Scenic Storefronts

The Scenic Storefronts program is a new economic tool to assist business and property owners with improvements of ground floor retail storefronts. This program is intended to help existing and new retail businesses by providing financial support for interior and exterior permanent improvements. Priority will be given for projects that will make a significant aesthetic improvement, follow best practices for urban design, and support our local small businesses.   

The program provides a matching 1:1 reimbursable grant for approved work. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Before Starting an Application:

• If you are a tenant, receive permission from the property owner.

• Have an idea of the type of project you would like to complete through the program with estimated costs.

Program Eligibility & Conditions

• Business must be within the River City Company footprint. If you are not sure if you are in the footprint, please contact Sarah Mattson for verification. 

• Priority will be given to exterior projects for ground-floor retail, food and beverage, and other businesses that provide pedestrian experiences.

• Ground-floor commercial property owners and business owners are eligible to apply. Tenants must have written permission from property owners, if applicable.

  • If the applicant is a tenant/business owner, there must be a minimum of 3 years remaining on an executed lease.

• Funds will be awarded exclusively for new, approved work and approved change orders.

• Applicants must provide proof that the commercial business is properly licensed by all necessary levels of government or that the requisite licenses have been applied for. Applicants found to be non-compliant with any code/regulation will not be reimbursed until they comply.

• The Review Committee reserves the right to deny funding to any applicant who is not in compliance with local laws, rules, regulations, and/or is delinquent on any tax payments.

• If the business is less than one (1) year old, a business plan must be provided. In addition, the business must provide proof of a minimum of five (5) hours of technical assistance or related experience received from a small business technical assistance provider or program. Examples include: Co.Starters, Launch Chattanooga, Proof Incubator, Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC), SCORE, Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, Co.lab, or other approved technical assistance.