The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) are pleased to announce a grant program that will assist small business owners, issuing funds for small projects and other necessary storefront improvements.

The SIEDC and Staten Island Chamber of Commerce were awarded a $1 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Small Business Recovery Fund grant. Property and/or business owners in our DRI Target Area of St. George, Tompkinsville, and Stapleton can apply for matching funds (80% DRI Grant match / 20% owner match): Minimum grant of $5,000 / Maximum grant $100,000 / per building for projects.

Priorities for funding include:

  • Projects that are visually prominent in downtown Staten Island

  • Projects with historic value or historic properties in danger of being lost in part or in total to disrepair or damage

  • Projects, with the assistance of grant funds, will reduce blight, contribute to the economic recovery of the target area, or realize a stabilization or expansion of a downtown business

  • Assistance will create jobs

  • Assistance will allow businesses to expand business offerings

What is Funded?

Building upgrades to improve business operations or re-tenant space:

  • Storefront design improvements and interior upgrades

  • Lighting, signage, sidewalk repairs (ancillary to other building improvements)

  • Other physical improvements that would make difficult-to-rent retail space more marketable and support the opening of new Downtown businesses

Startup capital costs for new businesses that provide community benefits*:

  • Facade improvements and interior fit-out

  • Permanent commercial business equipment and exhaust systems

    * Community benefits are defined as businesses that create healthy food options, family or kid friendly activities, and/or job growth

COVID activities:

  • Physical adaptations to meet new health and safety standards

  • Reconfiguration of existing facilities to encourage reduced density

  • Redesign and updates for air filtering or ventilation systems

  • Equipment or software required to increase business capacity and efficiency

  • Fixtures and equipment to partition customers, guide social distancing, or provide contactless sales opportunities

  • Interior and exterior improvements to support adjusted business practices

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)

This is a competitive process:  all applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee.  Projects must be completed by December 2025.

Next Steps and Process:

  • Complete Application and submit by Friday, May 9th, 2025 - 4:00PM

  • Project review and approval (Environmental and NYS Historic Preservation Office review)

  • Obtain 2 bids for the project. Grant Administrator will review.

  • Project kickoff and construction. Owner pays contractor by check (no cash payments)

  • Project completion and closeout - owner submits cancelled check and paid invoices

  • Receive reimbursement (approximately 30 days after closeout paperwork approved)

Grant Facts:

  • Commercial properties only in DRI Target Area

  • Proposed work reviewed and approved by State Historic Preservation Office

  • Quality and appropriate building materials, no vinyl products are funded

  • Building renovations: minimum grant $5,000, maximum grant $100,000

  • Obtain 2 competitive bids for the work from insured contractors.  Note: NO requirement for prevailing wages, YES - requirement for outreach to MWBE contractors

  • Contractor bids to include all materials. Owner purchased materials are not reimbursed.

  • Contractor bids to include applying for and payment of all necessary permits

  • All bids will be submitted to and reviewed by our Grant Administrator

  • You may use your own design consultant - or - design concept services are available

  • Agree to maintain the property improvements for five years

    NOTE: this is a reimbursement grant. You complete agreed upon eligible scope of work for your project and pay all costs. Project is inspected and paid invoices and canceled check copies are submitted for reimbursement - CASH PAYMENTS CANNOT BE REIMBURSED.