Grants & Incentive Programs

Explore Bartow CRA’s grant programs for commercial property owners, businesseshomeowners, and community organizations. Learn eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and how to apply for redevelopment incentives within the Bartow CRA district. 

Investing In Bartow's Growth

The Bartow CRA offers targeted incentive programs designed to encourage property improvements, stimulate private investment, and strengthen the economic vitality of the CRA district. Every program is built around a simple principle: leverage public dollars to unlock greater private investment. 

Our programs multiply the impact of every dollar spent, creating visible, lasting improvements across the CRA district and beyond. 

If your property or business is located within the CRA district, you may qualify. Use the boundary map to check eligibility before applying. 

Downtown street with ornate lamp post, Main Street Bartow banners, flower baskets, and brick storefronts

Commercial Programs

Designed to improve the exterior appearance of commercial properties within the CRA district.

Grant Up To $12,500

Commercial Façade Grant

The Commercial Façade Grant is designed to enhance the exterior appearance of commercial properties within the CRA district. Creating a more attractive, walkable, and investment-ready downtown environment. 

Eligible Improvements Include

Grant Structure

This program helps create a more attractive, walkable, and investment‑ready downtown environment.

Grant Up To $50,000

Commercial Enhancement Grant

The Commercial Enhancement Grant supports larger-scale commercial improvements that activate vacant space, increase occupancy rates, or meaningfully enhance the customer experience for Bartow businesses. 

Eligible Improvements Include

Grant Structure

This program helps create a more attractive, walkable, and investment‑ready downtown environment.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance

The CRA supports the improvement of owner‑occupied residential properties within the redevelopment district.

Eligible projects may include:

Two photos of downtown Bartow showing a tree-lined street with Main banner and a brick storefront

New Housing Incentives

Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Incentive

Funding is available to current homeowners for repairs and improvements that increase property value. Eligible work includes exterior repairs, painting, window/door/shutter replacement, step and railing repairs, removal of unsafe structures, and electrical, HVAC, and ADA upgrades.

Private Investment Incentive

Funding is available to private builders and landowners as an incentive to develop detached or attached homes on vacant lots in the CRA project area. Custom incentives range up to 25% of the property’s expected post-improvement value.

For development inquiries and to discuss available housing incentives, contact the CRA Executive Director directly.

Community IMPACT Program

The CRA’s Community IMPACT program brings together residents, volunteers, and local partner organizations to tackle neighborhood beautification and revitalization projects hands-on, building community pride while improving property conditions across the district. 

Vacant lot cleanups and debris removal

Landscaping enhancements and planting

Graffiti removal and surface restoration

Streetscape and right-of-way improvements

Community activation and placemaking efforts

This program reinforces community pride and improves the quality and appearance of the built environment across Bartow neighborhoods.

See the Impact of CRA Investment

Real projects, real results. The work below was funded through CRA grants and incentive programs. Delivering measurable improvements to Bartow’s streets, storefronts, and neighborhoods. 

How to Apply

All CRA grant projects must receive CRA approval prior to construction or renovation in order to qualify for reimbursement funding.

Follow these steps: