The City of Bloomington's Site and Facade Improvement Program continues to help local businesses renovate their building exteriors and create more welcoming spaces for customers.

The program provides grants for various improvements including window replacement, exterior painting, lighting updates, landscaping, sidewalks, patios and signage. Business owners who have participated in the program described how the improvements helped them create more accessible and operationally efficient spaces while contributing to community beautification.

One business owner detailed extensive renovations including replacing all windows, painting the entire exterior, removing an old awning and updating lighting. A second grant allowed for sidewalk and patio improvements along with landscaping updates. Another participant highlighted the installation of an accessible entrance facing their parking lot with a canopy, improvements to stucco and brick, and landscaping changes featuring Minnesota native plants.

Participants emphasized how the program helped them serve customers more effectively while reinvesting in the Bloomington community. One business owner noted the program helped them "set it up in an efficient and operational way for us to help serve 40,000 people every year."

Applications for the Site and Facade Improvement Program open annually on January 1. Businesses can find information about eligible activities and funding details on the city's website. The program is available to all businesses across Bloomington, from small to large operations.