CRA Incentive & Grant Opportunities

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) operates as an administrative agency within Bartow, functioning as a dependent special district. Unlike taxing entities, the CRA does not create or impose taxes, issue permits, enforce regulations, or wield eminent domain powers. Instead, it relies on public-private partnerships crucial for its success.

  • Our measurable goals encompass:
  • Redeveloping properties
  • Facilitating affordable housing
  • Combatting crime
  • Enhancing public infrastructure

Under the leadership of the Executive Director, the CRA office oversees day-to-day operations and manages the Board's public meeting activities.

Grants & Programs

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has initiated new assistance programs, presenting numerous grant opportunities aimed at enhancing both commercial and residential properties within the CRA District area. These incentives and grants provide various levels of support, catering to the short and long-term challenges faced by stakeholders in the City of Bartow. This comprehensive assistance program strives to combat blight, rejuvenate vacant commercial spaces, and foster innovative gathering spots, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and increased activity. The overarching objective is to revitalize key entry points into Bartow by fostering mixed-use commercial developments and identifying residential redevelopment potential for vacant parcels.

Grants & Program Overview

Commercial Facade Grant Application (PDF)

The Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) Commercial Facade grant program aims to improve commercial properties' visual appearance through small-scale exterior building enhancements and site improvements. Grants may be awarded to property owners or tenants for exterior improvements to a commercial property within the CRA district. This program is intended for exterior facade renovations and/or repairs that do not exceed a total project cost of $25,000. The CRA will fund a 50% matching grant toward the total cost of the project up to a maximum of $12,500. Applicants may spend more than $25,000 on their building project; however, the maximum grant amount will remain at $12,500.

Grants may be awarded to property owners or tenants for exterior improvements to commercial property within the CRA district.  Eligible improvements include painting, signage, lighting, doors, windows, site improvements, and other minor exterior repairs listed under Eligible Grant Expenditures.  

Commercial Enhancement Grant Program Application (PDF)

The Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) Commercial Enhancement Grant Program aims to reduce the number of vacant commercial properties and improve commercial properties by assisting property owners and/ or tenants with funding to renovate a commercial space for short or long-term occupancy. The intent of the renovations to a commercial property is to generate significant pedestrian foot traffic to the CRA District and its businesses.  

Grants may be awarded to property owners for interior and exterior improvements to commercial property, and the project must include interior improvements for grant approval. The renovations are for first-floor ground-level improvements for the property’s interior. This program is intended for interior and exterior renovations that do not exceed a total project cost of $100,000. The CRA will fund a 50% matching grant for the total cost of the project up to a maximum of $50,000 for reimbursement. Applicants may spend more than $100,000 on their project, however, the maximum grant amount for reimbursement will remain $50,000. Eligible improvements can include exterior improvements for painting, signage, lighting, doors, windows, site improvements, and minor exterior repairs. Eligible interior improvements include windows, doors, standard lighting, electrical, basic HVAC, concrete floor, ADA restrooms, fountains, Interior historical restoration, and fire code improvements.

Community IMPACT Program Information & Application (PDF)

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) aims to improve life in the CRA District through its Community IMPACT Program, which fosters community transformation. This initiative enhances residential and commercial areas and the environment by involving volunteers in various projects, including painting houses, landscaping, adopting streets, removing graffiti, cleaning vacant lots, and clearing debris from roads.

Incentive Grant Application

  • Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Incentive- Funding is available to current homeowners to be used for repairs or improvements aimed at increasing the overall property value of their residential property. Eligible improvements include exterior surface repairs, painting, and replacing windows, doors, and shutters. Repairing or replacing damaged steps/railings, removal of structures that are deemed unsafe, and new electrical, HVAC improvements, and ADA compliance items.
  • Private Investment Incentive- Funding is available to private builders or landowners as an incentive to undertake general redevelopment in the Community Redevelopment area. The CRA will offer an incentive to private builders and private landowners to build detached and attached residential homes on vacant lots in the defined project area. Incentives offered are custom and range in value up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total expected value of the property after improvements.

For grant inquiries please call CRA Business and Community Engagement Coordinator, Cheryl Baksh at (863)534-0100 ext. 2771.

Grant & Program Documents

  1. Down Payment Assistance (PDF)

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and are subject to CRA approval and budget availability. Eligible applicants must meet the program guidelines and be located within the geographic boundaries for each program. Interested parties should note that no projects will be funded retroactively, and applications must be approved prior to beginning work.