KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha is rolling out two new grant programs aimed at strengthening the Uptown business district, offering thousands of dollars in financial assistance to commercial property owners seeking to improve storefronts and expand operations.
Beginning this month, property owners in the Uptown Area can apply for the new Uptown Area Facade Grant and the Uptown Area Business Recruitment and Retention Grant, two initiatives designed to revitalize the corridor and encourage continued investment in the neighborhood.
The facade grant program will provide up to $10,000 in reimbursable funding for exterior building improvements. The grants will cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs and can be used for upgrades such as new windows and doors, awnings, signage, lighting, landscaping, fencing, siding, masonry work, and architectural services. The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Kenosha has allocated $50,000 for the program.
City officials say the funding is intended to help property owners modernize storefronts and improve the overall appearance of the Uptown business district, which has long served as a commercial hub for the community.
A second program, the Uptown Area Business Recruitment and Retention Grant, will offer up to $5,000 in reimbursable funding to support operational improvements for businesses in the area. The grant will cover up to 75 percent of eligible costs and may be used for purchases such as new inventory, equipment, marketing efforts, or technology upgrades intended to improve the customer experience.
Funding for the business recruitment and retention grants totals $50,000 and comes through a Small Business Development Grant provided by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Mayor David Bogdala said the city hopes the programs will encourage investment and continued growth in the historic Uptown corridor.
“Through these new grant programs, we’re giving our local business owners the tools they need to refresh their storefronts, strengthen their operations and continue building a vibrant neighborhood,” Bogdala said. “Uptown has always been a cornerstone of Kenosha’s identity, and in 2026, we’re doubling down on our commitment to its growth and success.”
Applications for both grant programs are now open. Business owners interested in applying can contact the City of Kenosha Department of City Development for details about eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application procedures.
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10 Responses
Now all the check cashing places and Mo Mo’s can look nice! Sticking money into any uptown project is a waste of money. It will never be a nice area especially with all the slumlords that have houses in the area. The residents in that area take zero pride in taking care of anything.
I guess $10K might help a business mitigate property tax and insurance costs….but welcome to 2026 and while I would not turn down a $10K handout it’s doubtful it will have any positive impact on a small business.
Wonder how many of businesses burned and wrecked during the 2020 Kenosha riots are still uptown and in business?
https://www.kaba.org/news-item/kenosha-business-owners-still-in-flux-following-2020-riots/
North, South and West businesses get nothing but pay into the tax base to support the slum called uptown.
Dirty ass ghetto. Waste of money.
Until the bums, drunks and lay-abouts are removed, Uptown is a lost cause.
The city wants to offer these grants because they are spending someone else’s money.
Drive every street in that area. East and west of 22 Ave. The entire neighborhood is a mess.
You can try to shine up the hood all ya want. It’s still the hood.
No amount of creativity can create a tasty omelet with rotten eggs.
Thank you, KCE, for highlighting the Uptown Area Facade Grant. I wouldn’t have known about this opportunity otherwise, and I plan to apply for the grant for my commercial building on Roosevelt Rd.
Instead of the handouts, use that money to bride judges into holding criminals accountable. Kenosha has epidemic of soft on crime liberal judges.
You could paint every business with lipstick but if no one feels safe, guess what, they’re not going to visit.
Speak clearly….who are these criminals?! Im not allowed to say it on here, but, it’s a certain Thirteen percent that nobody want to be around.