FY 25-26 Business Incentive Grant Program

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Program Overview
 The Business Incentive Grant program offered by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) supports permanent leasehold improvements to ground-floor commercial spaces within the DDA District. Funding is designed to help new or existing businesses make significant, fixed improvements that stay with the building. The goal is to strengthen Downtown’s merchandise mix and assist with the rehabilitation of commercial properties.

Boundaries and Priority Uses 

  • Businesses located in the DDA District: to view the DDA Boundary Map CLICK HERE 
  • Businesses located on Clematis Street: active uses such as retail and arts-based businesses within the creative industries. Examples include galleries, design, film, architecture, and similar arts-driven enterprises. 


Eligibility
 Applicants and properties must meet all of the following: 

  • Located within the DDA District 
  • Ground-floor commercial space 
  • Improvements are permanent and remain with the building 
  • All city permits obtained within 6 months of award and kept active 
  • Project completed within 18 months of award 
  • No liens, outstanding taxes, code violations, or City debts for the applicant or the subject space 
  • Business use is permitted by City code 
  • The space has not received a DDA Business Incentive Grant within the past 3 years 
  • If receiving City or CRA funds for interior leasehold improvements, the project is not eligible for additional DDA funds 


Ineligible Business 

  • Financial services regulated by state or federal agencies  
  • Wholesale only businesses  
  • National brands in any category  
  • Tattoo, body piercing, or body art shops  
  • Smoking products and accessories, vape shops  
  • Medical marijuana dispensaries and CBD retailers  
  • Nightclubs, bars, and liquor stores  
  • Any business not permitted by City code  
  • Any business or building with outstanding code violations or City debt for the space or parcel requested 


 Grant Terms 

  • Amount: Up to 25% of Total Improvement Cost for Leasehold Improvements (must stay with building). Maximum allowable amount not to exceed $75,000. 
  • Disbursement: Single reimbursement upon completion and opening, after City inspection approval, proof of paid invoices, and issuance of the Business Tax Receipt. 
  • Board review: Requests $50,000 or more go to the DDA Board in the order received. The Board must find that the project significantly improves the property, that improvements are permanent, and that the use supports the Downtown Merchandise Mix Plan. 
  • No retroactive funding: Work cannot begin before written DDA approval. 
  • Funds are limited each year and are awarded on a first come, first served basis 
  • Processing and approval may take up to 12 weeks 
  • Grants are not approved once allocated funds are exhausted 
  • The DDA reserves the right to approve or deny any applications if the DDA, in its sole discretion, finds that such application does not meet the stated criteria, align with the goals, policies, and objectives of the DDA, or serve the DDA's best interests.
  • Applicants with a conviction for fraud, embezzlement, misuse of funds, or any other financial-related crime may be deemed ineligible. The DDA reserves the right to disqualify any applicant whose background raises concerns regarding financial integrity or fiduciary responsibility.
  • Applicants who have previously defaulted on any prior grant agreement may be deemed ineligible.


 How to apply
Application fee and background screening 

  • $125 per applicant, due at submission. Each owner or applicant completes an application and fee.

Required documents 

  • Cover letter outlining the project scope, community benefit, and requested grant amount 
  • Proof of ownership interest or right to improve the space 
  • Resume or brief bio for each property owner 
  • Detailed statement describing how the grant funds will be used 
  • Drawings, plans, and specifications 
  • Itemized project budget 
  • Current photos of the space and building conditions 
  • Potential lessee information, if applicable 

Incomplete or inadequately documented applications will not be reviewed. Additional information may be requested by DDA staff or the Board.

After approval 

  • Obtain all required City permits within 6 months and keep permits active 
  • Complete construction within 18 months 
  • Schedule final inspections, open for business, and submit proof of paid invoices and your Business Tax Receipt to receive reimbursement 


For additional information, contact:
 Teneka James-Feaman, Executive Director
 West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority
 107 S. Olive Avenue, Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
 (561)833-8873  •  TJames@DowntownWPB.com 

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