Application deadline for the non-matching grants is August 20

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Downtown Partnership is giving away free, $5,000 grants to Downtown businesses for enhancements to their locations. The money from the Partnership’s Storefront and Sidewalk Cafe Grant Program is designed to support and encourage more investment in the street-level appearance of Downtown businesses.

“We have removed the matching component of these grants due to the hardships businesses have faced during the pandemic, ” said Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund. “Our hope is this infusion of cash will allow some to make improvements or additions businesses that were forced to pass on projects because of the economic struggles of the past year and a half.”

Eligibility requirements for those applying for a grant include:

• Applicant must be located within the Downtown Tampa Special Services District
• Grant must be used by a street-level tenant or property owner
• Improvement must comply with all municipal and state codes and regulations
• Permitting must be secured before grant approval

Eligible improvements may include but are not limited to:

• Awnings
• Exterior lighting
• Storefront facade repair
• Sidewalk cafe furniture and umbrellas
• Sidewalk cafe landscaping, fencing, and trash receptacles
• Architectural signage

Based on review and approval by the SSD Advisory Committee, the maximum amount a business can receive is $5,000. The deadline for applying is Friday, August 20, 2021.

Grant applications can be found here.