The City of Oxford has a funding opportunity for businesses in Oxford that provides capital for up to $5,000 or 50% of costs for projects which improve environmental sustainability and/or building facades.

Use of Funds:

The grant can be used for either facade improvements or for sustainability improvements at a business location, including but not limited to;

Facade Improvements:

  • New windows
  • Signage improvements or replacements
  • Cleaning business facade
  • Exterior paint
  • Improve exterior lighting

Sustainability Improvements:

  • Insulation upgrades
  • HVAC upgrades
  • Upgrades to energy efficiency
  • Upgrades to water efficiency

Grant Details:

The award amount can vary up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum award amount of $5,000 for any application. Awards may also vary based on the program’s remaining resources. This program is intended to reimburse businesses for capital improvement projects they complete at their business location. Funds will be released to eligible businesses only after a project and related payments are completed and documentation verifying the completion of the associated project and full payment is provided to the program administrator.

Eligibility:

All “brick-and-mortar”, non-residential, businesses operating for at least one year within the incorporated limits of the City of Oxford are eligible for this program. The grant funds may only be applied to one project per business, although that project may require multiple steps, or purchases from multiple vendors, etc.

Any applications seeking to make material upgrades to a property owned by another entity must include expressed written consent from the property owner for the application to be considered.

If multiple applications from different applicants/business owners occupying the same property apply for separate grants for related projects, applicants must demonstrate a unified/cohesive design.

Funding Requirements:

Applicants must provide documentation of all costs, invoices, and expenses once the project is completed. Only projects that spend funds, as outlined in the application, will be eligible to receive funds. 

Upon request, City Planning staff will work with applicants to ensure proposed projects meet guidelines and are feasible for the timeline.

Application Timeline:

Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they were received by the Oxford Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).  Depending on volume of applications, some delays are anticipated. Applications will be reviewed in a timely manner but may take up to 90 days for final funding decisions to be made.

This is a grant reimbursement program. Once you are notified you are eligible to receive an award you have one calendar year to complete the project for which you applied.  Once that project is completed, applicants must provide all documentation, including receipts, invoices, photos, etc. before funds will be released.

Decision Process:

Grant applications will be reviewed by the Oxford Community Improvement Corporation (CIC). Application eligibility will be determined based on a variety of criteria, including;

  • Business eligibility.
  • Nature and scope of the project.
  • Positive impact on the Oxford business community.
  • Total project costs.
  • Remaining program fund balance.

View the Façade & Sustainability Reimbursement Grant Application

An applicant for this grant program must meet ALL of the criteria listed below

  • Applicant must have a physical, non-residential location within the incorporated limits of Oxford, Ohio.
  • Applicant must be registered with the State of Ohio as one of the following;
    • A revenue generating business
    • A non-profit organization
  • Applicant must provide taxable wages for one or more “I-9” eligible and “W-2” documented employees.

Applicants must have been operating an eligible business within the City of Oxford for no less than one calendar year prior to date of application.

A wide variety of projects may qualify for this program.

For a façade improvement grant, an applicant must demonstrate how a capital project would improve the façade or streetscape of their business location. Examples include but are not limited to;

  • Exterior paint
  • New or refreshed exterior signage
  • Replaced or redesigned entryway
  • Mural or other artwork

For an environmental sustainability grant, an applicant must demonstrate how a capital project would improve energy/water efficiency of their business location. Examples include but are not limited to;

  • Changing incandescent or fluorescent lighting to LED
  • Increased insulation, or window treatment to prevent heat loss
  • Installation of renewable energy generators or collectors.

Applicants must provide the following to be considered for an award:

  • Description of your business and related industry.
  • Current digital photos of all building facades visible from the public right-of-way which will receive improvements.
  • Estimates for project costs, including but not limited to;
    • Signed vendor estimate(s) with detailed costs for each proposed improvement.
    • Cost estimates for goods, equipment, supplies, etc. needed to complete the project
  • Completed IRS Form W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification.

Following the completion of the project, and in order to receive funds, applicants must provide the following:

  • Documentation of all paid project costs and expenses, including receipts and invoices.
  • Digital photos documenting the completed improvements or upgrades.
  • Additional documentation may be required before funds will be released to a recipient.

 

No, applications for projects that have already been completed will not be considered for funding under this program. 

Applications and documentation may be submitted in one of three ways.

  1. All materials may be submitted in-person to the City of Oxford Municipal Building at 15 S. College Ave. to the first-floor Utility Billing reception area, to the attention of Seth Cropenbaker.
  2. All materials may be submitted via traditional mail to the City of Oxford Municipal Building at 15 S. College Ave. Oxford, OH 45056, to the attention of Seth Cropenbaker.
  3. All materials may be submitted via email to Seth Cropenbaker at, SCropenbaker@CityofOxford.org.

No, once submitted an application cannot be edited or changed.

However, you may withdraw and submit a new application with the updated information. There is no limit to the number of applications a business may submit.

To withdraw, resubmit, or discuss your Façade & Sustainability Grant Program application submission contact Seth Cropenbaker at, SCropenbaker@CityofOxford.org.

Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they were received by the Oxford Community Improvement Corporation.  Depending on volume of applications, some delays are anticipated. Applications will be reviewed in a timely manner but may take up to 90 days for final funding decisions to be made.

This is a grant reimbursement program. Once you are notified you are eligible to receive an award you have one calendar year to complete the project for which you applied.  Once that project is completed, provide all documentation, including receipts, invoices, photos, etc. before funds will be released.

Yes, you may reapply in the future for the same or a new project. Feedback regarding your application can be requested by contacting Seth Cropenbaker at, SCropenbaker@CityofOxford.org

Grant awards vary based on the details of your request in the application. You may be awarded up to 50% of eligible costs of your project’s proposed renovations/improvements, up to an award cap of $5,000.

For any questions or requests for additional information, please contact the City's Economic Development Specialist at SCropenbaker@CityOfOxford.org or via phone at (513) 255 - 4293.