The Vibrant Places program supports local businesses that invest in improvements to their exterior appearance, including facades, landscaping, signage, and windows. The goal of the program is to enhance the vibrancy and improve the physical appearance of our commercial, industrial and mixed-use buildings.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Only businesses located in the City of South Bend are eligible for Vibrant Places. Residences and businesses operating out of a residence are not eligible. Businesses in certain geographic areas within the City, such as major business corridors and the downtown area, may be eligible for a higher reimbursement amount. Businesses may submit one application per address per calendar year. All property taxes must be current, and neither the business nor the property owner may have any outstanding fines owed to the City or County. Grant agreement must be signed before project commencement. Reimbursements for eligible expenses will be provided only after a grant agreement is fully executed and all approved exterior renovations are completed.
GRANT AMOUNTS: Grants range from $1,500-$50K based on business location and project scope. Maximum grant amount: $30K-$50K, depending on the location of the business. Businesses are required to contribute matching funds toward the total project cost. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis. Businesses must cover expenses upfront and request reimbursement after project completion. Not all project components may qualify for reimbursement.
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Grant Amounts
Eligibility & Eligible Projects
Application Process
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Through this project, the City of South Bend aims to…
ENHANCE the appearance, value, and character of properties.
ENCOURAGE investment by business and property owners.
GENERATE additional sales for qualifying businesses.
INVEST in sustainability and reduce climate pollution.
PROMOTE a walkable urban development pattern.
Amy Paul
Business Development Manager
(574) 235-7638
apaul@southbendin.gov
Grant Amounts
Vibrant Places is a citywide program with increased incentives based on the location of your business and the elements of your project. You must complete the project and contribute your private match before grant funds are issued to you.
Actual grant amounts depend on the specific elements of a project and may not equal the maximum amounts.
Businesses located in one of the following corridors are eligible for an increased maximum:
- Lincoln Way West: between LaSalle Avenue and west city limits (near Maplewood Ave.)
- Indiana Avenue: between Pulaski Street and Main Street
- Linden Avenue: between Walnut Street and Olive Street
- Miami Street: between Lincoln Way East and Altgeld Street
- Michigan Street: between Bronson Street and Donmoyer Avenue
- Mishawaka Avenue: between Eddy Street and Logan Street
- Portage Avenue: between Diamond Avenue/Angela Boulevard and Kinyon Street
- Elwood Avenue from Portage Avenue to Wilber Street
- Western Avenue: between William Street and west city limits (near Mayflower Road)
Map of the corridors
Zoom in or adjust the map to view eligible corridors. You can also view the map in another window.
Standard Grants
| Grant Share (of total standard project(s) cost) | 50% |
| Maximum Grant Amount: Corridors | $50,000 |
| Maximum Grant Amount: Citywide | $30,000 |
| Minimum Grant Amount | $1,500 (50% of a $3,000 project) |
| Minimum Private Investment | $1,500 |
Some project elements are eligible for additional funding above and beyond the base funding of a 50% reimbursement.
Vibrant Places Grant
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- Review the Vibrant Places Matching Grant Program Guidelines.
- Submit the matching grant pre-application form. City representatives will review the pre-application.
- Meet with City representatives and the program architect at the project site to discuss the proposed improvements. The program architect will assist you with design concepts. A City representative will then provide you with an application form.
- Using the design concepts, contact at least two (2) licensed contractors to obtain detailed written estimates for your project. You must call the Building Department at (574) 235-9554 to verify that your contractors are licensed. Estimates should be provided by local contractors when possible. At least two itemized estimates for an identical scope of work for each project component are required with the application. All labor, sales taxes, and permit fees should be included in the estimates. When appropriate, provide color and material samples with the application.
- Submit the application. Applications will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. A completed application must include the following:
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- Completed application form;
- At least two (2) estimates from licensed contractors detailing scope of work with itemized prices including all labor, sales taxes, and permit fees; and
- Color and material samples for the work to be performed (when applicable).
- City representatives will review applications for completeness and scope of work and determine whether the project is eligible for a matching grant. Any grant award will be determined based on the cost of the lower of the two estimates.
- If your application is accepted and your project is eligible for a grant, you must sign the grant agreement. Grant payment will not be made if work begins prior to the grant agreement signing.
- Provide the City with a copy of any required building or sign permits prior to beginning the project.
- Complete your project as approved. Projects must be completed within 120 days of approval; extensions can be granted under special circumstances.
- Notify the City representative when your project is completed. Provide your grant payment request with proof of private investment, such as paid invoices or receipts. Payment will not be distributed until proof of your private investment is submitted and the project is completed as determined and approved by the City of South Bend. The grant check will be made payable to you. You are responsible for providing full payment to your contractor(s). Payment processing may take 2-4 weeks following final project acceptance.
Additional Information
- All work on approved projects is subject to City building and zoning codes and must follow all permit and inspection procedures as outlined by the City of South Bend Building Department.
- Grantee is responsible for all project costs until the project is completed as approved and the grant payment is made.
- A maximum of one grant may be received per address per year.
- The City reserves the right to reject any and all applications up to the time of the grant agreement signing. The specific program guidelines detailed herein are subject to revision or amendment by the City of South Bend and the Vibrant Places Matching Grant Program partners. Subject to the availability of funding, this program may be discontinued at any time.