San Bernardino launches Business Facade Improvement Program

The City of San Bernardino will begin accepting applications on Monday, August 26 for its “Paintbrush Program,” a façade improvement initiative that will provide grants between $10,000 and $20,000 to local businesses along commercial corridors in San Bernardino to improve their curbside appearance.

Types of improvements could include exterior signs, awnings, canopies or sunshades, painting, stucco, tile, stone or brick replacement or repair, asphalt paving, sidewalk or courtyard repaving, outdoor lighting, windows, architectural features, or outdoor landscaping, irrigation and fountains.

“This is a great opportunity to spruce up our commercial corridors and to assist local entrepreneurs invest in the improvement of their businesses,” said San Bernardino Economic Development Director Ken Chapa.

The San Bernardino City Council has allocated $1 million of American Rescue Plan funds for the program, which will be available to local businesses on a first come, first served basis.

Businesses open before March 2020 are eligible for up to $20,000 while businesses that opened after March 2020 are eligible for up to $10,000. Businesses must have a valid City of San Bernardino business license and as part of the program, must complete a business mentoring session with a representative from the Small Business Development Center.

Improvements made with program funds must enhance or restore the exterior physical condition or appearance of the business and must be visible from the public right-of-way.

Businesses must reside along the following corridors:

• Downtown San Bernardino
• Mt. Vernon Avenue – between Highland Avenue and Mill St.
• E Street – between 30^th St. and Mill St.
• Waterman Avenue – between Highland Avenue and Mill St.
• 40^th Street/E Street – between Little Mountain Drive and 31^st St.
• Highland Avenue – between Macy Street and Mt Vernon Avenue
• Highland Avenue – between Victoria Avenue and Boulder Avenue
• 5^th Street – between Rancho Avenue and Victoria Avenue
• Base Line Street – between Meridian Avenue and Mt Vernon Avenue
• Base Line Street – between 215 Freeway and Victoria Avenue
• Redlands Boulevard – between Waterman Avenue and Gage Canal.

To access the application and for the complete program guidelines, please visit www.SBCity.org/PaintbrushProgram

For additional questions, please contact the City of San Bernardino Economic Development Department at (909) 384-5366 or [email protected].