Commercial Reinvestment Program

• This is a matching grant award with a maximum amount of $10,000 and will not exceed the project amount. The contribution of the applicant is required to match the grant award by 50% or greater. If the applicant uses a local service provider with a Lakewood business address, then the City will match the grant award at 60% up to $10,000.
• Reimbursement is only valid for costs expended within the year of the application; expenditures exceeding allowable amount will not be carried forward to the following year.
• Projects must meet all permitting requirements and receive a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion before reimbursement will be made.
• Commercial Investment Grants are awarded as funding allows; qualified applications received by the deadline will be scored based on adherence to project criteria and overall positive impact to the business and community.

• Complete application online.
• Application requires a project budget with one qualified estimate for improvements, a W-9 tax form for the applicant, and “before” photos.
• Applications without a budget and estimate will not be considered.
• Upon completion of project, submit all project-related receipts, invoices and supporting payment documentation to Economic Development staff within 30 days.
• Schedule an on-site project walk-through with staff.
• Await approval and reimbursement, usually 3-4 weeks

Selection will be based on project readiness, project impact on business operations and overall public benefit. Grants are awarded as funding allows.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must apply and receive grant approval prior to commencing any work on the proposed project. Costs incurred, or work performed, before an application is submitted and approved are not eligible for reimbursement under this program.

Business Eligibility

• Business must be located in a zone district that allows commercial uses.
• Business must have all necessary licenses to operate and be in good standing.
• Individual centers and multitenant centers are eligible.

• Residential buildings, including senior living facilities, are not eligible.

Project Eligibility

• Real property improvements: a permanent addition to, or betterment of, real property that enhances the capital value.
• Exterior improvements: signage, façade improvements, patios, parking lots, landscaping, lighting, murals, etc.
• Projects must be visible from the public right of way.
• Program will not reimburse for anything that does not stay with the property (wages, operating costs, cash registers, tables, etc.).