Salt Lake City has launched its new Business Stabilization Program, created to help small businesses cover the cost of repairs after property damage.
The federally funded program will reimburse small businesses on the West Side and Ballpark neighborhoods and in parts of downtown for expenses like broken windows, damaged doors, locks, lights and other kinds of property damage.
"Our local businesses are part of what makes a neighborhood feel connected, active and cared for. When one of them is dealing with vandalism or an unexpected repair, we want them to know the city is in their corner," said Mayor Erin Mendenhall. "Supporting our small businesses means paying attention to the challenges they're facing and finding practical ways to help."
The city has opened applications for the grants at link.slc.gov/repairs.
Awards are up to $3,500 per year per property. To qualify, an independently owned business must be within the program's target area and have three locations or fewer, no more than 50 full-time equivalent employees and an active Salt Lake City business license. Damages must have occurred no more than 120 days prior to the application and applicants must have already repaired the damage to receive reimbursement.
"While working with local business owners through the Neighborhood Business Improvement program, we noticed a lack of resources to address minor property damage," said Shyann Hugoe, community development grant administrator for the city. "Vandalism can place a lot of stress on small-business owners. That's why we launched the Business Stabilization Program, which provides support for those smaller, unexpected repair needs."
The application will remain open until funds run out, or Feb. 1, 2027.
Salt Lake City also offers other kinds of support to small-business owners. The Neighborhood Business Improvement Program awards up to $50,000 for facade work such as murals, accessibility upgrades and code repairs for businesses in 10 lower-income neighborhoods. Details for the additional programs can be found on the city's website, slc.gov.
