Logo for Downtown Micro-Grant featuring a storefront with a dollar sign and a striped awning.

Downtown Micro-Grants

Connect Downtown Johnson City, Inc. (Main Street Program Advisory Board) is thrilled to offer annual micro-grants to help downtown businesses grow, enhance their spaces, and bring new energy to our district.

Grants range from $500 to $4,000, depending on project scope, community impact, and available funding.

If you're a business or property owner in downtown Johnson City, this is your chance to invest in projects that make a difference — for your business and the entire downtown community.

micro grant information

    • Current downtown business or property owners (Must be in Main Street Program Area)

    • New businesses with an executed lease agreement

    • Projects must take place at a downtown Johnson City location

  • Micro-grants can help with a wide range of projects, including:

    • Interior or exterior renovations

    • Build-out projects

    • Storefront improvements

    • Events and activations

    • Marketing initiatives and more

    • Staff or employee wages

    • Insurance premiums

    • Utility bills

    • Applications must include proof of estimates or expense quotes.

    • Funded projects must be completed within 6 months, with receipts and documentation submitted.

    • If project expenses are less than the awarded grant, remaining funds must be returned within 6 months.

    • Projects should focus on revenue growth, customer experience, or community impact.

    • Business Improvement Grants ($1,500–$4,000)

      • Improve the appearance, functionality, accessibility, or customer experience of a downtown business.

      • Examples: Exterior lighting, outdoor seating, façade improvements, ADA upgrades, and customer-focused interior renovations.

    • Business Development Grants ($750–$3,000)

      • Support business growth through new products, services, branding, technology, or other revenue-generating opportunities.

      • Examples: Branding, e-commerce tools, pop-up expenses, product launches, equipment, and seasonal business expansions.

    • Downtown Engagement Grants ($250–$1,500)

      • Support events and experiences that bring people downtown, encourage collaboration, and increase customer engagement.

      • Examples: Workshops, classes, business-hosted events, customer appreciation events, live music, tastings, demonstrations, and collaborative promotions.

    • Artisans Village – New exterior signage

    • Aura Optical – Signage updates

    • Black Iris – Interior buildout

    • Downtown Yoga Center – Bathroom remodel and event equipment

    • HairGeek Studio – New patio fencing

    • Johnson City Brewing – Children's playground improvements

    • Nelson Fine Art – New awning

    • Terrarium Plant Store – Workshop materials for local school programs

    • The Bush House – Interior buildouts

    • The Moon Coffee – New furniture

    • Timber! – Front patio remodel

    • Tipton Street Pub – New awning

    • West of May – New exterior signage

APPLICATION LINK
PDF APPLICATION VERSION

Questions? Contact Lindsey Jones, Main Street Director, at ljones@johnsoncitytn.org