The grant portal is open. Interested applicants can review eligibility requirements and submit their application online.
What is AAG?
AAG is a matching grant program offering $10,000 to $25,000 to support businesses between 2nd and 40th Street on Atlantic Avenue. The program offers a 50% match of investments up to $25,000 for exterior building, site, and outdoor dining improvements.
The program is for properties that are owned or leased from 2nd to 40th Street along Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach. All properties and applicants must be current on all City of Virginia Beach licenses, fees, and taxes.
Informational Workshops
To learn more about AAG, in-person workshops will be held at the Convention and Visitors Bureau located at 600 22nd Street, 2nd Floor, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 on Friday, Jan. 23, from 8-9 a.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 4-5 p.m. An online participation option is available for the Jan. 28 workshop. Please email Eric Severn at ESevern@vbgov.com to receive a link to the digital invite.
Grant program at a glance
Applicants may request one grant between $10,000 and$25,000 to match their investment of at least the same amount to achieve the proposed improvements.
A third-party cost estimate or quote for the proposed improvements is required to justify the grant amount request. Funding is available on a competitive first-come, first-served basis until funds for the fiscal year are depleted.
All proposed improvements must be visible from the Atlantic Ave Right-Of-Way (ROW). Improvements cannot be performed on the building frontage that faces east toward the boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean.
Improvement projects must not have already occurred at the time of the application and must make a visible, demonstrable improvement to the exterior of a building or property.
These are the eligible improvements:
- Facade improvements.
- Landscaping and planters, lighting.
- Outdoor cafe upgrades.
- Signage and art.
- Windows, doors, awnings.
Routine maintenance, indoor improvements, movable furnishing, consumable supplies, and other non-capital investments will not be considered.
There is NO DUE DATE for applications. Funding is available on a competitive first-come, first-served basis until funds for the fiscal year are depleted. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received.
Applications will be ranked on completeness of the application, business eligibility, and the eligibility of proposed improvements. Applications will be reviewed for approval in the order of when they are submitted.
Grants are performance-based and will be authorized by the Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA) after successful completion and evaluation of the improvements. All improvements must be completed within twelve (12) months from the date of the grant award. Grant reimbursement is issued via check.
How to apply?
As part of the application submission, there are required documents that must be provided. Before you begin completing the application, make sure you have all of the required documents ready for uploading.
NOTE: Your application will not be considered without this supporting information:
- Completed W-9 Form
- Description of the project with elevations, site plan(s), drawings, existing photographs of the building, and/or other supporting materials that accurately represent the scope and intent of project improvements
- Third-party cost estimates for the project, including design fees, permits, construction, materials, and fabrication costs. Contractors must be licensed, bonded, and insured.
- If the applicant is a tenant, a letter from the property owner, signed and dated, authorizing this application and project improvements must be obtained and submitted. This file upload is only REQUIRED for any tenants or renters who are applying for the grant.
Contact Information
Eric Severn
Direct: 757-385-2907 | Email: ESevern@vbgov.com