Downtown Bangor Partnership is launching “Glow Up Grants,” a new program to enhance the curb appeal of downtown storefronts ahead of Summer 2026. With support from DaVinci Signs, the grants will help selected retail businesses refresh and reimagine their facades.
We anticipate awarding five grants, each with a maximum award of $2,500, with an application deadline of March 30, 2026. Matching funds are not required, but will be considered during evaluation, along with business longevity, hours of operation, and the scale and impact of proposed improvements.
Home to more than 100 shops and restaurants, Downtown Bangor is a destination for visitors from near and far. The Partnership’s goal is to inspire shoppers by investing directly in the aesthetic appeal of ground-level storefronts — an approach that aligns with its 2022 Strategic Plan, which identifies retail cultivation as a primary goal in creating a sustainable downtown, and reflects consistent feedback from its annual surveys.The
Application Deadline: March 30, 2026
Eligibility
The Downtown Bangor Partnership’s 2022 strategic plan identifies retail cultivation as a primary goal for creating a sustainable downtown. Additionally, Downtown Bangor Partnership’s annual survey respondents identify retail cultivation as a top priority. As such, the Downtown Bangor Partnership is targeting this round of “Glow Up Grants” to brick and mortar retailers.
Definition of brick and mortar retailer
- Refers to physical stores where customers can browse and purchase products in person.
- Offers a tangible shopping experience, allowing customers to see and touch items before buying.
- Operates with a fixed location, requiring overhead costs like rent and utilities.
- Often provides personalized customer service and immediate product availability.
What it covers
Glow up grants are intended to support first floor retail businesses in executing aesthetic improvements to their facades. Please refer to this Downtown Syracuse Storefront Tips document for inspiration and examples of how to curate your facade.
Examples:
- Signage
- Paint
- Vinyl Lettering
- Awnings
- Planters
- Seating
What it Doesn’t Cover: As this grant is intended to improve the aesthetics of Downtown Bangor, it does not apply to structural improvements like repairing masonry or replacing windows or wooden facades. For deteriorated storefronts that need structural work before the aesthetic work can be completed, we will connect you to the City of Bangor to identify instances of “spot blight” eligible for Community and Economic Development Block Grant Funding.
Criteria for Evaluation
- Scale/ most impactful change
- Longevity of business
- Open hours of business
- Matching funds (not required but considered)
- Project must be in compliance with historic preservation and code
Disbursement of funds
Funds will be disbursed within 15 days of receipt submissions.
Direct vendor payment from Downtown Bangor can be made to project partners DaVinci Signs and Proficient Painters.