The Façade Improvement Program is to strengthen the economic viability of Lansing’s commercial corridors by providing targeted assistance for improving the appearance and structural conditions of buildings in highly visible and critical areas of the city.
Please review the grant guidelines: FY25-26 FIP Facade Grant Guidelines.pdf
We also encourage you to watch this pre-recorded webinar on the overall program and application: FIP 2026 Webinar.mp4
Templates: Facade Templates - Adobe cloud storage
PROGRAM OVERVIEW The South Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Corridor Improvement Authority’s (S.MLK CIA) Business Grant has been established to provide access to capital for small businesses within the corridor’s boundaries. By providing financial resources, this grant opportunity is dedicated to supporting projects that strengthen businesses' sustainability along the corridor. PROGRAM OBJECTIVE The core objective of the S. MLK CIA Business Grants is to support businesses within the S. MLK CIA boundaries by providing access to capital. This financial support is intended to fuel projects that not only foster immediate business sustainability but also propel substantial growth.
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES Eligible expenses include the following: · Inventory and supplies · Exterior improvements · Software subscriptions · Marketing and advertising · Equipment purchases · Health and safety measures · Match dollar for other grants AWARD AMOUNT Grant awards will range between $1,000 and $10,000. Award amounts will be based on the strength of the project proposal, project impact, demonstrated need, and available funds. All awards will be determined at the sole discretion of the S. MLK CIA. Awards are provided on a competitive basis due to limited resources. In order to be considered for the S. MLK CIA Business Grants, applicants must meet each of the eligibility criteria described below: Small business: · Small businesses are defined as firms with a size of 50 employees or less and total gross revenue per year of $1.5 million or less. · For-profit and select non-profits business based in the City of Lansing's South Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Corridor boundaries. To identify if your business is located in the corridor’s boundaries, visit Corridor Boundaries · Must not be one of the following business types: o Check cashing/payday advance o Adult stores/services o Packaged Liquor retailer o Store that sells firearms o Marijuana operations of any kind o Storage facilities
APPLICATION PROCESS
· Submission: Businesses must submit a complete application, including a project proposal, detailed project budget, financial statements, and additional information as requested.
· Review: A panel of reviewers will evaluate each eligible and complete application based on the criteria outlined below.
· Interview: Shortlisted applicants may be invited to present their business and project idea to the board. This will be their opportunity to provide additional information or clarification.
· Selection: Grants will be awarded based on the application's score and available funding.
· Award Process: Upon selection, awardees will be notified and sent Grant Agreements providing terms and conditions of receiving the grant funds.
· Once Awarded: The business must give a testimonial for the S.MLK CIA’s website
APPLICANT EVALUATION
Businesses will be evaluated on the following criteria:
· Project Plan: Clarity and completeness of the project plan.
· Sustainability/Growth: How the project aligns with long-term business sustainability and the likelihood of the project leading to business growth.
· Capacity & Expertise: Demonstrated capacity to execute the project efficiently. Demonstrated qualifications and experience of the project team.
· Financial Stability: Evidence of financial stability and responsible resource
management.
· Compliance: Evidence of ability to adhere to program regulations and guidelines in the use of funds.
*Applicants may be asked to provide basic financial information to provide early indication of financial feasibility.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW The South Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Corridor Improvement Authority’s (S.MLK CIA) Business Grant has been established to provide access to capital for small businesses within the corridor’s boundaries. By providing financial resources, this grant opportunity is dedicated to supporting projects that strengthen businesses' sustainability along the corridor. PROGRAM OBJECTIVE The core objective of the S. MLK CIA Business Grants is to support businesses within the S. MLK CIA boundaries by providing access to capital. This financial support is intended to fuel projects that not only foster immediate business sustainability but also propel substantial growth.
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES Eligible expenses include the following: · Inventory and supplies · Exterior improvements · Software subscriptions · Marketing and advertising · Equipment purchases · Health and safety measures · Match dollar for other grants AWARD AMOUNT Grant awards will range between $1,000 and $10,000. Award amounts will be based on the strength of the project proposal, project impact, demonstrated need, and available funds. All awards will be determined at the sole discretion of the S. MLK CIA. Awards are provided on a competitive basis due to limited resources. In order to be considered for the S. MLK CIA Business Grants, applicants must meet each of the eligibility criteria described below: Small business: · Small businesses are defined as firms with a size of 50 employees or less and total gross revenue per year of $1.5 million or less. · For-profit and select non-profits business based in the City of Lansing's South Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Corridor boundaries. To identify if your business is located in the corridor’s boundaries, visit Corridor Boundaries · Must not be one of the following business types: o Check cashing/payday advance o Adult stores/services o Packaged Liquor retailer o Store that sells firearms o Marijuana operations of any kind o Storage facilities
APPLICATION PROCESS
· Submission: Businesses must submit a complete application, including a project proposal, detailed project budget, financial statements, and additional information as requested.
· Review: A panel of reviewers will evaluate each eligible and complete application based on the criteria outlined below.
· Interview: Shortlisted applicants may be invited to present their business and project idea to the board. This will be their opportunity to provide additional information or clarification.
· Selection: Grants will be awarded based on the application's score and available funding.
· Award Process: Upon selection, awardees will be notified and sent Grant Agreements providing terms and conditions of receiving the grant funds.
· Once Awarded: The business must give a testimonial for the S.MLK CIA’s website
APPLICANT EVALUATION
Businesses will be evaluated on the following criteria:
· Project Plan: Clarity and completeness of the project plan.
· Sustainability/Growth: How the project aligns with long-term business sustainability and the likelihood of the project leading to business growth.
· Capacity & Expertise: Demonstrated capacity to execute the project efficiently. Demonstrated qualifications and experience of the project team.
· Financial Stability: Evidence of financial stability and responsible resource
management.
· Compliance: Evidence of ability to adhere to program regulations and guidelines in the use of funds.
*Applicants may be asked to provide basic financial information to provide early indication of financial feasibility.
The SSCIA Mural Program partners with local businesses to bring vibrant, large-scale murals and other art projects to the West Saginaw Street corridor. By showcasing the work of local artists, the program aims to energize the corridor, celebrate creativity, and establish West Saginaw Street as Lansing’s official Mural District.
Through this initiative, the SSCIA provides funding and resources, including connections to local muralists and artists, to support businesses interested in hosting projects on their properties.
View the full guidelines here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:49183b28-4119-4777-8d9c-1d5c6281ce93
Eligible Applicants
To qualify for the SSCIA Mural Program, applicants must meet all of the following:
• Be a business or organization located within the SSCIA boundaries. Confirm eligibility here: Saginaw St. Corridor
• Be in good standing on all City of Lansing, State of Michigan, and federal taxes.
Mural Sponsorship
Businesses may apply for $5,000–$20,000 in funding to sponsor the installation of a mural. Awards are intended to cover artist compensation and materials. Any additional expenses are the responsibility of the business.
Applicants may:
• Recruit their own artist, or request SSCIA’s assistance in hosting a call to artists in partnership with the Arts Council of Greater Lansing.
All mural concepts must be presented to the SSCIA during a monthly board meeting. The SSCIA reserves the right to deny funding for projects that do not align with the Authority’s goals and vision.