Rockwood Storefront Improvement Grant

The Rockwood Storefront Improvement Grant is a capital improvement initiative administered by the Gresham Redevelopment Commission (GRDC) to support small businesses and commercial property owners in enhancing the exterior appearance of storefronts within the Rockwood-West Gresham Urban Renewal Area. This grant program is designed to stimulate economic development, increase neighborhood safety, and foster a more vibrant and attractive commercial environment for customers and residents in the Rockwood area. The GRDC, operating through Gresham City Hall, offers matching grants that cover 50% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $10,000 per business. The total available budget for this funding round is $200,000 for fiscal year 2025–26. Eligible applicants include commercial property owners and for-profit businesses with 50 or fewer employees that are physically located within the designated urban renewal boundaries. Businesses must be in good standing—possessing an active City of Gresham business license, providing proof of property insurance, and having no outstanding code violations, unpaid property taxes, or liens. Applicants must also secure written permission from property owners if they are leasing the space. Funding must be used strictly for external improvements, and projects must not begin prior to the execution of a signed grant agreement. Allowable uses of funds include exterior painting, siding replacement, window and door upgrades, new signage, lighting, awnings, gutters, canopies, ADA improvements, sidewalks, landscaping, fencing, and bike racks. Notably, ineligible costs include roofing, security systems, structural foundation work, paving, interior-only improvements, and equipment purchases. The goal is to ensure public-facing improvements that elevate the customer experience and visual character of the business corridor. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. After an application is submitted online through the official program portal, GRDC staff will review the submission for completeness and eligibility. A site visit is then conducted to assess the proposed improvements and ensure alignment with program goals. If approved, a formal contract is issued outlining the specific funding amount, approved scope of work, and terms of the grant. All grants are reimbursable, meaning applicants must fund the initial costs before receiving reimbursement upon completion of the approved work. The GRDC gives priority to businesses that are open and actively serving customers. This approach ensures that improvements generate immediate community benefits, including increased foot traffic and stronger commercial activity. The program’s targeted geography is strictly limited to the Rockwood-West Gresham Urban Renewal Area, with applicants encouraged to verify their address through the city’s mapping tools. Applicants and prospective participants can contact Urban Renewal staff at [email protected] or call 503-618-2473 for assistance. In-person support is also available at Gresham City Hall, located at 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, on the second floor. Staff can help applicants resolve any disqualifying issues and guide them through the application process to maximize their opportunity for success.

Preference given to businesses actively serving customers