The Commercial Buildout Improvement Grant (CBIG) offered by the City of Decatur provides financial assistance to enhance the interiors of commercial spaces such as retail stores, restaurants, bakeries, and breweries in Downtown Decatur. This grant program helps local businesses improve their interior spaces through a 75/25 matching grant. Approved applicants receive 75% reimbursement for eligible project expenses up to a maximum of $10,000, while contributing 25% of the project cost themselves. The minimum grant amount is $2,500. Projects must start within six months of grant approval and be completed within 18 months. Annually, funding is limited to 10 projects to reserve resources for larger initiatives.

Eligible applicants include Decatur-based businesses and commercial property owners who have no outstanding taxes, judgments, or liens and meet specific financial criteria. Small businesses with three or fewer locations in Georgia and 25 or fewer employees can apply, provided their annual receipts do not exceed $3.5 million. Acceptable projects under CBIG cover a range of interior improvements, including wall, floor, and ceiling repairs, HVAC installation, sprinkler systems, fire alarms, plumbing work, and grease trap replacements.

The application process is managed by a Grant Review Committee appointed by the Decatur Development Authority (DDA), consisting of representatives from the DDA board, the Historic Preservation Commission, and city officials. The committee meets quarterly to assess applications. Applicants must submit a complete CBIG application by the 15th of the month preceding a committee meeting. The committee reviews each application for project feasibility, compliance with local codes, and adherence to design standards, and forwards qualifying applications to the DDA board for final approval.

Approved projects must benefit the current tenant and potentially future tenants. If the project only benefits the current tenant, the recipient must commit to staying in the location for at least two years post-grant. In cases where the business closes or is sold before this period, the recipient is required to repay a prorated portion of the grant funds.

Applications for the Winter 2024 cycle are open from 8:00 a.m. on October 23, 2024, through 9:00 p.m. on November 15, 2024. Interested applicants can reach out to Victoria Cohen, Business Development Manager for the City of Decatur, for additional information and guidance.