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Downtown Financial Incentives

The Joliet City Center Partnership is dedicated to supporting a strong and expanding business climate in Downtown Joliet. Through revenues from the Special Service Area (SSA), we’ve created grant programs designed to encourage private investment and support redevelopment within the Downtown Core.

Small Business
Assistance Grant

A Small Business Assistance Grant is intended to provide a start-up incentive in the form of a microgrant. This grant provides funding directly to new businesses who are renting or leasing space within the Downtown Core Area. This grant is not intended for property owners. The use of funds are flexible in nature and are intended to expedite the opening of a business when there is a demonstrated need for assistance. The grant applicant shall identify specific improvements to be made that will modernize or alter the space in order to allow for a new use to occur.

Examples of eligible micro-grants include,
but are not limited to the following:

  • New Signage
  • Upgrade or replacement of interior fixtures (i.e. lighting, plumbing, etc.)
  • Remodeling or modernization expenses (counter tops, doors, interior trim, ceiling tiles, etc.)
  • Other improvements that will remain with the space

For more information download the full Grant Programs Guidlines PDF

Building Improvement Grant

A Building Improvement Grant is intended to provide assistance for property enhancements that are undertaken on the interior and/or exterior of a building. This grant is not intended to fund work that is construed as maintenance, cosmetic or is merely undertaken to improve interior finishes. This incentive is intended to encourage business and property owners to expand, upgrade, modernize or change the interior use of an interior space. Approval will include only those improvements that are considered permanent, add value to the property and will remain with the space should the applicant use or ownership cease in the future. The Joliet City Center Partnership shall solely determine whether the proposed work meets the standard of an “improvement” as opposed to projects that are more reflective of “maintenance”.

Eligible project elements may include,
but are not limited to, the following examples:

  • Exterior Improvements
  • Door replacement
  • New awnings
  • Façade renovation/replacement
  • Restoration of original architectural features
  • Interior Improvements
  • HVAC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
  • Sprinkler or fire suppression systems
  • Upgrades to accessibility or other code compliance
  • Utility upgrades

For more examples download the full Grant Programs Guidlines PDF

Visionary Incentive Package

A Visionary Incentive Package is a customized assistance program intended to stimulate projects that are considered to be “game changers” within the Downtown Core Area. By definition an eligible project would demonstrate tremendous value to the Downtown Core and overall Joliet community.

Project elements may include any eligible expense authorized for Exterior Improvement Grants or Interior Improvement Grants.

need to demonstrate no fewer than five (5)
of the following characteristics:

  • Ability to generate significant retail sales taxes, exceeding other typical businesses within the Core.
  • Ability to significantly increase equalized assessed value and property tax generation of the subject property, and adjacent property within the Core.
  • Ability to create a significant number of new employment opportunities.
  • Ability to achieve major goals desired within the Joliet Downtown Plan or other applicable plans.
  • Ability to increase the availability of market rent housing within the Core.
  • Attraction of unique project that would enhance the image of the City Center Core and City as a whole.
  • Ability to generate a significant number of visitors, tourism and foot traffic increasing vibrancy within the Core.
  • Potential to result in related, or complementary, business development elsewhere within the Core.
  • Commitment to undertake a sensitive restoration of historic property.
  • Ability to convert vacant or nearly vacant property into leasable space.

Together, we’re creating a downtown Joliet
that everyone can be proud of.

For more information download the Grant Guidlines PDF here below.

Grant Program Guidlines
Programas de Subvencion
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Contact Us

Please fill out this form to move forward with any of our grant programs. Reach out and someone from our team will contact you.

Grant Programs

The Joliet City Center Partnership seeks to promote a healthy and expanding business climate in the Downtown Core Area.

healthy and expanding business climate

Utilizing revenues from an economic development special service area (SSA), an incentive grant program has been developed to stimulate private investment and to provide a tool for sustaining redevelopment within the Downtown Core. The goals of the grant programs are to:

  • Encourage business/property owners to expand, rehab, renovate, beautify or upgrade buildings, interior space and exterior space
  • Bridge financing gap for private investors to achieve market reasonable rates of return
  • Facilitate the occupancy of vacant space
  • Attract and retain businesses
  • Increase residential density within the Downtown Core
  • Foster implementation of the priorities of the Joliet Downtown Plan and the Downtown Special Service Area

Grant Eligibility

Property must be physically located within the Joliet City Center Special Service Area.

Retail or commercial use must be present or intended for first floor. Exceptions may be considered depending upon market evidence or the structure design.

Property must generate or be intended to generate sales tax, food-beverage tax, or hotel-motel tax or provide a service which has the potential to generate additional foot traffic for a sales-tax producing entity. Non-tax generating, not-for-profit uses shall be excluded.

Property owner consent is required as part of application and award of grant. City fees and real estate taxes must be current/in good standing.

schedule your pre-application meeting

[email protected]

Emmanuel Lopez | Executive Director

Small Business Assistance Grant

Intended to provide start-ups and existing businesses with an incentive in the form of a microgrant.

Providing funds directly to Businesses

This grant provides funding directly to new or existing businesses who are renting or leasing space within the Downtown Core Area. This grant is not intended for property owners. The use of funds are flexible in nature and are intended to expedite the opening of a business when there is a demonstrated need for assistance. The grant applicant shall identify specific improvements to be made that will modernize or alter the space in order to allow for a new use to occur.

