The City of Amarillo Business Improvement Grant program (BIG) returns Monday (November 3) with a larger footprint that includes a piece of Amarillo history – Route 66.
The BIG program provides financial assistance and professional guidance for business owners and property tenants seeking to enhance the exterior appearance of their buildings. Participants have the opportunity to take advantage of matching grants and design support to restore and beautify their properties. The application process opens Monday and ends December 11.
BIG offers a matching grant of up to 50 percent of total project costs with a maximum match of $20,000 for projects costing $40,000 or more. The program includes commercial property owners in the Barrio, Eastridge, North Heights and San Jacinto neighborhoods, as well as designated neighborhood empowerment zone corridors.
In addition, businesses along Route 66 within the city limits may be eligible for increased matching funds if projects are completed before June 2026 – before the Route 66 Centennial Celebration. There are lower matching requirements for businesses along Route 66 and a shorter project completion deadline.
All project applications will be assessed once the application window closes on December 11, with the plan of announcing grant awards by the end of the year.
Local businesses that have received BIG funding in the past include Old Tascosa Brewing Company and La Frontera restaurant.
For more information on the BIG program, including the BIG program map, go to:
www.amarillo.gov/economic-development/business-improvement-grant/