Eligible Borrowers
All property owners, businesses, and tenants located in the City of Eau Claire in areas zoned commercial or the central business district (Downtown) as defined by the district map adopted by the Eau Claire City Council. Startup businesses are eligible but must provide an acceptable business plan and show sufficient management background and an equity position in the business. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to cash flow the projected debt service and to operate a business successfully. Property taxes on the property must be current. Preference will be given to projects improving buildings constructed before 1990.

Eligible Uses of Funds
Façade renovation, signs, exterior doors, windows, awnings, exterior graphics, exterior lighting, and other façade or landscape improvements. Building code violations such as roofing, structural repair and necessary mechanical system upgrades are eligible but only as part of an approved façade improvement. Façade funds can only be used for rehabilitation expenses incurred after the application is approved for funding. Applicants can also apply for other public loan funds/grants for the same project but the façade design must be approved first.

Ineligible Uses of Funds
Refinancing, building purchases, inventory, furniture, equipment, or working capital. Projects cannot be primarily residential in nature. Projects must have reasonable assurance of repayment.

Design Requirements
Applications for projects in the central business district must include acceptable façade design plans that comply with the most recently adopted design standards approved by the City’s Design Review Committee. All applications must include acceptable façade design plans that contribute to a cohesive and appealing look and feel of the area surrounding their business. All designs must meet local codes, laws, and standards.