Facade Program Application
BEDA has enacted a three-prong approach to economic development which is: To support existing businesses and industries to help them diversify and grow through a Business Retention Expansion Program; Cultivate Entrepreneurship and Innovation; attract new industry, especially in the 'TEAM' sectors (Technology and Advanced Manufacturing). BEDA continues to see success in all three areas of the approach and a facade improvement program would further support our existing businesses and industries.
Each participating business will be eligible for 50% matched funding up to $15,000 and will be paid on a reimbursement basis. For example, if a business owner is part of the program and spends $20,000 on facade improvements, they are eligible for a $10,000 reimbursement. If the a business owner is part of the program and spends $40,000 on facade improvements, they are eligible for the maximum $15,000 reimbursement. This effort will beautify the City of Bluefield, boost foot traffic throughout the commercial district, and attract new businesses to the area. Allowable exterior improvements are described below. Any expenditures being made prior to being officially part of the program are not eligible for reimbursement. There is a limit to the number of businesses that can be part of the program so apply soon.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: The Facade Program is available city-wide in Bluefield, WV. The program is for commercial/industrial buildings that are currently being used for business and/or that are planned to be used for business within the next year. (It must be an existing building).
INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: Single Family or Multi-Family Dwellings. Buildings outside the city-limits
BEDA reserves the right to reject any application that is incomplete or does not meet the program's intent or requirements. In addition, BEDA may decide on a case-by-case basis to reject any application that does not benefit the health, safety, and welfare of the city.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: BEDA will afford full opportunity for minority business enterprises to submit a show of interest in response to this offer and will not discriminate against any interested firm or individual on the grounds of race, creed, sex, age, handicap, or national origin in the grand funding.
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ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
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Complete facade renovations**
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Lighting
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Signage
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Windows
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Doors
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Awnings
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Painting
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Entryways
**For this program, facade is defined as the side of a building which faces and/or is visible from a public way and is generally used for public access.
METHOD OF PAYMENT: This is a reimbursement program. The Applicant must arrange financing for the entire project. BEDA will make a reimbursement payment(s) up to the amount agreed, upon completion and inspection of the work.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
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No work should be commenced until there is an EXECUTED agreement between BEDA and the building owner. Any Work started prior to the agreement being executed will not be eligible for reimbursement.
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If the building is located in the Historic Downtown, the plan for the facade improvements must also be approved by the Historic Landmark Commission.
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Improvements to the facade must be completed in accordance to the agreement before any reimbursement will be paid. Any proposed deviations to the original proposed improvements as outlined in the scope of work must be submitted to, reviewed by, and approved by BEDA.
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Projects cannot destroy or unnecessarily modify the original architecture without the approval of BEDA
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All required City licenses, permits, and other approvals pertaining to the project must be obtained and/or approved before the release of funds.
APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY ON A ROLLING BASIS.
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If additional information is needed while the applications are being reviewed, BEDA staff will reach out to individual applicants. BEDA may require a follow-up, either in person or Zoom, to survey each business owner on program implementation and review.
By continuing to the application, you are confirming you have read and understand the eligiblity criteria above
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The following button will take you to an external link to complete the application