Please read and review the application guidelines prior to submitting your application

Program Objectives
There are no second chances for first impressions. And experts agree that it takes less than a minute for an individual to form their opinion. For many businesses, that first impression starts the moment a potential customer sets eyes on their storefront. What a customer feels when arriving at a store can impact how much they spend, and if they will recommend it to friends.

Creating the impression you want can be challenging and that is the purpose of this program- to help you put your best front forward. The program is intended to:
-Promote the marketability of our business area
-Help building owners attract and retain tenants
-Make our streets more inviting and interesting to walk and shop
-Build civic pride among the community
-Contribute to the quality of life of our residents, workers and visitors
Program Description
The Dayton Town Council allocates funds to the Dayton Economic Development Authority (EDA), who is responsible for dispersing the funds to approved applicants. The grant is a competitive 1:1 matching grant. The minimum amount funded will be no less than $500 and no greater than $2,500. The Dayton EDA reserves the right to modify/increase this amount on a case-by-case basis. Allocated funds from the Dayton Town Council are subject to change.

This is a reimbursement based grant – meaning the applicant is responsible for all project costs up front. The applicant will receive their approved funds once the project is complete and proof of payment has been provided.

Grants are available for exterior improvements only and may be used to improve the building provided the façade faces a public access area. The amount of the grant, if any, will be determined by the Dayton Economic Development Authority (EDA) based on the funds available and the number of requests under consideration. The money is a grant not a loan; therefore, you do not have to pay it back, unless there is a failure to properly maintain the façade (see Program Guidelines).


The Town of Dayton will consider each application equally. The Town will not discriminate based on gender, race, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, veteran status, or ancestry.
Application Process
Applications for Fiscal Year 2022 will be due on the following dates: 
-August 31, 2021 
-November 30, 2021 
-February 28, 2022

Applications will be reviewed by the Dayton EDA within two weeks following the due. Applications for Fiscal Year 2023 and beyond will be due on a quarterly basis in March, June, September, and December on the last day of the month. Applications will be reviewed within two weeks by the Dayton EDA.

All applications are reviewed by the Dayton EDA. The decision made by the Dayton EDA will be based on an application review and scoring by a rating system. The Dayton EDA intends to notify applicants of a decision via email and/or letter. The communication will identify the specific elements of the project that have been approved and unapproved for funding. Approved applicants must enter into a contract with the Town that outlines the conditions of funding.

Upon completion of work, the recipient must submit proof of payment (e.g., copies of paid invoices) and complete a final inspection in order to receive reimbursement from the Dayton EDA. Reimbursement checks will be made within thirty days of final inspection.

Approved applicants may request a project extension. Extension requests must be received within 30 days of the original deadline. Extensions are subject to approval by the EDA and may result in a change to the amount of funding awarded.
Program Guidelines
Any commercial property owner, business tenant, or non-profit organization within the Town of Dayton may apply.

Requirements:
-All applications must be submitted and approved prior to beginning the project. Any changes made to the project after the grant is approved require an addendum to the original application and may result in a change to the grant funding originally allocated. Changes may also disqualify funding of the entire project.
-Tenant applicants must have the building owner’s written approval in a separate document signed and attached to the application. This document must also state the party who is financially responsible for the improvements.
-“Sweat Equity” will not be reimbursed. If an applicant will be performing physical labor for the project, the cost of materials and supplies can be reimbursed but not the physical labor. 
-Projects must comply with all Town and County codes, ordinances, and policies. Tenants and building owners must be in good standing with the Town and County and have no outstanding fees or taxes or a significant history of delinquencies.
-Work must adhere to the plans and renderings approved by the Dayton EDA.
-Should an application be denied, the applicant may reapply in the same fiscal year if aspects are changed to meet the program requirements or if a completely separate project is planned. Minor modifications to approved design may be administratively approved by Town staff provided the façade improvement will remain substantially similar to the approved design and there is no increase in the requested grant funds from the applicant.

Qualified improvements must be visible from public right of way. Qualified improvements include, but are not limited to, the following:
-Painting that provides an entirely new color o Removal of elements covering any architectural details (ex: vinyl or aluminum siding)
-Restoration of architectural details in historic buildings (ex: cornices or other unique features)
-Installation of new or improved doorways, awnings, shutters or canopies
-Installation of decorative lighting o Enhancing windows, doors and/or framing visible from the street/public area
-Brick cleaning, repointing, and painting and repair/replacement of stucco, tile, stone elements
-Landscaping (that may include hardscaping) that is creative and visually pleasing. Perennials, shrubs and trees accepted. Annuals and small planters will not be accepted.
-New façade signage in accordance with the Town of Dayton’s sign ordinance
-Removal and replacement of existing free-standing signage in accordance with the Town of Dayton’s sign ordinance Unqualified improvements include areas not prominently visible from public right of way.

Unqualified improvements include, but are not limited to, the following:
-Roof replacement
-New construction
-Interior improvements
-Equipment or inventory
-Inappropriate cleaning methods, repairs, replacements or alterations
-Installation of vinyl or aluminum siding
-Deferred maintenance or basic cosmetic work (e.g., painting)
-Structural improvements that do not enhance the façade

The Dayton EDA reserves the right to inspect properties anytime during reasonable hours to check on the status of the project.

Applicant and building owner must agree to maintain the façade for a three-year period. If the property is sold, the building owner must convey this information to new owners. If the project is not maintained for three years, the Dayton EDA may request that funds be paid back. The amount of funds paid back will be prorated.

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