- Facade Improvement Grant
- Interior Build Out Grant
- Safety and Security Grant
- Windows of Opportunity Grant
Facade Improvement Grant (FIG)
A matching grant of up to $25,000 to help improve facades of existing buildings and enhance the streetscape.
Application for Facade Improvement Grant (FIG).
Eligibility:
- Property owners and tenants within the Portsmouth city limits
- Property must be current with City taxes and fees
- Property may not have outstanding codes violations (unless FIG will be used to rectify violations)
- Property is identified as commercial, industrial, office, mixed-use or multifamily residential
- Property is existing, new construction is not eligible
- FIG is a reimbursement grant based on verifiable evidence of paid expenses in the form of canceled checks or receipts
- Applications must be approved by the EDA prior to beginning work
Permitted Improvement examples:
- Contracted labor related to any eligible improvements (including project management fees)
- Exterior lighting and/or painting
- Signage (maximum of $2,500)
- Restoration of architectural details or removal of materials that cover architectural details
- Repair and/or replacement of windows and exterior doors
- Roofing (in conjunction with other improvements only)
- Window and cornice flashing and repair (in conjunction with other improvements only)
- Up to 15% contingency may be reimbursed, as based on contractor’s estimates
Prohibited Improvement examples:
- Billboards
- Interior improvements
- Improvements underway or expenses incurred prior to EDA approval
- Landscaping and plants
- Mechanical and HVAC systems
- New construction
- Security systems (i.e., cameras, window bars, etc.)
Application for Facade Improvement Grant (FIG).
Interior Build Out Grant
A matching grant of up to $25,000 to help support business owners and commercial property owners with the rehabilitation of ground floor interior space to create either a vanilla shell space or provide build-out improvements. Improvements must be permanent and stay with the building.
Application for Interior Build Out Grant.
Eligibility:
- Property owners and tenants within the Portsmouth city limits
- Property must be current with City taxes and fees
- Property may not have outstanding codes violations related to the interior
- Property is identified as commercial, industrial, office, mixed-use or multifamily residential
- Property is an existing improvement or expansion into the existing first floor space
- New construction is not eligible
- IBOG is a reimbursement grant based on verifiable evidence of paid expenses in the form of canceled checks or receipts
- Applications must be approved by the EDA prior to beginning work
Permitted Improvement examples:
- Architectural design costs (up to 25%)
- HVAC system
- Interior walls
- Interior plumbing
- Interior electrical system, including lighting
- Flooring
- Repair or restoration of architectural detailing
- Up to 15% contingency may be reimbursed, as based on contractor’s estimates
Prohibited Improvement examples:
- Exterior improvements
- Improvements to interior space above the ground floor
- Improvements in progress or expenses incurred prior to EDA approval
- Security systems (e.g., cameras, window bars, etc.)
- New Construction
Application for Interior Build Out Grant.
Safety and Security Grant
A grant to assist commercial property owners and tenants with the costs related to improving safety and security measures. Grants are paid as a 100% reimbursement up to $2,000.
Application for Safety and Security Grant.
Eligibility:
- Property owners and tenants within the Portsmouth city limits
- Property must be current on all City of Portsmouth taxes and fees
- Property is zoned for commercial, industrial, office or mixed-use
- Applicants have conducted a property evaluation in conjunction with the Portsmouth Police Department (PPD) and/or Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (PFRES)
- Installed equipment should be permanent and remain with the building
Permitted Improvement examples:
- Access control systems
- Fire suppression systems
- Intrusion or fire detection systems
- Security lighting
- Video surveillance
Prohibited Improvement examples:
- Cyber security software and/or equipment
- Personal safety items (e.g. weapons, firearms, etc.)
- Special and/or structural renovations
- Temporarily installed systems
- Wages for employed or contracted security staff
Application for Safety and Security Grant.
Windows of Opportunity Grant
A grant to assist commercial property owners with aesthetically enhancing their street-level retail space using window artwork and effective messaging. Grants are paid as 100% reimbursement up to $2,000.
Application for Windows of Opportunity Grant.
Eligibility:
- Property owners within the Portsmouth city limits
- Property must be current on all City of Portsmouth taxes and fees
- Property is zoned for commercial, industrial, office or mixed-use