The City of East Moline has launched a new Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Program to help financially support commercial property rehabilitation, encourage new business ventures, and strengthen existing businesses in its major development areas.
The BIG Program is funded through the city’s newest Business Development District. It was established in 2024 with a dedicated 0.75% sales tax. The program will provide a total of $500,000 in funding during its first year to eligible projects and businesses. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis and require a minimum 40% match by the owner match, the city said in a news release.
“This program represents a significant investment in East Moline’s future,” Mayor Reggie Freeman said. “By partnering with our business community, we are not only improving the look and feel of our commercial areas, but also creating jobs and making East Moline a destination for residents and visitors alike.”
The new grant program comes on the heels of East Moline’s launch last spring of its $30 million downtown revitalization project. The project aims to make East Moline more walkable, bike-friendly and beautiful. Improvements, which are now underway, will include new landscaping, more outdoor event space, improved railroad crossings and much more across the downtown district and nearby riverfront.
Program highlights
Here’s a look at some of the BIG Program highlights:
- Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded and cover no more than 60% of the project costs.
- Eligible projects include storefront and facade improvements; interior rehabilitation; business expansion or relocation; code compliance upgrades; landscaping; accessibility improvements; new construction, and more.
- Applications will be scored by the City’s Design Review Board and awards will be based on project impact, revenue potential, job creation, and community benefit.
- Approved projects must be completed within one year of grant approval through a redevelopment agreement with the city.
- Application deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 30.
“The BIG Program sends a clear message that East Moline is open for business,” East Moline City Administrator Mark Rothert said in the release.
“By investing in our commercial corridors, we’re not only supporting existing businesses but also creating an inviting environment that attracts new entrepreneurs, developers, and investors to our community,” he added.
Who Can Apply
According to the city, the BIG Program is designed to drive community impact by preserving and rehabilitating commercial properties; encouraging new businesses and strengthening existing ones; increasing foot traffic and tourism in key development corridors; creating jobs; enhancing the local economy; and improving aesthetics and community pride.
Project owners within the Business Development District are eligible to apply directly. Tenants also may apply with the property owner’s consent.
Applicants are encouraged to discuss their projects with the city prior to submission. Completed applications, including project narratives, budgets, renderings (if available), and proof of financing, must be submitted by the Sept. 30 deadline.
Applications are available at www.eastmoline.com/BIGProgram. For more information, contact the East Moline Community Development Department at (309) 752-1597 or [email protected].
