The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant (CFIG) provides financial assistance for exterior renovations and repairs to small businesses in commercial and mixed-use buildings. Enhanced building facades can increase curb appeal, benefiting businesses such as retail shops, restaurants, bakeries, and breweries.
The Decatur Development Authority has allocated $100,000 for this program in its 2025-2026 budget. The program is designed to provide financial assistance through grants to cover expenses incurred in large projects and one-time micro-grants for minor improvements.
Eligible Scopes of Work
- Masonry repairs
- Storefront reconstruction
- Exterior painting and stucco
- Awnings and canopies
- Window and door repairs and replacements
- Permanent exterior lighting
- Repairs/replacement of gutters and downspouts
- Repairs to the roof affecting the building façade
- Sign design and installation
- Decking and stairs
- Improvement to outdoor seating areas and landscape, not including business/personal property, equipment, and supplies
- Pressure washing
- Removal of graffiti
Grant Awards
Grant awards may range from $2,500 to $10,000. Awards are remitted as a reimbursement, wired after the successful completion and documentation of the approved project. This grant program is a 75/25 matching grant, where the DDA may approve a maximum of 75% of total approved project costs (not to exceed $10,000), and the applicant must cover a minimum of 25% of the total approved project costs. The DDA will reimburse the applicant after all project expense documents have been reviewed and approved.
Example: An applicant’s facade project (less taxes and unapproved items) totals $10,000. The applicant is requesting a 75% matching grant of the $10,000 total. If approved, the applicant will receive a $7,500.00 grant in the form of a one-time reimbursement via wire transfer once all project work is completed, invoices have been paid by the applicant, and project expenses are reviewed for compliance.
Micro-Grants
The CFIG program offers one-time micro-grants of up to $1,000 are available for minor improvements (such as graffiti removal or broken window glass). The DDA may choose to limit micro-grants to 10 annually to conserve funds for larger projects.
Project Timelines
Projects must begin within six (6) months and completed within 12 months of grant approval. If necessary, a grantee may request one 6-month extension as consistent with the city’s permitting process.
How to Apply
The next application period will open Monday, August 10, 2026 at 8 a.m. and close on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 9 p.m.
Questions?
Please contact Andy Hatfield, Business Development Manager for the City of Decatur at andrew.hatfield [at] decaturga.com (andrew[dot]hatfield[at]decaturga[dot]com).