Corridor Revitalization

Strong and vibrant business corridors are the cornerstones of healthy communities. They strengthen surrounding residential neighborhoods and provide employment opportunities and goods and services to neighborhood residents and commuters.

The Economic Development Department is a leader in the City of Charlotte’s efforts to revitalize local corridors.

Corridors of Opportunity

The city's Corridors of Opportunity program supports equitable investment and holistic neighborhood revitalization to help businesses thrive and long-time residents stay in place in six key corridors:

• Beatties Ford Road/Rozzelles Ferry Road.

• Albemarle Road/Central Avenue.

• Freedom Drive/Wilkinson Boulevard.

• Graham Street/North Tryon Street.

• Sugar Creek Road/I-85.

• West Boulevard.

With $38.5 million in funding since fiscal year 2021, the City of Charlotte is prioritizing economic development, affordable housing, community safety, infrastructure and beautification in these corridors. The Economic Development Department is specifically focused on addressing barriers to employment and coordinating with local workforce organizations and private businesses to train and match residents' skills with growing Charlotte industries.

Business Matching Grants

​Small businesses, property owners and developers located in the City of Charlotte's Business Corridor Revitalization Geography can apply for Business Matching Grants, which assist owners with the cost of improving their properties.

Interior Upfit Improvement Grants

Interior Upfit Improvement Grants reimburse commercial and industrial businesses or property owners up to 50% of eligible interior renovation costs. A 60% reimbursement may be available on a case-by-case basis to owners utilizing a certified Minority, Women or Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) firm. The maximum grant award is $30,000.

Application deadlines for grants occur quarterly on Feb. 15, May 15, Aug. 15 and Nov. 15. If a deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, applications will be due the following Monday by close of business.

Learn more about Interior Upfit Improvement Grants and eligibility requirements.

Façade Improvement Grants

Façade Improvement Grants assist business and commercial property owners as they improve a building’s exterior appearance. This program helps with exterior architectural renovations and targeted site improvements.

​Grant awards are based on building square footage:

• Up to $20,000 for buildings up to 3,000 square feet.

• Up to $30,000 for buildings between 3,000 square feet and6,000 square feet.

• Up to $40,000 for buildings larger than 6,000 square feet.

• Up to $90,000 for shopping centers up to 30,000 square feet and with at least three tenants.

• Up to $130,000 for shopping centers larger than 30,000 square feet and with at least four tenants.

Learn more about Façade Improvement Grants and eligibility requirements.

Security Grants

The Economic Development Department and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department offer Security Grants to help property owners purchase alarm systems, security lighting, cameras, fencing and decorative ironwork. These security measures reduce the opportunity for crime, and the grant process builds relationships between businesses and community police officers.

The maximum amount of a Security Grant is $5,000.

Learn more about the Security Grants and eligibility requirements.

Brownfield Assessment Grants

A brownfield is a vacant or underutilized property that may be environmentally contaminated and has redevelopment potential.

Brownfield Assessment Grants help business and property owners and infill developers overcome the challenges of environmental contamination when redeveloping underutilized brownfield sites.

The maximum amount of a Brownfield Assessment Grant is $20,000.

Learn more about Brownfield Assessment Grants and eligibility requirements, and fill out the application form.

Business District Organization Grants

Business District Organization Grants are matching reimbursement grants that support the work of business district organizations serving targeted business districts.

The city will reimburse two-thirds of the funds raised and spent by qualified business district organizations for eligible operating expenses. The maximum grant amount per year is $30,000.

Learn more about Business District Organization Grants and eligibility requirements.