asonry repair, and other exterior improvements
City of St. Louis Offers Small Businesses a Chance to Revamp Storefronts with Forgivable Loans
For the second year in a row, the City of St. Louis is giving small businesses the opportunity to give their storefronts a fresh new look through the Commercial Facade Improvement Program. This program, administered by the Community Development Administration (CDA), is funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and offers forgivable loans to eligible businesses and business districts.
How it Works
Through the Commercial Facade Improvement Program, businesses can receive forgivable loans ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 per building. Eligible projects include improvements such as awnings, doors, windows, painting, signage, lighting, and full storefront renovations. The funds can also cover architectural or engineering design services as part of the total project budget. The program focuses on major commercial corridors and is available citywide.
Who Should Apply
This program is open to small businesses, non-profit organizations, and property owners who are looking to improve their commercial buildings. Unlike the main CDBG funding cycle, which primarily supports nonprofit organizations providing social services, this program is specifically designed to directly support small business growth.
Application Requirements
To be considered for the Commercial Facade Improvement Program, approved projects must submit a completed application through CDA’s Salesforce portal. They must also provide color photos of the existing facade from a sidewalk or street view, conceptual or architectural renderings of the proposed work, an itemized cost estimate from a licensed contractor, proof of up-to-date City of St. Louis taxes, a company W-9 form, written permission from the property owner (if leasing), and a signed acknowledgment of the program guidelines.
Apply Now
Applications for the Commercial Facade Improvement Program are currently open and will be accepted until September 6, 2025. Interested parties can visit the CDA’s Salesforce application portal on the 2026 CDBG webpage to apply.
According to the 2026 CDBG RFP document, any questions related to the proposal forms, supporting documentation, and funding process must be submitted by email to CDBG@stlouis-mo.gov no later than 4:00pm on August 22, 2025. CDA will provide written answers and post Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on the 2026 CDBG webpage.
Questions specifically related to Salesforce can be submitted via email to CDAGRANTS@stlouis-mo.gov until 12:00pm on September 1, 2025.
To ensure a fair and competitive application process, no questions will be taken or answered by telephone or direct contact with a CDA staff member.
Calling All Contractors
CDA is also seeking qualified contractors to work on the Commercial Facade Improvement Program. The Request for Proposals (RFP) invites contractors to perform exterior rehabilitation and repair services for 16 commercial businesses in St. Louis. This may include tasks such as awning and canopy installation or repair, entrance doors, windows, signage, exterior painting, exterior lighting, masonry repair, and other exterior improvements.
