Downtown Missoula Business Support & Resiliency Grant

GRANT PROGRAM 

The grant program is designed to provide flexible but strategic tools that directly address disruption-related challenges. Effective mitigation to construction disruption is often a bundle of tactics: protect and clearly  communicate access and parking, coordinate with the project owner and neighboring businesses, market “we’re open” with targeted promotions, and proactively adjust operations and finances to ride out the  worst months.

Two targeted grant categories allow businesses to apply for support based on their most immediate operational  needs. Applicants may apply for one grant per grant cycle in either category. 

ACTIVATION AND VISIBILITY GRANT

Purpose: To support Downtown businesses in maintaining visibility, attracting customers, and sustaining revenue during periods of construction or infrastructure disruption. These grants help businesses implement creative,  customer-facing strategies that clearly communicate that they are open and welcoming, while also encouraging  continued visitation to Downtown.  Award Range: $1,500–$3,000

Eligible Uses:

• Business Signage & Wayfinding: Temporary or permanent signage that helps customers easily find and  access businesses during construction or street closures. 
• Storefront Enhancements: Improvements that make a storefront more visible, welcoming, and engaging  to pedestrians during construction periods when normal foot traffic patterns may be disrupted.  Enhancements should help capture attention and encourage people to stop, enter, and shop. 
• Construction-Zone Promotions: Collaborative marketing or promotional efforts between neighboring  businesses to draw customers to areas affected by construction. Joint promotions can help reinforce  that the area remains active and open for business. 
• Pop-Up Events: Special events, promotions designed to attract customers at alternative times when construction impacts daytime traffic. 
• Marketing & Promotions: Targeted marketing efforts that communicate clearly that the business remains open and accessible during construction and actively encourage customers to visit. Print, radio,  tv, social media advertising specific. 

ACCESS ADAPTATION GRANT

Purpose: To help downtown businesses adapt their operations when construction or infrastructure projects  temporarily disrupt customer access, parking, or normal circulation patterns. These grants support practical  adjustments that allow businesses to continue serving customers, maintain revenue, and provide alternative ways for customers to shop, dine, or engage while access conditions are changing. Award Range: $2,000 - $4,000 

Eligible Uses:

• Delivery Infrastructure: Equipment, tools, or systems that allow businesses to expand delivery, pickup, or off-site sales options when customers may have difficulty accessing the business directly. 
• Temporary outdoor service modifications: Adjustments that improve the functionality, visibility, or  customer experience of the space immediately outside the business when sidewalks, entrances, or access routes are impacted.  
• Technology Improvements: Investments in digital tools that help businesses maintain sales,  communicate with customers, and expand online access when in-person visitation may be reduced. 
• Customer communication systems: Tools and materials that help businesses clearly communicate operational changes, promotions, and access information to customers during construction.  

ELIGIBILITY 

Eligibility criteria are designed to ensure funds benefit downtown businesses most impacted by construction related disruption. Clear parameters maintain fairness and program integrity.

Eligible Applicants: 

• Downtown businesses permanently located within the Downtown Master Plan area
• Fewer than 50 full-time employees
• Demonstrated operational history (12+ months)
• Be a legally registered business operating within the Downtown Missoula district
• Maintain an active storefront or customer-facing presence
• Be in good standing with local, state, and federal regulations
• Demonstrate impact from construction or related disruptions
• Submit a complete application by the stated deadline
• Non-profit and for-profit businesses may apply if they meet the above criteria.

Preference Criteria (2027):

• Permanently located within Downtown SAM construction zones (see SAM construction zone map)

Eligible Use of Funds:

Grant funds must be used solely for approved project activities, which may include:

• Marketing and promotional efforts
• Storefront enhancements that enhance customer access
• Temporary signage, wayfinding, or visibility enhancements
• Operational adaptations related to construction impacts
• Construction-Zone promotions
• Delivery infrastructure to expand delivery, pickup, or off-site sales options
• Temporary outdoor service modifications
• Digital tools that help businesses maintain sales, communicate to customers and expand online access 
• Customer communication systems that help businesses communicate to customers 

MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to contribute financially to their proposed project. Any matching funds or in-kind contributions should be disclosed in the application and may strengthen the proposal.

WHAT IS NOT ELIGIBLE:

Grant funds may not be used for:

• Rent or mortgage payments 
• Payroll or general operating expenses unrelated to the project 
• Debt repayment 
• Owners draws
• Retroactive reimbursement for losses
• Political, religious or lobbying activities 
• Expenses incurred prior to grant approval (unless otherwise authorized)       

AWARD AMOUNTS AND DISBURSEMENT

• Grant amounts will vary based on project scope, need, and available funding 
• Missoula Downtown Foundation reserves the right to award partial funding 
• Funds may be distributed as upfront payment at Missoula Downtown Foundation’s discretion 
• Documentation (receipts, invoices, proof of payment) may be required to submit with final Impact Report