Charlotte business and commercial property owners in designated revitalization areas have until Nov. 15 to apply for the city’s fall round of matching grants, according to the City of Charlotte’s Nov. 4 announcement.
The city allocated $500,000 to the program in its fiscal year 2027 budget. Four grant types support exterior improvements, interior renovations, security upgrades and work on contaminated sites.
Eligibility depends on the property’s location within the Business Corridor Revitalization geography. Ballantyne-area owners should check the city’s program page and eligibility map before applying; the grants are not offered citywide.
Four types of support
The Façade Improvement Grant offers $20,000 to $90,000, depending on building size, for approved exterior renovations and improvements to signs, parking and landscaping. The program also allows up to $3,000 in architectural-fee reimbursement beyond the maximum grant, according to the city’s program page.
The Interior Upfit Grant offers up to $30,000 to improve the functionality and code compliance of interior space. Security grants offer $5,000 for an individual business or $20,000 for a shopping center with at least three tenants, based on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department recommendations.
The Brownfield Grant offers up to $20,000 for eligible environmental assessments, cleanup planning and remediation, and legal work associated with brownfield agreements. Additional restrictions apply to sites where contamination is solely petroleum-based.
How reimbursement works
Under the official program rules, the city reimburses 50% of eligible costs up to the award maximum after completion, inspection and submission of paid receipts. Projects must finish within 24 months of signing the grant contract. Work completed before approval and contract execution is not reimbursable.
Eligible applicants include owners and tenants of qualifying for-profit commercial buildings and national or regional chains headquartered in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Exclusions include adult-oriented businesses, gambling establishments, smoke and vape shops, new construction and businesses operating from residential property.
Applications are reviewed for factors including location, public benefit, appearance and safety improvements, and potential economic activity. Applying does not guarantee an award.
Quarterly deadlines are Feb. 15, May 15, Aug. 15 and Nov. 15. The program page links to the appropriate applications. Questions can be directed to Charlotte Economic Development’s Arta Osmanaj at 980-416-1424.
