Downtown Retail Grant Program
To download an application form for a Downtown Retail Grant, click here.
Purpose
The goal of the Glen Ellyn Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Downtown Retail Grant Program is to strengthen the downtown retail mix by attracting new retail businesses in targeted categories and by assisting existing retailers with eligible expansion plans in the downtown commercial district.
The EDC Board reserves the sole right to amend, modify, add, or delete any part or subpart of this program.
Assistance Available
The Downtown Retail Grant Program provides matching funds to attract Eligible Retail businesses that are opening a new business or expanding an existing business in the downtown commercial center defined by the C5A and C5B Zoning Districts. The program reimburses approved applicants up to 50 percent of the actual eligible costs up to a maximum of $20,000.
Eligible Applicants
Property owners or retail business owners who are proposing projects which meet the eligibility and application requirements are invited to submit applications.
Eligible Retail Category and Location: An Eligible Retail business must generate retail sale tax. All applications must involve a new or existing retail business which is consistent with the List of Eligible Retail Categories (see list at end) within the downtown C5A or C5B Zoning Districts. The business location must be in a first floor space along a public street. Applications involving other retail businesses will be considered on an individual basis.
Existing Retail Business: Applicants must be expanding in the downtown C5A or C5B Zoning Districts to receive assistance. For the purpose of this program, “expansion” is defined as:
- Enlarging the retail space to include expanding into an adjacent space or relocating to a larger space and remaining within the downtown Zoning Districts.
- May include expansion into new outside seasonal dining areas.
Timing Requirement: Additional assistance through this program is not available to the same business owner or the same property owner for a period of at least 3 years from the date of approval of a Retail Grant.
Application Requirements
Tangible Benefits Described: The application includes a section for the applicant to describe aspects of the business plan and the projected tangible benefits to the downtown central business district.
3-Year Lease Commitment for New Businesses: Applications involving a new business will include a minimum of a three year lease, executed by the New Business (the tenant) and the Landlord.
Existing Retail Business Expansion: Applicants who are expanding existing retail businesses must submit the current lease with the application.
Applications for Assistance Exceeding $2,500: Applicants must include more in depth information on the business operation as indicated in the application form.
Certification on Permanent Improvements: Applicants will certify that all Retail Grant Program assisted improvements are permanent fixtures under the executed lease and will remain with the building.
Property Owner Consent: All applications must be signed by the property owner to indicate consent for the proposed improvements.
Awarded Applicants: All grant recipients are required to publicly display the Glen Ellyn Economic Development Corporation Grant Award Certification plaque for a period of one year.
Operating Requirement
Proposed improvements must be completed and the business is operational within 9 months of grant approval.
Eligible Improvements
This program funds permanent tenant and building code improvements, necessary to open or expand an Eligible Retail Business. Eligible improvements must remain with the improved building to be considered permanent and may include:
Walls
Ceilings
Floors
Permanent shelving and cabinets
Permanent fixtures
Carpet
Tile
Display window enhancements (hanging grid system, lighting, display shelf, etc.)
Interior lighting
Interior signage
Life safety upgrades (sprinkler and fire alarm systems)
Utility related improvements (heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical)
Major kitchen equipment
Projects not listed here will be considered on a case by case basis.
In general, changes to the project scope will not be considered for supplemental assistance after grant approval is obtained. Unforeseeable changes will be considered on a case by case basis.
Ineligible Uses
Façade improvements (see separate EDC Façade Improvement Grant Program)
Acquisition of land or buildings
Other equipment
Product inventory
Rent
Media marketing and advertising
Payroll
Day-to-day operational costs (e.g. utilities, taxes, maintenance, refuse)
Moving expenses
Business consulting expenses
Elevators
Exterminator services
Landscaping
Improvements in progress or completed prior to approval of EDC participation
Evaluation Criteria
- The retail business associated with the application must be consistent with the List of Eligible Retail Categories (see list at end)
- A complete application form with all required information has been submitted
- Contribution to the retail mix
- Quality of retail product
- Time frame for completing proposed improvements and opening the new or expanded business
- Development of the business plan is the sole responsibility of the applicant
Façade Improvement Grants
Downtown Retail Grants can be awarded even if the associated property has received a Façade Improvement Grant. Grant awards for the two programs are considered separately.
Application and Approval Process
Submittal of a complete EDC grant application is required prior to the start of any improvements eligible for assistance. The applicant must also secure any required Village permits prior to starting improvements. The application process is outlined below:
- Contact the Glen Ellyn EDC for program information and to determine project eligibility.
- Contact the Village Planning & Development Department to determine Village approval and permit requirements and submit appropriate permit applications.
- Submit a formal grant application to the EDC for assistance.
- Applicant’s attendance may be required at an EDC Board meeting as part of the application review process.
- The determination of eligibility and priority for assistance is at the discretion of the EDC Board and is subject to funds availability. The EDC Board may approve grants of less than a 50% match.
Reimbursement Process
- Once work is completed, applicant submits copies of paid invoices from all contractors, releases of all contractor liens, proof of payment, and a signed certification form (see attached form) to the EDC for reimbursement. Proof of payment must include copies of canceled checks and/or credit card receipts.
- The completed work must comply with all Village codes and be accepted by the Village of Glen Ellyn prior to disbursement of EDC assistance.
- The EDC reviews completed project and work performed as outlined in the application.
- Reimbursement is processed and sent to the applicant.
- The EDC is not obligated to reimburse any approved application for reimbursement after one year from the date of the original approval of the application.
Program Evaluation
The Downtown Retail Grant Grant will be evaluated as needed by the EDC Board to assess effectiveness and future funding requirements.
List of Eligible Retail Categories (New and Expanding Businesses)
Art Gallery
Apparel
Clothing Accessories
Crafts and Hobbies
Electronics
Entertainment (non-dining)
Garden
Home Furnishings
Home Décor & Entertainment
Kitchen Wares
Leather Goods and Luggage
Music
Pharmacy
Produce Market
Restaurants
Sidewalk Cafes
Specialty Foods
Specialty Retail
Sporting Goods
Toys
Other retail businesses will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
