Program Overview 

The Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was created pursuant to W.S.S. 15-9-201 with the duty to halt or prevent deterioration of property values or structures within the downtown district boundaries. To do this, the DDA has created the Storefront Enhancement Grant (SEG), a reimbursement based grant program available to business and property owners within the DDA District boundaries (see map below).

The Storefront Enhancement Grant (SEG) Program is designed to support development efforts that contribute to the economic sustainability, redevelopment, and revitalization of the downtown district. This program provides financial assistance for facade improvements that:

1. 1. Focus on the exterior structure of a building/business;
   2. Increase the curb appeal within public right-of-way and activate the public environment

The SEG Program is a reimbursement based grant that funds up to 50% of a project’s total eligible exterior improvement costs, with a maximum grant award not to exceed $10,000 per project.

The DDA also offers two (2) additional grant program resources for business and property owners to help applicants maximize their investments in downtown Cheyenne:

The Building Improvement Grant (BIG) is a reimbursement grant program that funds up to 30% of a project’s total eligible capital improvement costs, with a maximum grant award not to exceed $50,000 per project. This program is designed to update buildings to meet modern building codes, accessibility regulations, and to increase the useful life of a building.

The DDA Logo Design Pilot Program funds 100% of logo design services for eligible business owners and/or tenants of downtown properties. Applicants will work through the design process with the program partner, West Edge Collective.

For more information about these grant programs or to learn about other resources available to business and property owners within the DDA District, please contact the DDA Office or visit downtowncheyenne.com/grant-initiatives. 

Who Can Apply? 

• • New/Existing commercial property owners within the DDA District (see map)
    Please Note: Tax-exempt property owners are not eligible 

• • Downtown business owners and/or downtown business tenants* located within DDA District
    *Downtown business tenants applying for SEG funding must provide written approval from the property owner (please refer to the Tenant Authorization Form)

Program Guidelines 

• Location of project must be located within the DDA district boundaries
• Any improvements or work started before date that a SEG application is submitted and approved are not eligible for funding unless deemed otherwise by DDA leadership
• All work must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and zoning ordinances and proper permits must be secured prior to commencement of work
• Annual program funding is limited, with projects awarded at the discretion of the DDA, as funds are available. DDA will make final determinations on individual project eligibility and reserves the right to reject any application
• Funding will be in the form of a reimbursement to the applicant under the terms and conditions specified in the contract unless determined otherwise by DDA Leadership
• Once a project has been completed, SEG Program grant recipients must wait a minimum of six (6) months from the date the project grant amount is paid out until they are able to reapply for funding for the same property location under the SEG Program

Examples of Eligible vs. Ineligible Project Costs 

The SEG Program funds up to 50% or $10,000 (whichever amount is less) of eligible exterior improvement project costs. The following table outlines examples of eligible and ineligible project costs under the SEG Program. Please Note: This list is not all-inclusive and final determination of eligibility is approved by DDA Leadership: 

If you have a question about whether a potential project or improvement is eligible for the SEG Program funding, please email dda-admin@downtowncheyenne.com.

Application Process 

Step 1: Contact the DDA (dda-admin@downtowncheyenne.com) to verify the eligibility of the project under the SEG Program.

Step 2: Contact the City of Cheyenne Planning and Development Department to determine and obtain any necessary requirements for the project. Any documents, permits, or forms must be obtained from the City of Cheyenne before an application is approved.

Step 3: Applications may be submitted through the DDA website (downtowncheyenne.com) or in person at the DDA Office (109 W. 17th Street) and are approved on a rolling basis contingent on program funding throughout each fiscal year.

Applications must include the following in order to be considered:

• • • Completed Application Form
    • Sole Source Estimates for Exterior Enhancement Project Costs Outlined in Application Before/After Photos of Property/Work to be Completed
    • Project Plan Renderings, Mock-Ups, Design Concepts
    • Copies of Required City Documents, Permits and/or Forms (if applicable)
    • Tenant Authorization Form Signed by Property Owner (if applicable)

Step 4: Once an application is approved, applicant will be notified and project work may begin.

Payment Process and Timeline 

Once the project application has been approved, project work must be completed and paid invoices must be submitted for reimbursement within 12 months of the effective date of approval. Extensions may be provided for extenuating circumstances if communicated to and approved by DDA Leadership.

Payment terms and conditions may be modified from a reimbursement-based structure to a contract draw request structure on a case-by-case basis and upon approval of DDA Leadership.

Payments for approved work will be remitted within thirty (30) days of receiving paid invoices of completed work. Copies of final paid invoices for completed work must be submitted at the time of funding request. Only eligible expenses outlined in the final approved application will be considered for reimbursement. Payment will not exceed the approved grant amount. Once final project payments have been paid by the DDA to the applicant, and the approved SEG grant amount has been reached, the project application will be considered complete and no additional expenses will be allowable.

Once a project has been completed, grant recipients must credit DDA for project support through any print, social media or formal promotion of the project and must display program recipient material provided by the DDA for a minimum of 12 months.

SEG Program grant recipients must wait a minimum of six (6) months from the date the project grant amount is paid out until they are able to reapply for funding for the same business/property location under the SEG Program.