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 daily customer traffic.
The funding from the Storefront Improvement Program can be used for awnings, paint, surface repair, windows, doors, lighting, and signage. You will be reimbursed for project materials, equipment, and labor for up to $2,000 per applicant. After submitting the application, a response will be sent out within 3 days to indicate the approval of your application. After your project is completed, funds will be rewarded after the submission of expenses and receipts. An updated W-9 will be required with funding request. Once funding request is submitted, funds will be awarded in 15 business days by check.
DIY Creative Placemaking
The DIY Creative Placemaking Program is intended to help businesses to encourage 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. In your application you will define the scope, purpose, and intended results of your project. Your application should also include a description, timeline, and any necessary permits. You will be reimbursed for project materials, equipment, and labor for up to $2,000 per applicant. After submitting the application, a response will be sent out within 3 days to indicate the approval of your application. After your project is completed, funds will be rewarded after the submission of expenses and receipts. An updated W-9 will be required with funding request. Once funding request is submitted, funds will be awarded in 15 business days by check.
Discover Rock Island Events
The Discover Rock Island Program supports event 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?
SEED Rock Island Programs
The Development Association of Rock Island has collaborated with the Economic Growth Corporation and the 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, small businesses 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
Rock Start is Rock Island’s first and only startup grant funding initiative that awards up to $500 in investments for 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
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 [email protected] for more information!
Grow
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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