To be eligible for a business loan from the City of Eau Claire, applicants must have a business address located within city limits. If you’re unsure whether your business meets this requirement, use the City’s property search tool available here.
The City of Eau Claire Commercial Building Façade Loan Fund is a public financial initiative designed to elevate the look and feel of downtown and nearby business districts. From repairs and restorations to aesthetic upgrades, the program makes it easier for property owners and businesses to invest in exterior improvements through low-interest loans, creating a more welcoming streetscape, supporting economic activity, boosting tourism, and contributing to a more vibrant community atmosphere.
Affordable Financial Assistance
The program offers a 0% fixed annual rate, making it affordable for property owners to take on renovations.
Flexible Repayment Terms
Borrowers can repay the loan over up to 7 years, giving them plenty of room to manage payments comfortably.
No Prepayment Penalty
Loans can be paid off early without any extra fees, offering added flexibility for long-term financial planning.
Increased Property Value
Upgrading a building’s exterior helps increase its market value and appeal to future buyers.
Enhanced Property Aesthetics
Loans can support a wide range of upgrades from lighting to landscaping, creating a polished property.
Community Revitalization
Better façades improve the overall look of the street, contributing to a more inviting community atmosphere.
Loan Amounts
The minimum loan available is $5,000, and the maximum loan available is $30,000.
Interest Rate
All loans carry a 0% fixed annual rate. The City of Eau Claire Finance Department reviews this rate each year to make sure it stays in line with market conditions and may recommend adjustments for the Loan Administration Board to consider.
Guaranties
Owners with at least a 20% stake in the business must provide unlimited business and personal guaranties.
Terms
Loan terms can be no longer than seven (7) years. However, loans may be amortized up to fifteen (15) years, and there is no prepayment penalty. In some cases, the Loan Administration Board may approve a principal payment deferral of up to twelve (12) months if it would support the success of the project and the loan remains well-secured based on updated financials.
Design Requirements
All loan applications and project plans must be presented to the Design Review Committee before going before the Loan Administration Board. Submitted project plans must meet all local codes and regulations, align with the City of Eau Claire’s most recently adopted design standards, and contribute to a cohesive, appealing look for the area surrounding the property being renovated or rehabilitated.
Collateral
Collateral is required to apply for this program, with the loan being secured by a mortgage on the property being renovated or rehabilitated. When pledged for the loan, the City will place a lien on the collateral, which must hold enough value to cover the total loan amount and be tied to the business or other real property.
Maintenance
All borrowers are required to continue maintenance of the property in the condition resulting from the financed renovation or rehabilitation for the length of time described in the loan agreement—typically not less than the term of the loan.
Participating Lender(s)
Unless the Loan Administration Board requests one, a partnering lending institution is not required. Applicants may also apply for other public loans or grants to finance the project as long as the façade design is approved first.
City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division and Finance Department staff will review each application for eligibility, accuracy, and completeness. They will then send the application the Design Review Committee so they can make sure the project plans follow applicable design guidelines. Upon their recommendation, City staff will then present it to the Loan Administration Board, who will consider the application and supporting materials and decide whether to approve or deny the request.
Eligible Borrowers
Property owners, businesses, and tenants with properties located within Eau Claire city limits—specifically Eau Claire’s commercial zones or the central business district—are eligible. Startup businesses may also participate, as long as they provide a solid business plan, demonstrate management experience, and show an equity stake in the venture. Regardless, applicants must be able to cash flow their loan payments and operate the business successfully. Property taxes must also be current. Projects that improve buildings constructed before 1990 may receive priority.
Eligible Uses of Funds
Funds may be used for façade renovations, signs, exterior doors and windows, awnings, exterior graphics, lighting, and other exterior or landscape improvements. Building code issues—such as roofing, structural repairs, or mechanical upgrades—may be included, but only when they’re part of an approved façade project. Expenses incurred for the project are eligible only AFTER the application is approved by the Loan Administration Board.
Ineligible Uses of Funds
Funds may not be used for refinancing, building purchases, inventory, furniture, equipment, or working capital. Projects that are primarily residential are also not eligible.
Follow these steps to apply for any of the loan programs offered by the City of Eau Claire.
Determine Eligibility
To get started, connect with the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division by email, phone, or a visit to City Hall. Our team will walk through the program guidelines with you, help determine which loan best fits your business, and offer recommendations based on factors like income, collateral, business type, and how you plan to use the funds. Or if your project isn’t a match for City financing, we’ll point you toward other financial partners who may be a better fit.
Complete an Application
Once you’ve identified the right loan program, our team will share the application and walk you through the next steps. Fill out each section of the form, gather the supporting documents listed on the included checklist, and submit everything either online or in person. Staff and the Design Review Committee will then review your materials and project details to make sure the application is complete.
Present to the Loan Administration Board
Once your application has been reviewed internally, you’ll be invited to present at an upcoming Loan Administration Board. During this meeting, board members will review your materials and ask questions to get a clear sense of your business and how the loan will be used. They’ll then deliberate and either make a decision that day or request additional information for a later meeting.
Sign Loan Documents
If your loan is approved, the Finance Department will prepare a loan agreement that lays out the interest rate, terms, and conditions. Take time to review everything and ask questions if anything needs clarification. Then, once you’re comfortable, sign the documents and return them to the Finance Department.
Receive Funds
After the loan documents are signed, the funds will be disbursed according to the terms of your agreement, typically within a few weeks. Make sure the money is only used for the approved purposes, and then follow the repayment schedule so you keep your loan in good standing and avoid any penalties or fees.
All loan applications are presented to the City of Eau Claire Loan Administration Board, a committee of community members that makes final decisions regarding City loans. This board typically meets from 11:30am-1:00pm on the third Wednesday of the month (except June and September) if there are applications to discuss.
Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted at least three weeks prior to Loan Administration Board meetings to be considered. Please keep in mind, submitting an application by the deadline does not guarantee that your application will be presented at the Loan Administration Board’s next meeting. Depending on the program and accuracy of materials initially submitted, City staff may need more than two weeks to prepare applications for presentation to board members. Updates will be shared throughout the process.
Here are the 2026 Loan Administration Board meeting dates and the deadlines by which completed applications need to be submitted ahead each meeting.
| Meeting Date | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
|
January 21, 2026 |
December 31, 2025 |
|
February 18, 2026 |
January 28, 2026 |
|
March 18, 2026 |
February 25, 2026 |
|
April 15, 2026 |
March 25, 2026 |
|
May 20, 2026 |
April 29, 2026 |
|
No Meeting in June |
No Meeting in June |
|
July 15, 2026 |
June 24, 2026 |
|
August 19, 2026 |
July 29, 2026 |
|
No Meeting in September |
No Meeting in September |
|
October 21, 2026 |
September 30, 2026 |
|
November 18, 2026 |
October 28, 2026 |
|
December 16, 2026 |
November 25, 2026 |