Business Safety & Beautification Grant
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BUSINESS SAFETY & BEAUTIFICATION GRANT
Pima County + Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Strengthening Small Business. Enhancing Shared Spaces.
Program Overview
The Business Safety & Beautification Grant is designed to support small businesses throughout Pima County by investing in projects that improve safety, beautification, and the overall vitality of commercial corridors.
Small businesses create jobs, provide essential goods and services, and contribute to the character of Southern Arizona. This program encourages investment in local businesses and the places where people shop, dine, work, and gather.
The Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce administers the program in partnership with Pima County.
Chamber membership is not required to apply.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for funding, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Operate a business physically located in Pima County.
- Have a valid Tax Identification Number or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Be a for-profit business or nonprofit organization.
- Maintain an active business license.
- Operate from a physical, brick-and-mortar business location. Mobile businesses are not eligible.
- Be in good standing with applicable local and state regulations.
- Have 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees (FTE). For purposes of this program, two part-time employees equal one full-time equivalent employee.
Grant Funding Opportunities
Recognizing that meaningful improvements come in many sizes, the program offers two funding pathways:
Community Improvement Application | $250–$1,500
Designed for smaller-scale projects that can create an immediate and visible impact through a simplified application process.
Community Investment Application | $1,501–$10,000
Designed for larger, more comprehensive projects that require additional project details and have the potential to create transformational improvements for businesses and commercial corridors.
Both funding opportunities are reimbursement-based. Grant funds will be disbursed after approved improvements are completed and all required documentation has been reviewed and accepted. Applicants may make their own payment arrangements with contractors or vendors.
Eligible Projects
Projects must create noticeable exterior and/or interior improvements or safety enhancements.
Safety Improvements (not an exhaustive list)
Security cameras, exterior lighting, security doors, fencing, gates, alarm systems, and improvements that enhance visibility and safety.
Beautification Improvements (not an exhaustive list)
Exterior painting, murals, façade improvements, storefront upgrades, signage improvements, decorative lighting, window enhancements, and outdoor seating areas.
Clean-Up & Restoration (not an exhaustive list)
Graffiti removal, power washing, landscape cleanup, exterior repairs, and trash enclosure improvements.
Placemaking & Community Enhancements (not an exhaustive list)
Landscaping, shade structures, planters, community-facing artwork, walkway improvements, and entryway enhancements.
These examples are not an exhaustive list. Other improvements may be considered if they align with the program's goals and eligibility requirements.
Ineligible Expenses
Grant funds may NOT be used for the following expenses (not an exhaustive list):
- Payroll or employee compensation.
- Rent or mortgage payments.
- Inventory purchases.
- Equipment that is not visible to customers.
- Debt repayment.
- Vehicles.
- Marketing or advertising expenses.
- Website development.
Additional expenses may be determined ineligible based on program guidelines.
Application & Project Timeline
- Application Submission: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until available funds are depleted. Applicants may submit a completed application at any time during the month.
- Application Review: Complete applications are typically reviewed by the committee during the first week of the month following submission.
- Award Notification: Applicants will generally receive a funding decision within two weeks of the committee's decision.
- Project Begins: Approved applicants may begin their projects upon receiving written grant approval. The 120-day completion period begins when the written approval notice is received.
- Project Completion: All approved improvements must be completed within 120 calendar days of receiving the written grant approval notice, unless an extension is approved in writing.
Final Program Deadline: All funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2027, unless otherwise authorized by the program.
Reimbursement & Documentation
This is a 100% reimbursement-based grant program.
Grant funds will be disbursed after approved improvements are completed and all required documentation has been reviewed and accepted.
Recipients must provide:
- Before and after photographs clearly documenting the approved project improvements.
- A completed project completion form.
- A brief testimonial and description of the project's impact.
- Any additional documentation required to verify project completion.
Additional documentation may be requested at any time during the grant process, including:
- Itemized invoices, receipts, or contractor documentation for approved project expenses.
- Customer feedback, foot traffic changes, or revenue impact information.
- Other supporting documentation necessary to verify eligible project expenses or completion.
Reimbursement is limited to verified, eligible project expenses and cannot exceed the approved grant amount.
Our Commitment to Pima County
Every improvement, large or small, helps build a stronger Pima County.
Through the Business Safety & Beautification Grant, Pima County and the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are proud to support local businesses investing in safer storefronts, more welcoming spaces, and vibrant communities.
Together, we're strengthening small businesses and enhancing the shared spaces that bring our communities together.
Questions or Need Assistance?
We're here to help!
For questions about eligibility, application requirements, or the grant process, please contact:
Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce