Bring new energy and life to the heart of our community with Blacksburg Spark, a downtown facade improvement program. 

Whether you are a business owner or property owner, Blacksburg Spark is your chance to enhance our streetscapes with eye-catching upgrades: a fresh coat of paint, charming signage, updated lighting, or other thoughtful enhancements you might have in mind.

This matching grant program, administered by the Town of Blacksburg, offers a maximum award of a maximum of $20,000 per applicant. Funds will be reimbursed to awardees through the Economic Development Authority of Montgomery County, Virginia (EDA). 

The Town of Blacksburg will accept applications on a "first-come, first-serve" basis, while funds are available. Applications will be reviewed, and successful applicants will be notified by the Town Manager's Office. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2025.

Who is eligible for the facade grant program?

• Property Owners
• Business Owners

Eligible Area:

• All commercial properties within the Downtown Commercial Zoning District.

Timeframe:

• Applications will remain open through *May 1, 2025
  *As funding lasts.

Eligible Uses:

• Façade, rear, and exposed side(s) of buildings
• Repair/replacement/addition of entrances, doors, display windows, transoms, or second-story windows
• Awnings, canopies, or sunshades
• Painting or exterior surface treatment
• Repair/replacement/restoration of masonry, brickwork, or wood
• Outdoor lighting Repair/replacement of original building materials and decorative details
• Repair of non-original materials
• Signage
• Exterior improvements for ADA compliance
• Design fees on completed projects

Application Process:

• Complete an application. Applicants will need to log into the OpenGov system or create an account. 
• The application must be signed by all property and business owners.
• Upon receipt of a completed application, a meeting will be set for the Town Manager’s Office to review the application.
• The Town Manager’s Office will make a grant funding recommendation, ask for more details, or reject the application.
• For approved applications, the applicant will be required to submit the following supporting items before funding of the project is approved:
• Design plans, photos, material samples, cost estimates, and construction timelines.
• Documentation of current ownership of the property, typically in the form of a property deed and documentation that the real estate taxes are not delinquent.
• A minimum of three (3) project bids from the applicant’s contractors of choice.
• Upon submission of the required bidding documentation and contractor/owner contract documentation, Town staff will prepare and process a contract.
• The applicant/owner is responsible for obtaining any necessary permits as required for the nature of the work from the Planning and Building Department.

By investing in our buildings, we are investing in our town’s soul and creating a more welcoming, attractive, and thriving downtown for everyone. Let’s work together to make downtown Blacksburg shine brighter than ever!
Contact Angie Marcolini, Business Solution Manager for the Town of Blacksburg with any questions you may have.

Angie Marcolini,
Business Solutions Manager
amarcolini@blacksburg.gov
(540) 443-1621

For more information visit Commercial Facade Grant Program web page.