Downtown Ithaca Alliance

Ithaca Retail Mini-Grant Program

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) is continuing another round of the Ithaca Retail Mini Grant Program (IRMGP).

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

APPLICATION CLOSED MARCH 27, 2026 AT 10:00 PM

Thank you to all who submitted an application.

Overview Eligibility Resources Quotes 2025 Grantees

Grant Program Overview

The program is intended to address the Downtown Ithaca recommendations of the Retail Study & Strategy, commissioned in collaboration with the City of Ithaca, primarily: Redouble efforts to elevate Downtown Ithaca’s curb appeal (and thereby help to improve perceptions) with additional “cleaning and greening” as well as façade/signage enhancements. The IRMGP seeks to encourage strategies to refresh and enliven small, locally owned, independent businesses or organizations in Downtown Ithaca. Ground-level, street-facing improvements in signage, façades, cleaning and greening, and/or essential functioning.

Physical Improvements

Physical improvements

Physical improvements are enhancements to the appearance of a business that encourage in-person patronage, including, but not limited to: painting, awnings, planters, lighting, façade improvements, tables, chairs, signage, window displays, ADA accessibility, and age-friendly improvements.

Essential Functioning

Essential functioning

Replacements or upgrades of equipment essential to the functioning of a business or organization (e.g., kitchen equipment, POS system, machinery, specialized equipment, inventory systems, etc.).

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the core program requirements below.

Any ground-level, independently owned and operated, small business or organization with a storefront physical location within the Downtown Ithaca Business Improvement District (BID).
Retail stores, restaurants, service-based businesses, and non-profit organizations are all eligible.
Previous awardees of recent grants are eligible to apply (i.e., 2025 IRMGP, Covid Recovery Small Business Grant, Retail Incentive Grant). However, priority will be given to applicants who have not yet received a DIA-administered grant.

Grant Program Resources

Use the resources below to confirm guidelines, review scoring, explore collaboration ideas, and access program materials.

Guidelines (PDF) BID Map (Google) BID Map (PDF) Scoring (PDF) Awardee Photo Gallery

Applications

Applications are currently closed. The application closed March 27, 2026 at 10:00 PM. Thank you to all who submitted an application.

Apply Now

Need help?

If you have questions or have a project idea but do not know where to start, reach out.

Zoe Zrini, Project Manager
Downtown Ithaca Alliance
Center Ithaca, Box 136
171 East State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
grants@downtownithaca.com

Grant Winner Quotes

A few reflections from recent awardees on how the Ithaca Retail Mini-Grant supported their work.

The Retail Mini Grant made it possible for Cinemapolis to install automatic door openers for our lobby doors. We were so grateful for this grant which covered part of our installation costs. The Retail Mini Grant helped us improve the experience we offer our patrons and supported our efforts to create a welcoming accessible space.

Kate Donohue Cinemapolis

The Ithaca Retail Mini-Grant made a meaningful difference for our business. After eight years of operating as Maru Ramen, the grant gave us the opportunity to invest in a much-needed storefront upgrade and rebrand as Maru Korea. The refreshed exterior better reflects who we are today and the improved, expanded menu we now offer. We are truly grateful for the City’s support of small businesses like ours, and we’re proud to be part of Ithaca’s vibrant local retail community.

Chris Kim Maru Korea

As the Ithaca Is Books Festival hit our fifth year in 2025, support through the cross-promotion grant allowed us to step up to a new level. We drew our largest crowd ever and were able to host our first event at Ithaca's historic State Theatre. The Festival is completely run by volunteers from multiple Ithaca businesses and organizations, and the availability of a grant specifically geared to that kind of collaborative effort is a unique and valuable opportunity.

Lisa Swayze Buffalo Street Books / Ithaca Literary

2025 Grantees

The 2025 grant cycle was conducted in partnership with the City of Ithaca. The program was funded through the City of Ithaca's allocation of state and local relief funding received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Awardees are listed below by grant category.

Cross-Promotional Campaign

Tap or click to view awardees.