Fit Up Grant Program

A healthy community has a vibrant mix of businesses, lifts up and helps existing businesses grow, and supports newcomers. The Bath Business Fit Up Grant Program (Fit-Up grant) deploys matching grant funds of up to $12,500 to eligible businesses seeking to open or expand a brick & mortar location within the City of Bath. The grant will provide financial assistance for fit-up, interior improvements, expansions, and other activities that help improve existing or activate underutilized commercial spaces.

Grant Amount: Up to $12,500 per grant. Funding levels are determined at the discretion of Bath Development Corporation and are aligned with the priorities and availability of funds.

Type: 1-to-1 cash match will be required for all grants.

Eligibility: Businesses opening a new location or expanding an existing location within Bath. Preference will be given to businesses filling vacant storefronts and underutilized spaces.

Purpose: Funding for business improvements, expansions, and other eligible activities. This is the first round of funding provided by Bath Development Corporation. $50,000 will be released in round 1. Future rounds may occur based on funding availability.

Grantee Payment and Close Out Details: Grant funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement with proper invoice and confirmation of payment documentation. Funds are to be used within 6 months of fit-up grant approval. Funds may not be used for projects other than the project approved by the BDC.

Instructions:

• Determine Eligibility
• Review and complete the Application Package

Submission Timeline:

Fit-Up grants are awarded on a rolling, monthly basis for approved projects. The deadline to apply is the 1st day of each month. Bath Development Corporation will review new applications until all available funds are committed to projects.

If an application is incomplete, it will be returned to the applicant for additional information. The application will not be considered until all required documentation is received. If submitted less than 30 days before the meeting, it will be deferred to the next meeting.

Application Review Process:

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Positive economic impact.
• Demonstrated need.
• Alignment with program goals.
• Clarity and completeness of the application.
• Alignment with the 2023 Bath Comprehensive Plan [https://archive.cityofbathmaine.gov/comprehensive-plan].

Bath Development Corporation reserves the right to reject any and all applications at its discretion.

Post Grant Reporting:

If the business accepts a grant, the business agrees to:

• Open or operate a brick & mortar location within Bath for at least 2 years;
• Retain regular open hours;
• Submit proper invoice and confirmation of payment documentation within 6 months;
• Report progress monthly on use of grant funds until completion; and
• Participate in Bath Development Corporation marketing & promotional materials about the grant funding.

Program Goals

Fit-Up grant assists businesses to redevelop, restore, renovate, and reconfigure commercial spaces throughout Bath.

Goals for Fit-Up grant include: promoting a year-round thriving business community; catalyzing investment to fill vacant storefronts; and increasing food options and food service businesses within Bath.

Grant funding can support new utility connections, accessibility improvements, space reconfiguration, building updates for code compliance, and other activities to overcome unique challenges associated with redevelopment of underutilized commercial spaces in Bath.

Bath Development Corporation

The Bath Development Corporation is a non-profit corporation tasked with fostering, encouraging and assisting the settlement or resettlement of industrial, manufacturing, fishing, agricultural, recreational and other business and commercial enterprises within the City of Bath.

Aligned With City of Bath Comprehensive Plan

The Bath Comprehensive Plan adopted by City Council in 2023 provides the City with a roadmap for the next 10 years, incorporating community input and values into common priorities. The Comprehensive Plan encourages the support of small business development and investment, reuse of historic and vacant buildings, and improving the appearance of the downtown.

Funding & Administration

The Business Fit Up Grant Program leverages Bath Development Corporation funding. The program advances implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and the Bath Development Corporation bylaws. Currently, approximately $50,000 in Fit Up funds is available for grants that will be matched by successful applicants at a dollar for dollar, one-to-one level. The Bath Development Corporation will review applications, identify qualified projects, and award funding.

Contact Information

For questions and application inquiries, please contact:

Misty Parker Director of Economic & Community Development 207-443-8330 mparker@cityofbath.com