Why This Grant Matters

This program helps reduce upfront financial barriers, making it easier for small businesses to open, expand, or improve their presence in Downtown Joliet.

Eligible micro-grants include

New signage

(15% not to exceed $1500)

Upgrade or replacement of interior fixtures

(i.e. lighting, plumbing, etc.)

Remodeling or modernization expenses

(i.e. counter tops, doors, interior trim, ceiling tiles, etc.) *Reimbursed following completion

Improvements that will remain with the space

schedule your pre-application meeting

[email protected]

Emmanuel Lopez | Executive Director

Exterior Improvement Grant

Focus on exterior, visible improvements and curb appeal.

provide assistance for property enhancements

A Exterior Improvement Grant is intended to provide assistance for property enhancements that are undertaken on the exterior of a building and include parking lot related improvements, lighting, and landscaping. This incentive is intended to encourage property owners to improve the exterior of the building, but is not an eligible grant expense under the Building Improvement Grant.
  • 1. Only property owners, or property owners working together with tenants, may apply for this grant.
  • 2. The grant covers up to 25% of total project costs, with a maximum award of $5,000.
  • 3. Grant funds are provided as a reimbursement after the project is completed.
  • 4. Projects must begin within 30 days of approval and be completed within 180 days.
  • 5. Owners must maintain ownership or operation for at least three years, secured by a property lien and personal guaranty, or repay a portion of the grant.

schedule your pre-application meeting

[email protected]

Emmanuel Lopez | Executive Director

Building Improvement Grant

Provide assistance for property enhancements that are undertaken on the interior and/or exterior of a building.

expand, upgrade, modernize

This grant is not intended to fund work that is construed as maintenance, cosmetic or is merely undertaken to improve interior finishes. This incentive is intended to encourage business and property owners to expand, upgrade, modernize or change the use of an interior space. Approval will include only those improvements that are considered permanent, add value to the property and will remain with the space should the applicant use or ownership cease in the future. The Joliet City Center Partnership shall solely determine whether the proposed work meets the standard of an “improvement” as opposed to projects that are more reflective of “maintenance.

Eligible improvements

Exterior Improvements

Window Frame Replacement

Door Replacement

New Awnings

Façade Renovation Replacement

• Restoration of original architectural features
• Exterior lighting • Streetscape enhancements • Painting
• Landscaping* • Tuckpointing*
(*in conjuction with other projects)

interior Improvements

HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing

Sprinkler or fire suppression systems

Upgrades to accessibility

Utility upgrades

• Structural upgrades • Installation of restrooms
• Ingress/egress improvements • Installation of elevators
• New flooring, walls, ceiling, lighting, trim, fixtures*
(*in conjuction with other projects)

schedule your pre-application meeting

[email protected]

Emmanuel Lopez | Executive Director

Grant Amounts & Program Details

Program Details

The grant amount is determined on a sliding scale. The higher the amount of private investment (total project costs), the higher the total grant amount, but the lower the grant percentage of the total project costs.
  • 1. Grant amounts are based on project need and benefit to downtown, and costs cannot be covered by more than one public grant.
  • 2. Building Improvement Grant applicants must show they have enough private funding to complete the project.
  • 3. Design or architectural services may be required, and up to 10% of design costs may be reimbursed within the approved grant amount.
  • 4. Multiple contractor bids are usually required, but this may be waived in special cases.
  • 5. A grant agreement must be signed before any work begins.
  • 7. Reimbursement requires paid invoices, lien waivers, and compliance with prevailing wage rules.
  • 8. Projects must begin within 60 days and finish within the approved timeframe.
  • 9. Owners must maintain ownership or operation for at least three years or repay a portion of the grant.
  • 10. After receiving the maximum grant, the property is not eligible for additional grants for three years, except for Small Business Assistance Grants.

Example

Assume the total grant-eligible project costs are $225,000. The applicant would recieve 50% for the first $25,000 of grant-eligible projects costs, 30% of the additional $25,000 of grant-eligible project costs, 20% of the additional $150,000 of grant-eligible project costs and %15 of the remaining $25,000 of grant-eligible project costs.

$25,000 x 50% = $12,000 plus
$25,000 x 30% = $7,500 plus
$150,000 x 20% = $30,000 plus
$25,000 x 15% = $3,750
Total Grant Amount: $53,750

schedule your pre-application meeting

[email protected]

Emmanuel Lopez | Executive Director

Application Process

01

Pre-application meeting

Schedule a pre-approval application meeting with our CCP staff to kickstart your application.

02

Application

Fill out your application.

03

Documents

Gather all the necessary documents. This includes:Property Approval Letter, Project Drawings/Photos, Contractor Bids (2-3 quotes), Proof of Funds/Banking Letter/Financing, Matrerial List.

04

Submit

Submit your application to CCP.

05

under Review

Once submitted your application will be reviewed by commitee, then voted on by the CCP board.

06

sign agreement

If your application is approved you will sign the development agreement that is sent to you.

07

Work begins

The project must begin within 60 days of approval, and finish within 180 days.
*Unless otherwise noted

08

Proof

Submit proof of: paid invoices, receipts, photos of completed work, certificate of occupancy (if required).

09

reimbursement

Once all necessary documents are submitted you will recieve your reimbursement check.

important notes

• You cannot start work before CCP approval
• You must keep your business open or own the property for at least 3 years (1 year for Small Business Grants)
• Grant funds are reimbursements, not upfront money

schedule your pre-application meeting

[email protected]

Emmanuel Lopez | Executive Director