FY 25-26 Grand Opening Assistance
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Program Overview
The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) offers support to businesses celebrating a grand opening inside the DDA District. Each business may choose the style and scale that fits their brand. Examples include an in-store reception with light hors d’oeuvres and libations, a restaurant launch with live music, or a targeted advertising push to announce your business location. Businesses that undergo a material rebrand within the past 12 months may apply for assistance to host a public re-opening event. Material rebrand includes a new legal or trade name, new brand identity, and a substantive change in concept, offerings, or interior that supports the new brand. One award per location within 24 months.
What the DDA Provides
- Reimbursement up to $1,000 dollars in matching funds. The DDA reimburses 50 percent of eligible, grand-opening expenses up to a maximum of $1,000 dollars. To receive the full amount, eligible expenses must total $2,000 dollars or more.
- Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches membership. One complimentary first-year membership valued at $450 dollars.
- Email promotion. Distribution of your invitation to our subscriber lists, including 11K plus recipients, and sharing with area VIPs when appropriate.
- Marketing visibility. Potential inclusion in The Downtown Update newsletter and on DowntownWPB and DDA social channels.
- Event coordination. Assistance connecting with key stakeholders and city partners for your ribbon cutting or celebration.
Eligibility
- Your business location must be inside the DDA District. To view the DDA Boundary Map CLICK HERE
- The DDA and the business must mutually agree on the grand opening date and time.
- Applications must be approved in writing by the DDA before any reimbursement is issued.
- If receiving City or CRA funds for same facade scope, the project is not eligible for additional DDA funds
Timeline and Deadlines
- Processing and approval can take up to 4 weeks.
- Applications submitted less than 4 weeks prior to the event date will not be considered.
- Please allow up to 30 days after you submit complete reimbursement materials for processing.
Eligible Expenses
Expenses must be reasonable, customary, and directly related to the grand opening. Examples include:
- Event hospitality such as food, beverages, and serviceware
- Entertainment such as a DJ or small band
- Event rentals such as tents, tables, chairs, signage stands
- Marketing and promotion such as printed invitations, flyers, social ads, or postcard mailings
- Photography or videography to capture the event
Requirements
- Submit a completed application with a W-9.
- After the event, provide copies of paid invoices and receipts for eligible expenses.
- The DDA must be listed on your invitation and event materials. Use approved DDA logos. [CLICK HERE]
For additional information, contact:
Tiffany Faublas, Director of Marketing & Communications
West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority
107 S. Olive Avenue, Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561)833-8873 • TFaublas@DowntownWPB.com