Business Improvement Rebate Program
The MPBHBA Business Improvement Rebate Program provides rebates to eligible businesses for improvements that enhance the appearance, safety, security, and condition of commercial properties within our service area. The program includes three categories:
Facade & Appearance Improvement | Up to 50% of eligible approved costs, with a maximum rebate of $5,000
Safety & Security Improvements | Up to 50% of eligible approved costs, with a maximum rebate of $3,000.
Vandalism & Acid-Etching Repairs | Up to 75% of eligible approved costs, with a maximum rebate of $3,000.
Who Can Participate?
The rebate program is open to businesses in the MPBHBA’s two Special Service Areas: SSA 20 (Western Avenue) and SSA 44 (103rd Street/Walden Parkway and 99th/Walden). Participants must pay for the eligible improvements or repairs up front and then submit documentation to the MPBHBA verifying the cost of the work OR provide detailed estimates for work not yet done. In addition, they must obtain any permits or approvals required for the work and comply with all requirements of the Business Improvement Rebate Program.
What Doesn’t Qualify?
Applicants cannot request rebates for:
- properties outside the MPBHBA SSA 20 and SSA 44.
- routine maintenance or ordinary operating expenses.
- ongoing subscriptions, monitoring, internet, data, or storage services.
- costs that have already been reimbursed through another grant, rebate, insurance payment, or incentive.
- work that does not meet the eligible project requirements of the program.
- expenses that cannot be adequately documented.
Interested? Let Us Know
Complete our interest form to be considered for the Business Improvement Rebate Program.
Before You Apply
If you are interested in applying for a rebate, please be prepared to provide the following information:
❏ Itemized estimates, invoices, receipts, and/or proof of payment for the requested improvement or repair.
❏ Before-and-after photographs, or photographs documenting existing conditions.
❏ Property owner’s authorization if the applicant is a tenant.
❏ Current W-9 for the entity receiving the rebate.
❏ Copies of applicable permits or approvals required for the work.
❏ Additional documentation requested by MPBHBA to verify eligibility and project costs.
Evaluation Process
Applications will be considered in the order that they are received until available program funding is disbursed for the fiscal year. If eligible applications received before a Board review exceed the amount of available funding, MPBHBA may use a lottery to determine the order in which projects will be funded and establish a wait list for funding should additional funds become available.
Applications will be reviewed thoroughly by the MPBHBA staff and Board of Directors and accepted or rejected at their discretion. The Board may also request additional information or modifications to an application.
Rebate amounts are subject to available funding and final Board approval. MPBHBA may approve an amount less than the maximum rebate requested.
Within ten (10) business days of being approved by the MPBHBA Board of Directors, selected applicants will be emailed an Approval Letter for their records. The Board may also contact applicants with questions or suggested amendments to their applications at any time.