Storefront Activation Program
Downtown Medford Association (DMA) Storefront Activation Program (SAP) is a targeted-amount high impact initiative that pairs entrepreneurs and small local businesses with downtown property owners to decrease the vacancy rate in the DMA focus area.
Activating Street-level Storefronts
The SAP supports DMA’s efforts to revitalize Medford’s downtown corridor by increasing occupancy downtown, activating street-level storefronts, and improving the overall appearance of the corridor by adding a visual richness to the walkway. The program also aim to increase walkability of streets for pedestrians, attract more customers to existing businesses, market available commercial properties, and promote Medford to prospective businesses.
Project budgets may range from $2,000 to $7,000
The Storefront Activation Program will:
- Activate 3-5 vacant storefronts located in the DMA designated area. Priority consideration will be given to the properties from the west side of the Bear Creek Bridge to the east side of Oakdale and from the south side of 6th Street to the north side of 8th Street. See Map
- Provide Medford entrepreneurs and small businesses with an opportunity to open a storefront shop downtown.
- Help property owners of vacant commercial buildings market vacant spaces to help prospective tenants.
What we are looking for:
- Collaboration with the business and /or property owner
- Readiness of entrepreneurs and small businesses to move into a storefront
Downtown Medford Association will provide:
Downtown Medford Association will assist in connecting move-in ready space owners and vetted eligible businesses who want to bring their model and customers downtown.
Grant Structure
- $7K max per recipient – DMA expects to make 3 to 5 awards, depending on program sizes and costs. Priority will be given to proposals that cluster multiple activations together or build upon other initiatives
- One-time reimbursement or vendor direct-pay
To be eligibility, a business must:
Priority consideration will be given to businesses that have been in existence for six months or longer.
- Be a legal business entity
- Have a business license (as required by the City of Medford)
- Have a Federal Tax Identification Number
- Have a business checking account
- Provide a Letter of Intent (LOI) or signed lease within the boundaries of the program’s target area on street-level.
- Pass a personal credit history check (no business owners with federal/state tax liens, unsatisfied judgments, delinquent student loans, currently past due credit accounts, or a recent bankruptcy are eligible for awards)
- Pass a background check
- Be applying for a currently-vacant spaceÂ
Businesses must also meet the following requirements:
- Participate in 3-6 one-on-one business coaching sessions within 12 months of award (program design allows this to be at no additional cost to recipients)
- Become a partner of Downtown Medford Association
Eligible Activities
- Rent up to two months or security deposit, permits for the city/county
- Improvements that meet ADA requirements and increase accessibility for people with disabilities
- Minor tenant improvements or furniture and fixtures (lighting/energy efficiency, shelving, ADA fixes)
- Window signage and visual upgrades
How long will successful applicants have to complete the project?
- 2-4 months
Non-Eligible Uses
- Employee salaries
- Murals interior and exterior
- City of Medford and/or Oregon Business License and professional licensing fees
- Utility monthly expenses and fees
- Downtown Medford Association Partner Fee
- Insurance
The Storefront Activation Program has been made possible due to $25,000 in funding from the City Council Community Initiative Fund.
For Questions please call Annie at 541-941-5204 or email us at [email protected].Â