Scenic Storefronts

The Scenic Storefronts Program is a new economic tool to partner with businesses and property owners to help them repair, renovate, and enhance commercial buildings to elevate the curb appeal. Similar programs have been implemented across the United States and have benefited from improved aesthetics, which in turn enhances the marketability of retail spaces, supports existing businesses, attracts new businesses, and draws residents and visitors to the area.

The program provides a matching 1:1 reimbursable grant for approved work.

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. 

• 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.

• Ground-floor retail spaces integrated into mixed-use developments are eligible. Exclusive residential properties (e.g., single-family, multi-family, etc.) are not eligible.

• Priority will be given to retail, food and beverage, and other businesses that provide pedestrian experiences.

• 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.