Spring 2026

Brainerd Exterior Improvement Grants:

Facade Improvement Grant and Sign Improvement Grant

The Brainerd Exterior Improvement Grant Program was created by the Brainerd Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide incentives to stimulate external and visible investment in Downtown and Corridor properties. Property owners and business owners are encouraged to consider improvements incorporating aesthetic, environmental, cultural, and historical elements that enhance the character and architecture of Brainerd. These improvements should create a cohesive, attractive environment. The program provides a 50% matching grant for actual construction costs up to $5,000 per property for facade improvements and up to $1,000 for signage improvements on a pay-for-performance basis.  Eligible projects include permanent exterior building and landscape improvements, and signage improvements visible from a public right-of-way.

The EDA will allocate up to $25,000 for facade improvements and $15,000 for signage improvements in 2026 to fund projects on a first-come-first-serve basis. Grant applications that are approved will be awarded funds as a reimbursement once the project is complete and requirements are met.  Please review the Frequently Asked Questions and Brainerd Exterior Improvement Grant documents for more details.

Application Window:

There are TWO separate funding opportunities: Facade Improvement Grant and Sign Improvement Grant. Both applications are submitted separately through an online form (the buttons to access these applications are at the bottom of this page).  The application window will open on April 27, 2026 and will remain open until funding has been dedicated to approved projects.

Eligibility:

Facade Improvement Eligibility- Property must be adjacent to Washington Street/State Hwy 210 and must be a commercial use, mixed-use, or industrial use and must be permitted in the respective zoning district.  Note: Signage improvements ARE NOT eligible for the Facade Improvement allocation.

Sign Improvement Eligibility – Property must be a commercial use, mixed-use, or industrial use and must be permitted in the respective zoning district.

• • Contact the City of Brainerd Community Development Department for sign regulations. Signs:
  • Must be a commerical sign
  • Must be a pylon, wall, awning or monument sign
  • Not a directional sign (example – bank sign that points to an ATM machine)
  • Wall, Canopy, and Marquee Signs must be a three-dimentional sign.
    • Three-dimentional wall signs include raised lettering, framing, etc.

• • All work must be done on the property/building exterior and result in a publicly visible improvement.
  • Work must include the correction of any known exterior building code violations.
  • Work already in progress or performed prior to project approval will not be eligible for funding.
  • Funds may be used for construction of permanent exterior building improvements, awnings, signage, windows, doors (including front/back door accessibility), brick repair and/or site landscaping resulting in a publicly visible improvement.  Other uses may also be eligbile if prior approval is granted by the Brainerd Economic Development Authority.
  • Operational or ongoing maitenance expenses will not be considered (Ex: roof repair).
  • Properties must be taxable existing structures occupied by commerical or mixed-use tenants in a commercial zoning district.
  • Properties may not include properties with delinquent taxes or special assessments, in litigation, condemnation or receivership.

   

  • Businesses adjacent to Washington Street/Hwy 210 are eligible to improve their rear facade or signage if the rear property line is adjacent to a plated alley and if the business has lost on-street parking as a result of the Washington Street reconstruction projectAll work must be done in compliance with the Brainerd City Code and necessary permitting.

Ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

• • Work already in progress or performed prior to project approval will not be eligible for funding. No applications will be accepted for retroactive projects.
  • Design services
  • Operational or ongoing maintenance expenses will not be considered (Ex. roof repair).

Application Guidelines:

The Executive Director and President of the Brainerd Economic Development Authroity (EDA) is responsible for grant approval.  BLAEDC is responsible for progam oversite and administration of the grant.  Applicants must comply with the following guidelines:

• • Only fully complete applications will be reviewed.
  • Owners of multiple properties must submit separate applications for each project.
  • Business owners under lease submitting applications must include written consent of the property owner.
  • Projects must be completed in a timely manner from the date of approval (within one year with a maximum extension of six months.) As indicated by the pay-for-performance model, funds will be distributed after the project’s completion and reimbursement is requested.
  • No applications will be accepted for retroactive projects.

Preparing for the online application:

Prior to starting the application, it is recommended that you read through all the information provided on this page and have all required documentation ready prior to starting the online application process.  We’ve included Frequently Asked Questions and the Brainerd Grant Program information for you to review.  A funding sources and uses form is also available to download and is required for the application. Only fully completed applications will be reviewed.

You will be required to upload the following documents into your online application:

• • Business owners under a lease submitting an application must include a written consent of the property owner.
  • Detailed project information outlining eligible expenses. Quotes for eligible exterior improvements, construction costs, etc. – for example awnings, signage, windows, doors, etc.
  • Completed funding sources and uses form (download available).

Grant Disbursement: 

Awarded funds will be dispersed as a reimbursement to the applicant upon submittal of receipts and/or invoices for supplies purchased and inspection which certifies the work completed is in accordance with the EDA approval and other City ordinances.  The business must operate for two years after the grant disbursement or repayment is required.

City Code and Permit Requirements:

Recipients must comply with all requirements of State law, City Code, EDA policy and program guidelines.  Applicants agree to work cooperatively with the EDA and City as follows:

• • Provide design drawings, proposed work specifications, and architectural materials in a timely manner.
  • Attend various meetings, reviews, etc. with representatives of either the City or EDA to expedite various stages of the project.

For any questions, call BLAEDC at (218) 828-0096 or email: tyler@growbrainerdlakes.org.