The Fairfax City Façade & Interior Improvement Grant (FIIG) is designed to help facilitate the establishment of new businesses and aid in the expansion of existing businesses within Fairfax City.
The program is designed to provide financial assistance to new and existing businesses through reimbursing 50% of project costs, up to $20,000. The grant is intended to reduce the costs associated with the design, repair and rehabilitation of buildings or other high-quality improvements. FIIG will include both facade and interior improvements, with preference given to projects that include facade improvements.
This application must be submitted and approved, and a grant agreement entered into with the Economic Development Authority PRIOR to work commencing. Previously completed work is ineligible.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis while funds last.
Eligible Improvements
Improvements, either facade or interior must be improvements that positively impact the customer experience, are accessible to customers and are affixed to the building. For purposes of this program, eligible expenditures include but are not limited to:
·Decorative exterior façade improvements
·Landscaping reasonably connected to the building
·Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
·Signage
·Exterior/Limited interior doors and windows
·Interior demolition and shell reconstruction
·Fees for architects, engineers or other design consultants
·Permanent interior walls and finishes
·Permanent bar/counter/cash wrap for point of sale
·Decorative awnings
·Patio or decks connected to the building
·Permanent lighting
·Flooring
·Exterior painting, including murals
Important Information
- All application forms must be submitted and approved by the FIIG Committee and a grant agreement between the EDA and applicant must be finalized prior to work commencing.
- Businesses approved for the Facade & Interior Improvement Grant (FIIG) must commence and complete all improvement(s) listed on the application within six months of entering into an agreement with Fairfax City Economic Development Authority.
- The Applicant is responsible for ensuring that proposed improvements comply with the design guidelines and any ordinances enacted by the City Council governing the use of land, signage, external appearance, etc. Improvements must be consistent with recommendations set forth in master plans for the area in which the property is located.
Frequently Asked Questions
The applicant is eligible for 50% reimbursement of project cost, up to $20,000.
No. The program will only provide funds to approved applicants. All application forms must be submitted and approved by the committee, and a grant agreement between the EDA and applicant must be finalized prior to work commencing.
Yes, but you must submit a separate application for each property. The committee will also review those properties separate from each other.
Yes. Each business owner can apply, but will be limited to $20,000.
The property owner should discuss this with the applicant businesses prior to submission of the application.
No, the committee will only approve one application for each business.
The committee will make a decision within 90 days of application.
The Facade & Interior Improvement Grant Committee will evaluate each application based on the following criteria:
Need and Impact– The property is in need of improvement. The property and/or elements of the property that are to be improved are highly visible.
Project Readiness– Inclusive of a project plan and budget that includes detailed estimates of all labor and materials. Project completion time is realistic.
Project Vision– Commitment to improvements that adhere to local building codes and follow best practices in storefront design. Improvements meet program goals; creating more attractive facades or customer facing internal components of the business.