Questions?

📧 soma@somalittlerock.com

Business Improvement Grants

Business Improvement Grants help businesses and property owners make permanent exterior improvements that enhance the appearance, functionality, and appeal of the district.

Eligible projects may include:

• New signage

• Awnings

• Exterior painting or façade improvements

• Doors and windows

• Exterior lighting

• Landscaping and beautification

• Outdoor seating

• Public art or architectural enhancements

• Other permanent exterior improvements approved by the SoMa 501 Design or Economic Vitality Committee

Grant Amount

All Mini-Grants are matching grants.

SoMa 501 will match the applicant's investment dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000, subject to available funding.

Applicants are responsible for funding their portion of the project and providing documentation before reimbursement is issued.

More Than Just Funding

The Mini-Grant Program is more than financial assistance.

Applicants also gain access to guidance and technical assistance from SoMa 501 and our partners, including:

• Project planning and feedback

• Design review

• Main Street Arkansas technical assistance

• Connections to architects, designers, and business consultants

• Guidance on Capitol Zoning District Commission (CZDC) requirements, when applicable

Our goal is to help every project succeed.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must own or operate a business or commercial property located within the SoMa 501 district (Main Street from 12th Street to 29th Street and approximately one-half block on either side).

Applicants leasing property must obtain written approval from the property owner when required.

Application Timeline

Applications Open: July 1

Application Deadline: August 1

Projects must not begin before grant approval. Expenses incurred before approval are not eligible for reimbursement.

Applicants are encouraged to contact SoMa 501 early to discuss project ideas before submitting an application.

Ready to Apply?

Help Build a Better SoMa

Every storefront improvement, creative event, and neighborhood investment helps strengthen South Main.

Whether you're installing a new sign, refreshing your building, hosting an event, or creating a new experience for visitors, you're investing in something bigger than your own business.

You're helping create a stronger, more vibrant SoMa.

Terms and Conditions

1. Eligibility

Applicants must own or operate a business or property located within the SoMa 501 program area (Main Street from 12th Street to 29th Street and approximately one-half block on either side).

Applicants who lease their space must obtain written approval from the property owner when required.

Projects must align with SoMa 501's mission of strengthening the South Main commercial district through Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality.

Applicants must be in good standing with all applicable city and state regulations, including zoning, licensing, and taxes.

2. Eligible Uses of Funds

Business Improvement Grants

Eligible projects include permanent exterior improvements such as:

• Signage

• Awnings

• Façade improvements

• Exterior paint

• Landscaping

• Exterior lighting

• Outdoor seating

• Other approved permanent improvements

Community Activation Grants

Eligible projects include activities that encourage visitation and community engagement, such as:

• Business events

• Educational programming

• Performances

• Pop-up markets

• Art activations

• Family programming

• Marketing related to the approved activation

• Other approved activation expenses

Projects must not begin prior to grant approval.

Expenses incurred before approval are not eligible for reimbursement.

Grant funds may not be used for:

• Operating expenses

• Salaries or payroll

• Rent or mortgage payments

• Debt repayment

• Interior-only improvements

• Projects not approved through the application process

3. Matching Requirement

SoMa 501 will match the applicant's investment dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000, subject to available funding.

Applicants must provide proof of payment (receipts, invoices, or cleared checks) before reimbursement will be issued.

4. Application Review

Applications must be complete and submitted by the posted deadline.

Applications will be reviewed by the SoMa 501 Economic Vitality Committee and/or Design Committee.

Funding decisions will consider:

• Community impact

• Project readiness

• Alignment with SoMa 501's mission

• Available funding

SoMa 501 reserves the right to request modifications, partially fund a project, or deny funding.

5. Project Completion

Approved projects must be completed within 180 days of award notification unless otherwise approved in writing.

Extension requests must be submitted in writing before the completion deadline.

6. Reimbursement Process

Upon project completion, grantees must submit:

• Final receipts or proof of payment

• Photographs of the completed project

• A brief summary describing the project's impact

Reimbursement will be issued within 30 days of receiving satisfactory documentation.

7. Publicity

Grantees agree to allow SoMa 501 to use project photographs and descriptions for promotional, educational, and reporting purposes.

Recognition of SoMa 501's support is encouraged whenever appropriate.

8. Compliance and Revocation

All projects must comply with applicable city ordinances, zoning regulations, and historic preservation requirements.

Failure to comply with these terms or misuse of grant funds may result in revocation of the grant and repayment of funds.