Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) - City of Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge property owners or tenants can access financial resources to renovate or restore commercial building exterior facades through the Storefront Improvement Program. The Program improves the physical appearance of independent businesses and enhances Cambridge's commercial districts.

The Latest 

• New Program Campaign: Storefronts-For-All in Cambridge – Get money for upgrades to your storefront. Improve accessibility and grow your business!

• Reimbursement grants range from $2,500 to $35,000 based on the scope of work.

• Completed projects for FY2017-2018 include: Wit's End, Albertine Press, Bedworks, Revela Salon, Hanaya Floral, Hiive LLC (Built coworking space), Nomad, 215 Western Avenue, Cambridge Real Estate Collaborative, and Simply Erinn's Unisex Hair Salon.

This program provides:

• 90% matching grant up to $20,000 for ADA improvements to entrance, including ramps, lifts, doors hardware and automatic openers, accessible parking, and signage.

• 50% matching grant up to $15,000 for other façade improvements, including better windows, paneling, architectural details and restoration of historic features.

• 50% matching grant up to $2,500 for signage, lighting and awning improvements

Please note that improvements made prior to approval of a design and contract by the Program's review committee will not be funded. Large scale projects may require a licensed architect and contractor to refine a conceptual design and to implement the City-approved plans. Reimbursement grant limits vary from year to year. Please contact the Program Manager for information on available funds as the program is a first-come, first-serve model. 

Application Form

To participate in the Storefront Improvement Program property owners or tenants must review the Storefront Improvement Program Guidelines and complete the Storefront Improvement Program Application Form.

Project Success

The Storefront Improvement Program's success at increasing the number of accessible business storefronts throughout the city has earned it the distinction of Semifinalist of the Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center Innovations in American Government Awards in 2017 and again in 2018.