Virginia Beach Development Authority Announces Return of Façade Improvement Grant and Launch of Atlantic Avenue Grant Programs

The City of Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA) is pleased to announce the return of the Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) program and the launch of the Atlantic Avenue Grant (AAG) program. 

For five years in a row, the 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. 

The FIG program, which is administered by the Department of Economic Development, provides matching grants of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses and property owners who are looking to make exterior improvements to their buildings or properties. These improvements can include highly visible windows, doors, awnings, building material upgrades, fencing, signage, accent or security lighting, and other enhancements that will make an impactful improvement of the overall appearance and attractiveness of a property. The exterior improvements must be completed within six months of the grant award and must not have commenced prior to submission of the application. 

Additionally, VBDA has officially launched the inaugural Atlantic Avenue Grant (AAG) program. Businesses located on Atlantic Avenue between 2nd and 40th streets are eligible to apply for the AAG grant. The program, which is also administered by the Department of Economic Development, 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. Grants are performance-based, awarded by the VBDA through a competitive process and funded after the successful completion and evaluation of the improvements. 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.  

“The City of Virginia Beach Development Authority remains dedicated to promoting economic vitality within the city by investing in highly visible, exterior improvements that enhance the appearance of buildings and properties. The FIG program has been very successful. We are excited about continuing it and implementing a similar grant program focused on Atlantic Avenue,” said Lisa Murphy, VBDA chair. “We encourage eligible businesses and property owners to take advantage of these opportunities and apply.”  

All grants will be awarded to eligible applicants on a competitive, first-come, first-served basis and paid after successful completion and evaluation of the improvements. Applications will be ranked and evaluated based on the improvements that make the most demonstrable impact.  

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.