Commercial Property Improvement Program (CPIP) Grant

Get grant funding for improvements to a commercial building in a CRA district

The primary objective of the Commercial Property Improvement Program (CPIP) grant is to encourage rehabilitation and preservation of commercial buildings by offering financial assistance as a reimbursable matching grant. The grant award and required match are determined based on the longevity the applicant has been within the CRA district:

 Tier Years in Area Match Required Max Award
 1  0 - 4  50%  $30,000
 2  5 - 9  35%  $35,000
 3  10 - 14  25%  $40,000
 4  15 - 19  15%  $45,000
 5  20+  0%  $50,000

 

Specific goals of the Commercial Property Improvement Program grant are as follows:

  1. The elimination of blighting influences, rehabilitation or preservation of properties of special value for historical, architectural or aesthetic reasons.
  2. The elimination of conditions detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Online

Step 1.Confirm eligibility

Businesses within the designated CRA District are eligible to apply for the grant.  CPIP grants are available on a first come, first approved basis for all eligible improvements. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

  1. The business owner/tenant must hold a current City of Kissimmee Business Tax Receipt (BTR) and the property must be located within the Downtown Kissimmee CRA district boundaries (see map). Landlords with no interest in the business entity operating in the property applying for CPIP grants are not required to have a BTR.
  2. Tenant is eligible to apply for a CPIP grant contingent upon a notarized letter of approval from the property owner. See “Attachment 1” for template.
  3. Property owners or tenants must provide documentation supporting the length of time they have been within the CRA.  Accepted documentation includes, but is not limited to: executed lease agreements, Business Tax Receipts, or warranty deeds. If documentation is not provided or is insufficient to document the length of time within the CRA, approved applicants will only be eligible for Tier 1 funding amounts.
  4. Governmental entities, tenants of government owned properties, churches, non-profits, and tax-exempt properties are not eligible for this grant program.
  5. Owners of construction related businesses are not eligible.
  6. CPIP grant awards are limited to one (1) grant per property within a five (5) year time period. Multi-tenant properties should contact the CRA. Additional grand funding may be approved within the five-year period if an additional proposed project seeks to significantly enhance the property.
  7. Property owners with multiple properties are limited to three (3) CPIP grants per fiscal year.
  8. Properties with unresolved code enforcement violations are only eligible for Tier 1 level funding, and funds may only be used to remedy violations.
  9. CPIP recipients must agree to display a DKCRA sign on their property while the project is in progress. Upon completion of project and disbursement of funds, the display of a DKCRA sign is no longer required, and will be collected from CRA staff member.
  10. Grant recipients are required to maintain improvements for a period of at least five (5) years. Improvements cannot be altered or removed, and the property must not be demolished or sold. 

Eligible Improvements:

  • Awnings & Canopies
  • Windows (New or Replacement)
  • Paint
  • Doors (New or Replacement)
  • Exterior Lighting
  • Fire Suppression Systems
  • Grease Traps
  • Private art sculpture installation
  • Parking lot improvements
  • Security camera and alarm systems
  • Landscaping

Ineligible Improvements:

  • Interior improvements (except for Fire Suppressant Systems, Grease Trap, and Alarm System
  • Structural Repairs (ex: roof or foundation repairs)
  • Siding and Fences
  • Improvements no within the view of the public realm

Step 2.Prepare documents

Before applying, prepare the following documents: 

  • Driver’s License or State Issued ID
  • Copy of Business Tax Receipt (BTR) or warranty deed showing length of ownership or operations
  • Notarized letter of approval from owner (if tenant)
  • Detailed written description of proposed improvements, and plans
  • Scaled elevation drawing, size, dimensions, and location of improvements
  • Construction and estimates from three independent licensed contractors
  • Current Pictures of property showing front and all sides of property

Step 3.Apply online

Submit your application using our convenient online form

Submit Your Application

Step 4.Grant agreement

CRA Staff will review your application and will follow up within five business days. If approved, you will receive an award letter and grant agreement. 

You MUST sign your grant agreement and return it to City staff.

Step 5.Vendor registration

After your grant agreement is signed and returned, you can register as a vendor in our online system. 

Register with Vendor Portal

Step 6.Submit completed project photos & invoices

Once your project is complete, you must submit completed photos and invoices to CRA staff.

Step 7.Get reimbursed

Staff will review your submission and upon approval will send your reimbursement to you. You can check the status of your reimbursement status at our vendor portal. 

 

Need Help?

Economic Development Department

cra@kissimmee.gov
407-518-2584

 

101 Church Street, 5th Floor
Kissimmee, FL 34741

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