SIGNAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
The Downtown West Allis Business Improvement District (BID) provides financial incentives to businesses/property owners within the BID. The discretionary funds in the Signage Assistance Program are established to assist business/property owners with the improvement of their exterior signage.
 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?:

• The target area for this program is contiguous with the boundaries of the
  Downtown West Allis Business Improvement District. (See Map)

• This program is for projected and exterior wall signage only. (Window
  signage does not apply)

• Only first floor businesses are eligible for this program

TYPE OF SUBSIDY:
Grants (up to 50% of the cost) are available in each of the following categories:

• Signage Removal

• Façade Signage Improvement/Addition

• Awning Improvement/Addition

• Alley Signage Improvement/Addition

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Any business that is located within the BID boundaries and maintains that business on a regular basis, at that location, and has not received funds from this program within the last two years is eligible to apply.
  All quotes must abide by the “Davis-Bacon Act.”

  • The Davis–Bacon Act is a United States federal law which established the requirement for paying prevailing wages on public works projects. All gifts where funding is awarded through the CDBG (Community Block Grant Funds) and where cost of the construction is over $2,000, must include provisions for paying workers on-site no less than the locally prevailing wages and benefits paid on similar projects.

• All grant funds must be spent within six (6) months of receiving a confirmation letter from Downtown West Allis BID office.

• Funds are disbursed as a reimbursement to the applicant upon receipt of invoices and copies of receipts for approved budget items.

• Items such as permit fees are NOT ELIGIBLE for funding.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Signage Assistance requests must be in writing (application is available either by clicking here or the BID office) and fulfilling all application requirements (see above).

• Signage applications must be submitted by the 2nd Friday of each month.

• Grant requests must be approved by the Board of Directors of the Downtown West Allis, Inc., based upon recommendation from the Design Committee of the DWA-BID.

SPECIAL NOTICE:

• Signs must be in compliance with the City of West Allis Signage Ordinance for the Central Business District and the Architectural Design Guidelines for the Downtown (copies are available at the BID office).

• All appropriate permits must be obtained prior to the disbursement of funds.

• All grants will be limited by the amount of money remaining in the CDBG Funds and or the Annual Operating Budget for this purpose.

• Disbursement of funds/ payments will be made following submission of a Certification of Inspection form & a copy of invoicing /payments.

  Application Form (Fillable PDF)