INCENTIVES
MAIN STREET RI STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT FUND
The Spring 2023 application round is now closed. This program awards grants on a competitive basis for improvements to our commercial districts, such as signage, lighting, facade, and sidewalk improvements. Projects should revitalize main street and downtown business districts and generate activity in these areas.
This grant program fosters private-public partnerships for the improvement of streetscapes in local business districts. These investments will strengthen Rhode Island’s small business environment and attract future growth and events to our main street and downtown districts. Projects that can be completed within 18 months will be prioritized.
Eligibility
- Eligible projects must be located in an area that is walkable, with a mix of land uses suitable for small business development and commerce that attracts residents and visitors to frequent the activities located in the area.
- Applicants must have matching funds committed for the project. Matching funds can include real estate committed to the project or costs associated with engineering, design, environmental assessment or studies, or costs incurred in obtaining necessary municipal approvals; and
- The lead applicant must be a municipality, political subdivisions or a municipality, or an economic development organization. Public-private partnerships are encouraged through the Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund program.
Note: Applicants can be considered for both the Site Readiness and Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund programs. See application for more information. For more information on the Site Readiness program, please visit: https://commerceri.com/incentives/site-readiness.
In the News
- Central Falls’ Taqueria Lupita re-opens with help from Main Street grant
- Raimondo announces more than $1M in Main Street grants
- Main Street grant awarded to Smithfield
- North Kingstown receives state grant to improve Wickford
- Westerly selected for $140k state grant for downtown improvements
- East Bay included in second round of Main Street Grants
- Jamestown awarded $65k to repair East Ferry Lot
- Commerce RI approves $1M in grant awards for streetscape improvements
Recipients
November 2018 
May 2017
March 2016
References
Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund Regulations 
Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund Act, R.I.G.L. § 42-64.27
MAIN STREET RI STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT FUND
Applications now open. Click here to download the application.
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation will begin accepting applications for the Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. This program awards grants on a competitive basis for improvements to our commercial districts, such as signage, lighting, facade, and sidewalk improvements. Projects should revitalize main street and downtown business districts and generate activity in these areas.
This grant program fosters private-public partnerships for the improvement of streetscapes in local business districts. These investments will strengthen Rhode Island’s small business environment and attract future growth and events to our main street and downtown districts. Projects that can be completed within 18 months will be prioritized.
Eligibility
- Eligible projects must be located in an area that is walkable, with a mix of land uses suitable for small business development and commerce that attracts residents and visitors to frequent the activities located in the area.
- Applicants must have matching funds committed for the project. Matching funds can include real estate committed to the project or costs associated with engineering, design, environmental assessment or studies, or costs incurred in obtaining necessary municipal approvals; and
- The lead applicant must be a municipality, political subdivisions or a municipality, or an economic development organization. Public-private partnerships are encouraged through the Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund program.
Applications will be available at https://commerceri.com/incentives/main-street-ri-streetscape-improvement-fund/. Applications will be accepted via email at MainStreet@CommerceRI.com through Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 5:00pm.
Note: Applicants can be considered for both the Site Readiness and Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund programs. See application for more information. For more information on the Site Readiness program, please visit: https://commerceri.com/incentives/site-readiness.
In the News
- Central Falls’ Taqueria Lupita re-opens with help from Main Street grant
- Raimondo announces more than $1M in Main Street grants
- Main Street grant awarded to Smithfield
- North Kingstown receives state grant to improve Wickford
- Westerly selected for $140k state grant for downtown improvements
- East Bay included in second round of Main Street Grants
- Jamestown awarded $65k to repair East Ferry Lot
- Commerce RI approves $1M in grant awards for streetscape improvements
Recipients
November 2018
May 2017
March 2016
References
Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund Regulations
Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund Act, R.I.G.L. § 42-64.27
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