work has already been completed.

Eligible Properties

Commercial storefronts within eligible tracts throughout the City.

Eligible Activities

Work that is eligible under this program is limited to the exterior of that portion of the building considered by the Department of Planning, Housing & Community Development to be the commercial storefront and appropriate signs and awnings.

Funding

Funding for this program comes from the Community Development Block Grant Program and is subject to eligibility and the availability of funding. Funding granted to successful applicants under the Storefront Reimbursement Program comes as a direct grant. Funds function as a reimbursement for the approved cost of materials only used in authorized work.

Funding Amounts

The Storefront Reimbursement Program will provide a direct grant up to a maximum of $2,000 per storefront.

Application Fee

There is no application fee for the Storefront Reimbursement Program.

Storefront Reimbursement Program Application