City of Albany Small Business Façade Improvement Program
Capitalize Albany Corporation
Up to $10,000 per building (dollar-for-dollar match; minimum project $5,000)
Dollar-for-dollar matching façade grant up to $10,000 for Albany small businesses and nonprofits; eighth round planned for fall 2026.
A matching reimbursement grant for small businesses and not-for-profits throughout the City of Albany to rehabilitate and restore the visible exterior of existing structures and enhance street-level storefronts. The program provides dollar-for-dollar matching funds up to $10,000 per building. Round 7 closed May 14, 2025; an eighth-round application window is being organized for fall 2026.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Amount range
- $2,500 – $10,000
- Realistic amount
- $2,500 for a $5,000 minimum project up to $10,000 for projects of $20,000 or more
- Deadline
- Eighth-round window: fall 2026 (exact dates TBD)
- Status
- upcoming
- States
- NY
Who qualifies
- Small business or not-for-profit entity independently owned, operated, and controlled with 25 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees at time of application
- Must be currently operating or committed to operating a business or nonprofit within the City of Albany
- Building must be a current place of business for the applicant
- Proposed improvements must be at least $5,000
- Applicant must provide matching funds amounting to at least 50% of total project cost
- Façade must face a public street and be visible from a public way
- Must remain in the location and maintain improvements for the required period
Who is not eligible
- Buildings owned in whole or in part by the City of Albany, County of Albany, State of New York, or Capitalize Albany Corporation
- Applicants with 26 or more FTE employees
- Projects under $5,000
- Properties with existing code violations that are not remedied as part of the project
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Architecture and engineering fees directly related to the approved façade project
- Exterior painting, brickwork, and masonry repair
- Storefronts and entrances
- Exterior signs, lighting, windows, and awnings
- ADA and fire/life-safety exterior improvements
- Structural improvements to the façade
Ineligible expenses
- Building permit fees and related costs
- Land or building acquisition
- Interior work
- Work started or completed before grant award
How to apply
-
1
Review Round 7 guidelines and confirm eligibility
Download the Round 7 Program Guidelines to understand the $10,000 cap, 50% match, eligible improvements, and required documentation. Confirm the business/nonprofit and building meet all criteria.
~1.5 hrs
-
2
Develop scope and obtain contractor estimates
Define the exterior façade improvements and obtain up to three estimates from licensed/insured contractors. Minimum project cost is $5,000.
~3 hrs
-
3
Prepare matching-funds documentation
Document availability and commitment of matching funds covering at least 50% of the total project cost (bank statements, letters, etc.).
~1 hrs
-
4
Submit application when Round 8 opens
Complete and submit the online application once the eighth-round window opens in fall 2026; watch capitalizealbany.com/grants-facade/ for the announcement.
~2 hrs
-
5
Complete work and request reimbursement
After award and agreement execution, complete the project and submit required documentation for 50% reimbursement up to $10,000.
~2 hrs
Use the Round 7 guidelines and budget worksheet now to pre-scope your project and line up contractors; when the fall 2026 window opens, applications are likely to be competitive and the best-prepared applicants move fastest.
Deadline & timing
Round 7 opened April 1, 2025 and closed May 14, 2025. An eighth-round application window is being organized for fall 2026; exact dates to be announced.
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Required documents
- Completed online application
- Round 7-style Program Guidelines review
- Up to three contractor estimates
- Proof of matching funds (50% of project cost)
- Property tax bill or deed (ownership) or notarized owner consent (tenant)
- Proof of 25 or fewer FTE employees
- Current photos of the façade
- Project description and scope of work
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