The Joliet City Center Partnership seeks to promote a healthy and expanding business climate in the Downtown Core Area.
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:
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.
Emmanuel Lopez | Executive Director
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.
This program helps reduce upfront financial barriers, making it easier for small businesses to open, expand, or improve their presence in Downtown Joliet.
(15% not to exceed $1500)
(i.e. lighting, plumbing, etc.)
(i.e. counter tops, doors, interior trim, ceiling tiles, etc.) *Reimbursed following completion
Emmanuel Lopez | Executive Director
Emmanuel Lopez | Executive Director
• Restoration of original architectural features
• Exterior lighting • Streetscape enhancements • Painting
• Landscaping* • Tuckpointing*
(*in conjuction with other projects)
• Structural upgrades • Installation of restrooms
• Ingress/egress improvements • Installation of elevators
• New flooring, walls, ceiling, lighting, trim, fixtures*
(*in conjuction with other projects)
Emmanuel Lopez | Executive Director
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.
Emmanuel Lopez | Executive Director
Schedule a pre-approval application meeting with our CCP staff to kickstart your application.
Fill out your application.
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.
Submit your application to CCP.
Once submitted your application will be reviewed by commitee, then voted on by the CCP board.
If your application is approved you will sign the development agreement that is sent to you.
The project must begin within 60 days of approval, and finish within 180 days.
*Unless otherwise noted
Submit proof of: paid invoices, receipts, photos of completed work, certificate of occupancy (if required).
Once all necessary documents are submitted you will recieve your reimbursement check.
• 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
Contact the City Center Partnership by email or phone.