SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The City of South Bend launched a new grant program to help businesses renovate their facades and outdoor spaces in an effort to bring vibrancy into the city.

The Vibrant Matching Grant Program offers businesses in South Bend's nine Neighborhood Corridors matching grants of up to $80,000 to improve exterior features like signs, lighting, and sidewalks.

Businesses not in the nine Neighborhood Corridors are eligible to apply for up to $30,000 in matching grants.

The city is also offering an incentive of up to 20% more money for businesses to use environmentally friendly materials.

Businesses can receive up to $30,000 toward solar panel installation.

“Our businesses faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years, and the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the significance of outdoor spaces for bringing people together,” said Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of the Department of Community Investment. "We are excited to support local businesses in their efforts to grow and make improvements that will reduce their carbon emissions, lower energy costs, slow stormwater runoff, divert materials from landfills, and more.”

Grant funding is provided in part by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

The grant program is expected to generate approximately $1 million in investment in the city.

Applications are now open.

Click here to learn more.

*Correction: In a previous version of this article, we stated businesses outside of South Bend could apply for the grant. Only businesses within South Bend can apply. We apologize for this error.