Does Your Business Need a Makeover? Here Are Two Virginia Beach Grant Programs That Can Help.

For five years in a row, the Virginia Beach Development Authority’s (VBDA) Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) program has provided financial assistance to businesses and property owners seeking to enhance the attractiveness of their properties. Since the program’s inception, VBDA has awarded $458,105 in grants to 69 small businesses, who in turn have invested $2 million in properties throughout the city. 

New for this year is the official launch of the Atlantic Avenue Grant (AAG) program. Businesses located on Atlantic Avenue between 2nd and 40th streets are eligible to apply for the AAG.  

Both programs are administered by the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development. The FIG program provides matching grants of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses and property owners looking to make exterior improvements to their buildings. These improvements can include fencing, doors, awnings, highly visible windows, signage, landscaping, accent or security lighting, and other enhancements that will help to improve the appearance and attractiveness of the property. 

The AAG program offers grants for significant exterior improvements, such as signage and art, landscaping and planters, outdoor café upgrades, façade improvements, and other significant enhancements that will enrich the overall image and appeal of a property. A 50% match of the actual capital investment is offered through the grants, which range from $10,000 to $25,000. 

All eligible businesses and property owners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity, which will enable them to enhance the appearance of their buildings in a manner that contributes to the overall revitalization of the city. 

Informational Workshops

In-person workshops for those interested in learning more about the FIG program will be held at The HIVE, 140 Independence Blvd.  

FIG workshop dates:  

• Thursday, Jan. 15, 8-9 a.m.  
• Wednesday, Jan. 21, 4-5 p.m.  

Online participation options are available. The application portal and more information for the FIG program can be found at www.yesvirginiabeach.com/fig.  

In-person workshops are also being held for those interested in learning more about the AAG program. Those workshops will be held at the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, 600 22nd St.  

AAG workshop dates: 

• Friday, Jan. 23, 8-9 a.m.  
• Wednesday, Jan. 28, 4-5 p.m.  

Online participation options are available. More information on the AAG program is available at www.yesvirginiabeach.com/aag. 

Additional Criteria

Grants will be awarded on a competitive, first-come, first-served basis and scored based on the evaluation criteria. Applications will be ranked and evaluated based on the improvements that make the most demonstrable impact.  

FIG exterior improvements must be completed within six months of the grant award and must not have commenced prior to submission of the application. 

For AAG, all improvements must be completed within 12 months of the date of the grant award and must not have commenced prior to submission of the application.  

• FIG
• AAG
• Economic Development