Storefront Improvement Program
The Storefront Improvement Program is designed to assist building and business owners in their efforts to make visible exterior improvements to their commercial storefront spaces. New or existing businesses must be located within Rock Island, Illinois, priority is given to commercial districts. Our emphasis is on improving spaces that receive regular daily customer traffic.
We like to fund all types of businesses from retail to restaurants and offices. This can be used for awnings, paint, exterior surface repair, windows, doors, lighting and signage. You will be reimbursed for project materials, equipment and labor. The maximum amount is $2,000 per applicant. After completing and submitting the application you will receive a response within 3 days to indicate approval of your request. It takes 15 business days for the funds to be awarded by check once you have submitted your project receipts after the completion of work. An updated W-9 will be required with funding request.
DIY Creative Placemaking
The DIY Creative Placemaking Program is intended for businesses to engage local residents to participate in activating public/private spaces in Rock Island through creative placemaking.
We like to help all types of businesses and organizations. Currently, we focus on those with greenspace, outdoor seating or right-of-way improvement needs. A few examples would include murals, parklets, curb extensions, wayfinding signage, safe seating, pop-up bike lanes, etc. Define the scope, purpose and intended results of your project. Fill out and submit your application, include a description, timeline and necessary permits. You will be reimbursed for project materials, equipment and labor up to $2,000. After completing and submitting the application you will receive a response within 3 days to indicate approval of your request. It takes 15 business days for the funds to be awarded by check once you have submitted your project receipts after the completion of work. An updated W-9 will be required with funding request.
Discover Rock Island Events
The Discover Rock Island Program is for event support funding of up to $500. These events are designed to drive traffic directly into Rock Island businesses with special promotions while attracting residents and visitors.
Thinking about hosting an event for your business? Apply Now!
SEED Rock Island Programs
The Development Association of Rock Island has collaborated with Economic Growth Corporation and Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation to create new programs to assist needs of Rock Island businesses to open, grow, and expand.
Collectively, the package is called “SEED Rock Island” and offers three programs to help immediate and emerging needs of small businesses, and in some cases, can complement other loan programs such as the Commercial Industrial Revolving Loan Fund offered by the City of Rock Island and Revolving Loan Funds by Bi-State Regional Commission.
Rock Start
is Rock Island’s first and only startup grant funding initiative that makes $500 investments into its early-stage entrepreneurs looking to take a great idea and turn it into action. Rock Start is funded by private dollars through the Development Association of Rock Island.
Incubate
helps start, build and develop your new business in one of two downtown Rock Island incubation spaces dedicated to the retail and wellness sectors. These locations are owned and managed by Economic Growth Corporation and the Development Association of Rock Island. Incubation helps expand your network, allows you to share resources, provides real-time feedback about your business, and receive a lower monthly rent rate.
Contact us at info@rockislandforward.com for more information!
Grow
is an innovative micro-lending program which is funded by Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation, offers short-term, low-interest loans up to $10,000 to local businesses in the 61201 zip code to expand their operations.
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