Bancroft Commercial Improvement Program
Matching Grant Program
Guidelines and Application Information
Eligibility
Businesses may apply for up to $5,000.00 in funding. A business’s eligibility for funds will be judged based on the priorities listed below. A total of $75,000.00 is available through this program. Owners must match dollar-for-dollar all BNA grant monies received. Some improvements which qualify for Great Streets Facade Improvement Grants may also qualify for a Bancroft Commercial Improvement Grant. Click here for information on the Great Streets program.
Owners of businesses located within the boundaries of the Bancroft Neighborhood (east of Chicago Avenue, south of East 38th Street, west of Cedar Avenue, and north of East 42nd Street) are eligible to apply for matching grants to make exterior improvements to their businesses. In addition, businesses located at the following commercial nodes, but outside of Bancroft’s formal boundaries, are eligible: 38th and Cedar, 38th and Bloomington, 38th and Chicago, 42nd and Cedar, and 42nd and Bloomington. Up to $25,000.00 of the program’s funding is available to these businesses. Home-based businesses are not eligible to participate in this program.
Businesses are eligible to receive multiple awards through this program. However, the cumulative total awards received by any single business must not exceed $5,000.00.
Funding Priorities
Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The Bancroft Neighborhood Association strongly encourages the use of this program by businesses that:
- pay a living wage ($7.22 per hour or higher) and/or average wage to employees
- employ South Minneapolis residents
- are established businesses for at least six months
- have shown a commitment to the neighborhood through involvement in neighborhood or business groups
- plan improvements that decrease visual clutter or unify the appearance of commercial areas
- show a commitment to try to use contractors in the Southside area who are licensed in the City of Minneapolis
Projects
Funds must be used for permanent exterior building work that improves the “curb appeal” of the business, which can include painting, stucco work, awnings, exterior lighting, parking lots, cement work, retaining walls, landscaping, roofing, tuckpointing, brick restoration, doors, and windows. BCIP funds may not be used for signs, additions, new construction, or projects designed solely for beautification, or ongoing maintenance.
Contractors
Improvements must be done by contractors licensed by the City of Minneapolis, wherever applicable, or through sweat equity on the part of the owner. It is your responsibility to obtain and verify a contractor’s license. You may call the City Licensing Department at 612-673-3001 to check if a contractor is licensed, bonded and whether there are complaints filed against him or her. It is also your responsibility to be sure that a permit is obtained for all necessary work.
The BNA will fund only materials for sweat equity projects, not labor. Owners who are doing their own work must obtain all necessary city permits for the job.
Bids
The Bancroft Neighborhood Association recommends obtaining a minimum of two bids for projects. At least one bid must be submitted with the application. The BNA reserves the right to review or reject any bid.
Payment
Checks will be issued to contractors directly after all work has been completed, a completion statement has been signed by both business owner and contractor, and an invoice, and all lien waivers and an invoice are all turned in to the BNA. Permits must have final sign-offs completed.
For projects done by the business owner, all work done must be completed and have passed any needed city inspection before reimbursement for materials will be issued.
Inspection
The BNA will inspect BCIP projects, not to guarantee work quality but to verify project completion and that a permit was obtained if necessary.
Application Process
Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis, determined by the date and time a complete application, with accompanying written bid(s) is received. Submit a completed application and at least one bid to the BNA office at 4120 17th Avenue South (inside of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church).
