ARPA Application

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA)

City of Reading Small Business Grant Program
ONLINE APPLICATION
Applicants must be the owner of a commercially occupied property or an operating tenant business.

Please enter the name of the person (person or company applying for rebate).
Applicant Name
First Name*
Last Name*
Title
(Owner, Founder, CEO, General Manager, Partner, etc.)
Email Address*
Confirm Email Address*
Applicant Mailing Address (if different than above)

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Contact Person*(If different from above)
First Name*
Last Name*
Contact Telephone Number*
Contact Email Address*
Confirm Contact Email Address*
BUSINESS INFORMATION – Applicants must be operating legally in the City of Reading. This
includes holding all necessary licenses and registrations. Applicants must be current with all city taxes, utilities, and assessments. Applicable Business/ Neighborhood Improvement Districts or Special Services Districts assessments should be current if applicable. Eligible properties must be occupied by a business. Describe the business below. Unoccupied properties may be considered but must be occupied to be eligible for reimbursement.
Name of Business or Property Being Improved *
If the space is currently vacant please type in UNOCCUPIED.
Type of Business*
Number of Employees*
Business Privilege License Number*
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN)*
PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION – If the applicant is not the property owner, then a letter granting permission from the property owner must be included with this application.
OwnRent
Legal Name of Property Owner*
PART 1 - PROJECT LOCATION See the list of included corridors located below. Projects must be on an eligible block. Projects located one block of an eligible corridor will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
CITY OF READING COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS
Select a Zoning Corridor where your business is located from the chart above. Use the red letter on the left and select it from the dropdown below. If your business is located in another district please name it in the "other" box below.
Other Zoning District
PART 2 – STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL

Describe your proposed improvements in the box below. Improvements must be made to the outside of the building and visible to the public. Changes should preserve and enhance the historic features of your building.
Typical projects include:
- Masonry/Brick pointing
- Exterior painting
- Windows/window repair
- Exterior doors
- Exterior lighting
- See-through security grills (must be 75% or 100% see-through)
- Sign and awnings
- Repair and painting of original building features like bay windows and cornices.
DESIGN REVIEW – Applications will be reviewed by a design committee that may suggest changes or requires specific changes to the proposed work for the application to be approved. If there is an organization in your area with design guidelines for businesses making storefront improvements, you should talk with a representative about your project and get their feedback before you apply for SIP.

HISTORIC DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS – Projects within areas with special design controls or within historic districts must comply with those requirements.

INELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS – SIP funds cannot be used for new construction. Projects which use solid security grates (less than 75% see-through), vinyl awnings, reduce the size of masonry openings/eliminate windows, or cover previously uncovered masonry (e.g. brick, stone, limestone, etc.) with paint, stucco, siding, etc. are NOT eligible.

Exterior security cameras are not eligible through this program; however, the Commerce Department offers a separate program called the Business Security Camera Program.
Masonry/ Brick PointingCornicesExterior PaintingWindows/ Window RepairExterior DoorsExterior LightingSee-through Security GatesSignAwningsHandicapped RampsWindow BoxesDemolitionOther:
If your improvement is not listed above, please type a brief description here.
Describe the improvements you plan to make to your storefront:*
PART 3 – STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT COSTS Use this form to itemize the costs of the improvements planned for your storefront. You must also attach the estimates from your selected contractor(s) and the estimates from at least one additional contractor for each improvement type proposed below

PRE-DEVELOPMENT COSTS – these costs are eligible for up to 100% reimbursement
Cost of Architect
Name of Architect
Cost of Fees/Expeditor
Your Selected Contractor/Expeditor
Total Pre-Development Costs (will self calculate)
CONTRACTORS - Type in the name of the contractors you will be hiring for your project.
Contractor Number 1*
Contractor Number 2
If you have more than one selected contractor please type their name here.
Contractor Number 3
If you have more than one selected contractor please type their name here.
Contractor Number 4
If you have more than one selected contractor please type their name here.
CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Total Construction Costs*
Sub-total *Do not add $ sign or commas, you can add decimal point and change
TOTAL COST (PRE-DEVELOPMENT + CONSTRUCTION)
This file will self calculate
Funding Request’ [Not to exceed $50,000]
PART 4 – APPLICATION ATTACHMENTS

CHECKLIST - Please attach the following:

1. Color digital photographs of your building clearly showing the following:

Areas that will be improved;

The entire front facade of your building; and

The views down the block to the right and left of your building.

2. An illustration of the work you would like to do. Any of the following are acceptable:

A hand-drawn sketch of the front of your building OR

a printed-out digital picture with written notes OR

a photo with post-it notes attached OR

an architect’s rendering

NOTE: if your project includes signs or awnings, please ask your contractor to prepare a picture of the new sign or awning showing all dimensions, materials, colors, and lettering.

3. Estimates from two licensed contractors are required. We recommend you secure at least three. All applicants must seek proposals from businesses owned and controlled by minority persons (MBEs), women (WBEs), or disabled persons (DSBEs) as described on the top page in the “Additional Program Requirements” section.

4. Letter from building owner (if different from applicant) granting permission for the proposed work.
Current Photos (jpeg)

Upload your current photos of your building here. i.e. stand outside and take a photo with your phone. File size should not exceed 5MB.
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Illustration of proposed scope of work

You can upload an illustration, rendering, or a photo of your building with notes explaining the scope of work you wish to accomplish. File size should not exceed 5MB.
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Estimate

Upload the estimate/quote from your selected contractor here. File size should not exceed 5MB.
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Letter from building owner

Upload a letter from the building owner (if different from applicant) granting permission for the proposed work. File size should not exceed 5MB.
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PART 5 – CERTIFICATION FOR COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL, STATE & LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

I certify that:

The information contained here is accurate.

The business and property owner(s) are current with all City obligations, including but not limited to taxes, licenses, water revenue billings etc, as well as any assessments due to Business/ Neighborhood Improvement Districts or Special Services Districts. All permits, licenses, environmental and historical requirements associated with the above work will be complied with.

I have read and will comply with the requirements outlined in this application.
APPLICANT OR DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE
First Name*
Last Name*
Signature*

Use your mouse or finger to draw your signature above
Date*

MonthDayYear
You will receive a notification by e-mail when your application is received. Application questions can be directed to ARP@Readingpa.gov
Should be Empty:

ONLINE APPLICATION

PART 2 – STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL