Libertyville offers 50/50 grants to grow business and enhance commercial buildings or sites

Libertyville is accepting applications for a two-part matching grant program to encourage growth and expansion of existing businesses and enhance commercial buildings or sites.

The business grant program, approved last fall, is aimed at strengthening sales tax-producing businesses in certain corridors outside downtown.

Village officials in September included $100,000 in discretionary funds in the current budget to provide matching grants for a variety of expenses. Information is available at libertyville.com/businessgrants.

“It is crucial that our local businesses continue to grow and improve and that our village continues to support them when we can in that effort,” said Mayor Donna Johnson. “This effort makes businesses more competitive and resilient.”

Three-quarters of the program is dedicated to facade and site improvements with $75,000 available. Up to $25,000 can be requested provided the amount doesn't exceed half the total project cost.

According to program material, improvements must be visible from an arterial road and can include upgrades to front walls, doors, windows, lighting, landscaping, pavement, awnings and the like.

Grant awards are the discretion of the village based on a review and after considering the cost and benefit to the community. Applications for the facade and property enhancement grant are due April 1. Once approved, grantees have 12 months to complete the project.

The village is making $25,000 available for business resiliency grants. Applicants can request up to $5,000 not to exceed half the project cost. Requests are limited to brick-and-mortar, sales tax-producing entities.

Potential uses include acquiring equipment or technology, making physical improvements, new digital advertising campaigns, adding projecting signage, and making green and/or sustainable improvements.

Village officials say additional grant funding will be considered for the next fiscal year, which begins May 1.

Johnson said the grant program is an investment in the local business community and and it’s in the best interest of the village to ensure commercial corridors that are attractive to customers and residents.