Financial Assistance For Downtown Rock Island Businesses

In addition to a vibrant and diverse area and convenient transportation options, there are many incentives to opening and operating a business in Downtown Rock Island. Financial assistance is available in a number of forms from a variety of sources. Please contact us for more information.

Pre-Development and Property Improvement Rebates

The Rock Island Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island's pre-development and property improvement rebate programs are designed to beautify and revitalize Downtown Rock Island; attract and retain businesses; and enhance the streetscape, character and qualities of the area.

The Downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District is a funding source to provide rebates for pre-development planning and improvements to commercial and residential properties within its boundaries. These rebate programs are administered by the Downtown Alliance, which manages Downtown Special Service Area (SSA) and TIF programs in partnership with the City of Rock Island.

These programs support high-quality, permanent improvements that increase property value, activate street-level storefronts and align with the goals of the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan.

All projects must be located within the Downtown TIF boundaries to be eligible (see map). Applicants may submit a single application for projects that include pre-development and property improvements. Downtown Alliance staff will assist in determining eligible costs and applicable rebate programs.

Program Details

Pre-Development Rebate

The Pre-Development Rebate Program is intended to reduce early-stage financial barriers for entrepreneurs, developers and property owners considering reinvestment in downtown buildings and commercial spaces. This program supports planning, design and feasibility work that helps projects move from concept to construction.

Eligible projects

Architectural or engineering studies
Structural assessments
Code analysis or feasibility studies
Conceptual design, renderings or test fits
Environmental or historical assessments
Professional consulting related to redevelopment planning

Rebate amounts

Up to a 50% rebate worth at least $500 with a maximum rebate amount not to exceed a total of $5,000

Program eligibility and policies are further defined in this overview and application form.

Curb Appeal Rebate

The Curb Appeal Rebate Program provides incentives in the form of a rebate for physical improvements to storefronts, facades and exterior property along public way.

Eligible Improvements

Tuck-pointing and masonry repairs
Exterior painting
Awnings and signage
Window and door replacement
Exterior lighting and electrical needs
Landscaping
Parking lot repairs or re-surfacing if visible from public right of way
Curb and sidewalk repair and installation if visible from public right of way
Fencing installation and repairs (excluding chain link and wood privacy fences)
Sidewalk patio fencing that matches the City’s existing infrastructure
Roof repairs
ADA accessibility
Wall murals and public art visible from the public right of way

Rebate Amounts

Signage: Up to a 50% rebate for hanging and projecting signage worth at least $500 with a maximum rebate amount not to exceed a total of $5,000.
Other Exterior Property Improvements: Up to a 50% rebate for eligible exterior improvements worth at least $500 with a maximum rebate amount not to exceed a total of $10,000.

Program eligibility and policies are further defined in this overview and application form.

Safety Enhancement Rebate

The Safety Enhancement Rebate Program is designed to provide rebates for safety enhancements to a property, business or space surrounding them. The goal of the program is to increase safety in Downtown Rock Island.

Rebate Amounts

1:1 rebate up to $1,000 for:
- Security cameras with recording and video storage capabilities (at least one camera must face the public right of way)
- Exterior lighting, including motion-sensor lighting
  - Project funding includes installation of the product, not ongoing maintenance or subscription costs

Locations of security cameras installed with assistance from the Safety Enhancement Rebate Program will be shared with the Rock Island Police Department. Rebate recipients must agree to store and share available video footage with law enforcement if the need arises.

Program eligibility and policies are further defined in this overview and application form.