2026 Downtown Business Improvement Grant
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  • Downtown Business Improvement Grant

    Coordinated by Isles, Inc. · Downtown Trenton Neighborhood Preservation Program

    For-profit businesses Up to $10,000 Applications due June 15

    What is this grant?

    This grant supports for-profit small businesses in Downtown Trenton by funding exterior facade improvements and interior business upgrades.

    How much is available?

    Facade / exterior

    $10,000

    maximum per category

    Business upgrades

    $10,000

    maximum per category

    ⓘ The combined grant award cannot exceed $10,000 total. For example: $8,000 toward facade work + $2,000 toward business upgrades = $10,000 maximum.

    What does the grant fund?

    Facade & exterior preservation

    100% covered

    Isles pays eligible facade improvement costs directly to the contractor.

    Payment: 50% upon project start · 50% upon completion

    Examples

    Masonry / wood / concrete repair Repainting Historic door replacement Historic window replacement

    Business upgrades & cosmetic appearance

    80% reimbursement

    Isles reimburses 80% of eligible material and cosmetic costs (excluding tax) after proof of purchase. The remaining 20% and any sales tax are the grantee's responsibility. Note: we are unable to pay for upgrades that have already occurred.

    If your business does not have sufficient funds available to cover the full project cost upfront, you may request a same-day co-payment arrangement. Under this option, Isles will issue your 80% grant payment at the time of purchase, which you will combine with your 20% share to pay the vendor directly. To be considered, you must:

    - Indicate this need in your application (see below)
    - Provide a vendor quote for Isles to review and approve prior to purchase
    - Submit your proof of purchase (receipt) to Isles within 48 hours of the transaction

    This option is available on a case-by-case basis. Failure to submit proof of purchase within 48 hours may require repayment of grant funds.

    Business upgrade examples

    POS systems Tables & chairs Kitchen equipment Menu redesign Digital interior signage

    Cosmetic appearance examples

    Commercial signage / awning Interior repainting Flooring
    You may use your own licensed and insured contractor or request that Isles provide one. If you have a contractor and price quote, attach it to your application. If not, preliminary approval may be granted contingent on a quote submitted after application.

    Am I eligible?

    All for-profit businesses operating from a brick-and-mortar location within the Downtown Trenton grant boundary are eligible to apply. The boundary runs from Route 1 to N. Willow Street, and from the D&R Canal to Assunpink Creek — see map below.

    How are applications reviewed?

    Applications are reviewed and awarded by the Downtown Trenton NPP Stakeholders Group and Isles representatives, following this criteria. If applications exceed available funding, awards will be prioritized based on each project's potential to generate visible, lasting improvement to Downtown Trenton's commercial corridor.

    Applicants are responsible for meeting all applicable City, State, and Federal permit and approval requirements. An Isles grant may be combined with other funding — any additional sources must be disclosed on the application.

    Key dates

    Application deadline

    June 15, 2026 · midnight

    Grantees announced

    August 3, 2026


    About the program

    Isles, Inc.

    A nonprofit rooted in Trenton with a statewide reach, providing residents with the tools and resources to build the communities they envision.

    Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP)

    A five-year NJ DCA grant supporting business development, streetscape investment, and community revitalization across 40 areas statewide. Administered by Isles, Inc. in partnership with the City of Trenton.

    Questions?

    ✉ cshimchick@isles.org
  • Downtown Grant Boundaries

  • Image field 47
  • Applicant Information

    Tell us more about you!
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • My small business is located within Downtown Trenton:*
  • Business Info

    Tell us more about your business!
  • Business Category
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  • I have an outstanding municipal violations, tax liens, or code enforcement actions on my business.*
  • Business Info

    Tell us more about your business!
  • My business needs: (choose all that apply)*
  • Do you OWN or RENT your building?*
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • I request that Isles provide a designated contractor.
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  • Budget

    How much will your improvements cost?
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  • **Amount Requested is greater than $10,000. Please edit your budget.**

  • Isles Services

  • I would like to sign up to receive FREE business mentorship - marketing, budgeting, back office and other services valued at up to $2,000 in additional support.*
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