The Village of Mahomet Board of Trustees will discuss an expansion of the Business Enhancement Program, which was initially born as the Downtown Façade Grant Program in 2017. 

The new $200,000 budget was approved as part of the FY2026 cycle and represents a substantial increase from the typical previous annual allocation of around $30,000 for the original facade grants. Funding sources now include the Business District Fund, Economic Development Fund, and TIF funds, with allocations identified per grant project based on eligibility. 

Four-Pronged Grant Structure

This expanded program replaces and consolidates prior incrementally revised façade incentives with four distinct grant categories:

• Downtown Commercial Core Façade: Up to $10,000 for exterior improvements in the downtown core, with a 50% matching requirement.
• Backer: Up to $10,000 for any business within Mahomet’s corporate limits; encourages a 50% match but requires only 10% from applicants.
• Booster: Up to $25,000 for retail and restaurant businesses within the Business District; a 50% match required.
• Partner: Grants exceeding $25,000, with no stipulated maximum, available for larger revitalization projects in TIF and Business District areas; case-by-case match, often 50%, and must be approved by the Village Board.

All awards function on a reimbursement basis, with most categories demanding businesses contribute significantly to their projects. Businesses can apply through Mahomet’s new economic development portal, with the initial priority application period running from August 1-29, 2025, followed by annual periods from May 1-31. The Downtown Commercial Core Façade, Backer, and Booster grants can be approved by the Village Administrator and Village President, while Partner grants require full Board of Trustees approval.

Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including whether the business generates sales tax, job creation potential, aesthetic improvements to the property, and the extent to which projects will enhance Mahomet’s appeal to new businesses and visitors.

Village Administrator Patrick Brown noted that approximately half a dozen businesses are already prepared to apply for grants due to planned projects. The program aims to support three core objectives: retaining and expanding existing businesses, enhancing commercial property stock, and attracting new businesses to Mahomet.

The program covers a wide range of improvements designed to enhance both building functionality and community aesthetics. Eligible projects include façade renovations, exterior lighting, commercial signage, interior renovations that become permanent fixtures, mechanical and electrical system upgrades, and outdoor dining facilities.

For the highest tier Partner Grants, eligible costs extend to more substantial improvements including property acquisition, site preparation, building demolition, and professional service fees for legal, engineering, and architectural work.