Think BIG: A Guide to Bandon's Business Improvement Grant

What is the purpose of BIG?

The purpose of the City of Bandon Business Improvement Grant (“BIG”) is to encourage private investment by property owners and/or business owners ("Grant Recipients") in the renovation of existing permitted commercial businesses within City limits. The program offers one-time grants of up to $10,000. Grant recipients can get reimbursed for expenses spent on city-approved building or site improvements. Matching grants are given after the improvements are finished, and required documents showing the costs are submitted. This program is designed to facilitate local economic development by improving the aesthetic appearance of existing buildings and related site features while eliminating commercial property maintenance violations citywide.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Business Improvement Grant, you must own a non-residential property located on a public street or alley within the city limits. Your project must meet the requirements of the Bandon Municipal Code and the Coos County Building Department. If approvals from the City Planning Department or other agencies are required for the proposed work, these permits must be obtained prior to the start of construction or implementation.

Eligible projects include:

• Exterior cosmetic improvements to the structure’s façade (other than paint, work must be located on the street frontage side of the building). This might include painting, replacement of windows or doors, or work on architectural features.
• Installation or replacement of signage or awnings.
• Installation or replacement of landscaping.
• Installation or replacement of outdoor lighting.
• Removal of barrier to access for people with disabilities through installation of public or handicap accessible sidewalks and/or infrastructure.
• Installation of outdoor seating or other streetscape furniture.
• Removal or non-conforming, non-compliant, or illegal site elements.

Grants

Small Grant

Business owners may apply for a small project grant for up to $1,000 or 70% of the project cost, whichever is less. A property owner’s signature is required to affirm agreement with the proposed changes. These grants are typically awarded for small improvements such as painting, signage, awnings, or street furniture.

Large Grant

Property owners are eligible to apply for the large project grant of up to $10,000 or 70% of the total project cost, whichever is less. These grants are awarded for larger façade improvements or beautification projects. These improvements are expected to be maintained for a minimum of five years, which is the ongoing responsibility of the property owner.

Grants are offered on a reimbursement basis. The project applicant must submit receipts and/or invoices for the pre-approved work to receive funding. Projects not listed on the application will not be considered for funding after-the-fact. Work completed before the application is approved may not receive funding through this grant program.

Application Process

To apply, interested applicants should complete a Bandon Business Improvement Grant application and submit it to planning@cityofbandon.org with the following attachments:

• Photo of project before beautification
• Quote for proposed work
• Copy of permit applications (if applicable)
• Copy of lease agreement (if applicable)

Once the City receives a complete application, it will be reviewed by the Planning Department for eligibility. If items are missing, the Planning Department will contact the person listed on the application. Once a complete application is deemed eligible, it will be sent to the City Manager for approval. The City Manager will issue a letter of approval and a copy of the agreement that must be signed before work may commence. Once the agreement is signed, the City will provide a Notice to Proceed. The project must be complete, and a final report must be submitted to the Planning Department by June 30th of the following year to receive reimbursement. The final report shall include photographs of the finished work, invoices or receipts, and a written narrative indicating how the funding was used. The City will review the final report within 30 days of submittal and issue a check to the project applicant for the amount eligible.