Philadelphia Storefront Improvement Program (SIP)
City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce
Up to $15,000
Philly storefront improvement matching grants
City of Philadelphia reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 (or $15,000 for corner/multi-address properties) covering 50% of eligible exterior improvement costs for businesses and property owners on approved commercial corridors. Eligible improvements include facade painting, signage, awnings, windows, doors, masonry, and see-through security grills. Applicants must get written approval before beginning work and use City-approved contractors only.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Amount range
- $15,000
- Realistic amount
- Most single-location recipients receive $3,000–$10,000 depending on project scope. Corner property recipients receive $5…
- Deadline
- Rolling — program accepts applications on a continuous basis; projects must receive written approval before work begins.
- Status
- active
- States
- PA
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Property must be located on a City of Philadelphia-approved commercial corridor (verify using the interactive map at phila.gov/programs/storefront-improvement-program)
- Eligible applicants include for-profit business tenants and commercial property owners
- If a tenant applicant, must have written permission from the property owner to make improvements
- Applicant must be able to fund 50% of project costs upfront (the 50% City reimbursement comes after work is completed)
- Must use only contractors approved by the City of Philadelphia for SIP projects
- Must obtain written approval from the Department of Commerce before beginning any work — work started without approval is not reimbursable
Hard requirements
- Location restriction: Must be on a City of Philadelphia-approved commercial corridor
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Masonry repair and brick pointing
- Exterior painting (facade surfaces)
- New windows and glazing improvements
- Exterior doors (commercial)
- Facade lighting (exterior)
- Cornices and decorative facade elements
- Signage (exterior commercial signs)
- Awnings
- See-through security grills (replacing solid roll-down gates)
Ineligible expenses
- Interior improvements (SIP is exterior-only)
- Solid roll-down security gates (see-through replacements are eligible)
- Work begun before written City approval
- Work performed by contractors not on the City-approved list
- Inventory, supplies, or equipment not permanently affixed to the building
- Properties not on an approved commercial corridor
How to apply
-
1
Verify corridor eligibility using the interactive map
Visit phila.gov/programs/storefront-improvement-program and use the map tool to confirm your property is on an approved corridor. Corridors are specific blocks designated by the City — nearby properties on non-approved streets are not eligible. If your address doesn't appear, contact the Department of Commerce.
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2
Contact SIP or request a relationship manager
Email SIP@phila.gov or use the online application portal at business.phila.gov/storefront-improvement-program to initiate your application. A City relationship manager can walk you through project planning, contractor selection, and documentation requirements.
-
3
Submit application and obtain written approval
Complete the online application or request a PDF via SIP@phila.gov. Include photos of the current storefront, proposed improvement plans, and cost estimates. Receive written approval from the Department of Commerce before beginning any work. Unauthorized work is ineligible for reimbursement.
-
4
Hire a City-approved contractor and complete the project
Use only contractors from the City-approved list for SIP projects. The City provides access to a list of pre-screened contractors. Pay the contractor for the completed work in full before submitting for reimbursement.
-
5
Submit paid invoices for 50% reimbursement
After work is completed and fully paid, submit paid invoices, contractor receipts, and before/after photos to the Department of Commerce for reimbursement review. The City reimburses 50% of eligible costs up to the grant cap. Expect reimbursement within 4–8 weeks of a complete submission.
Always get written City approval before starting any work — retroactive approval is not possible. The City-approved contractor requirement narrows your options; get contractor quotes early in the process to avoid delays.
Deadline & timing
The Storefront Improvement Program runs on a rolling basis with no fixed annual cycle. Applications can be submitted at any time the program has available budget. The corridor map is updated periodically — verify your corridor eligibility before applying. Contact SIP@phila.gov or request a relationship manager for application guidance.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.