2019 Tampa Downtown Special Service District (SSD) Grant

Storefront and Sidewalk Cafe Grant Program

Introduction:

The purpose of the Tampa Downtown Storefront and Sidewalk Café Grant Program is to support and encourage more investment in the street level appearance and activation through storefront and sidewalk cafe improvements.

Award Information:

The Storefront and Sidewalk Cafe Grant program is administered on a reimbursement basis. The funds will be provided to the recipient upon the Partnership’s receipt of paid invoice copies. The maximum amount a business can receive, based on review and approval by the SSD Storefront and Sidewalk Cafe Grant Sub-Committee, is 50% of the total improvement project budget, with a maximum of $5,000 (for applicable expenses.) Funds from this program can be used for storefront or sidewalk café improvements only. Applicants should be prepared, if requested to make a presentation to the SSD Committee or Grant Sub-Committee. Awards are considered on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Approval can take up to 60 days from date of submission.

What Can the Grant Funds Be Used For:

The following projects on ground floor storefront properties qualify for the grant. The grant may be used for design, labor, materials, and/or permitting fees related to:

• Awnings
• Exterior Lighting
• Permanent or semi-permanent fixtures for display window
• Storefront façade repair work: painting, glazing woodwork, etc.
• Sidewalk café furniture and/or umbrellas
• Sidewalk café landscaping
• Architectural signage
• Sidewalk café fencing/barriers
• Sidewalk café trash receptacles

Eligibility:

Applicant location must take place within the Special Services District – See Map for SSD Boundaries.

Tenant or property owner of street level property may apply. Tenant application requires written approval from property owner.

Project must comply with all municipal and state codes and regulations; permitting must be secured prior to grant approval.

Once the project is completed, copies of fully paid receipts must be submitted to the Partnership within six months after application approval.

Preference given to targeted business types:

• Restaurant/Café
• Retail soft goods
• Grocery, Food/Floral Market, General Merchandise
• Art galleries
• Live music/theater, and other performing arts venues
• Bars, pubs, nightlife establishments

Restrictions:

Property may not exceed the grant cap within a two year period from the time of award.

2018 Application

Please download the 2019 Storefront & Sidewalk Cafe Grant.

If you have any questions, please email Ashly Anderson, Senior Design Manager, or call 813.221.3686