Programs & Incentives

The GCRA offers a variety of incentive programs designed to encourage neighborhood preservation, economic development, and community partnerships within the district. To verify location eligibility, please check the GCRA Map. To get in touch about any of the programs offered, please email GCRAprograms@gainesvillefl.gov or call (352) 393-8200

Business Improvement Grant Program

The updated BIG program offers matching grant funds to businesses for significant eligible renovations to their building’s exterior and interior. The program has three levels, or “tiers,” and two application periods each year, depending on available funding.
Tier 1: Applications are accepted year-round for a 100% matching grant of up to $5,000.
Tiers 2 and 3: Apply by February 1 or August 1 for a 50% matching grant of up to $50,000.
Tier 3: (Only for Historic Buildings) Applications with a historic designation can apply for up to $150,000.

Need ideas? See how other businesses in Gainesville used the BIG Program with before and after photos. The BIG Program boundary can be found on the GCRA District Map.

• Business Improvement Grant Guidelines & Fillable Application
• Agreement
• Facade Preservation Easement for Tier 1
• Mortgage for Tier 2 and 3
• Promissory Note for Tier 2 and 3

Community Partnership Grant Program

The Community Partnership Grant Program offers up to $5,000 in matching grant funds to assist local community organizations to enable special programming within the GCRA District. The program is administered in 4 cycles. Deadlines and cycle dates are as follows:

• February 1 to April 30 – due December 1st at 5pm
• May 1 to July 31 – due March 1st at 5pm
• August 1 to October 31 – due June 1st at 5pm
• November 1 to January – due September 1 at 5pm

Community Partnership Grant Program Guidelines and Application

Downtown Events Grant Program

Funds have been allocated for the remainder of the 2025 fiscal year.

The program assists organizations and businesses with up to $5,000 in grant funds to host events within Downtown Gainesville. Events must be held in publicly owned spaces and take place between January 31, 2025 to June 30, 2025.

The City Manager extended the Downtown Events Grant Pilot Program, to allow $30,000 from the program’s FY24 funds to support its continuation. A permanent program is being developed in collaboration with the Downtown Advisory Board.

• Downtown Events Grant Program Guidelines and Applications