KENOSHA, Wis. — Business and property owners along one of Kenosha’s busiest commercial corridors now have an opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in grant funding to improve their buildings. The City of Kenosha announced Wednesday, October 14, 2026, that applications are officially open for the new 52nd Street Corridor Grant Program, an initiative designed to encourage private investment, improve commercial properties and strengthen economic activity along 52nd Street.
The program, funded by the Kenosha Redevelopment Authority, is available to eligible business and property owners along 52nd Street between 38th Avenue and 13th Place. Qualified applicants can receive grants of up to $10,000 for eligible improvements, provided they contribute an equal amount of their own money. For example, a business owner undertaking a $20,000 qualifying improvement project could potentially receive $10,000 from the city while covering the remaining $10,000.
Eligible projects include exterior building improvements such as new windows, doors, awnings, lighting, signage and masonry work. The funding is intended to help businesses modernize their storefronts, attract customers and improve the overall appearance of the commercial corridor.
“This new grant program will help property and business owners make meaningful improvements, attract customers and create a more vibrant and welcoming environment along 52nd Street,” Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala said. “By working together with our business community, we can build on the strengths of this important corridor and encourage continued economic growth.”
City officials say the program is part of a broader effort to encourage private investment and improve the appearance and economic vitality of Kenosha’s neighborhood business districts. By helping offset the cost of building improvements, the city hopes to encourage property owners to make investments that might otherwise be delayed because of financial constraints.
Two Additional Grant Programs Available For Uptown Businesses
In addition to the newly announced 52nd Street program, the city is reminding business and property owners in Kenosha’s Uptown neighborhood that two other grant programs remain open for applications.
The Uptown Façade Grant Program offers up to $10,000 in matching funds for eligible exterior building improvements. Like the new 52nd Street program, it requires a dollar-for-dollar investment from the applicant. The funding is intended to encourage reinvestment in commercial properties and improve the appearance of the Uptown business district.
A separate program, the Uptown Business Retention and Recruitment Grant Program, provides up to $5,000 to help both new and existing businesses grow and modernize their operations. Unlike the façade programs, this grant requires only a 25% applicant match.
Eligible expenditures under the business retention and recruitment program include purchasing new inventory, upgrading equipment, investing in marketing and making technology improvements. City officials say the program is designed to help businesses attract customers, expand their operations and strengthen the Uptown commercial district.
How To Apply
All three grant programs are currently accepting applications, according to the city’s Community Development Department. Business owners and commercial property owners interested in taking advantage of the funding are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and submit applications.
Additional information, including program guidelines, eligibility requirements and application materials, is available through the City of Kenosha Community Development Department, located at 625 52nd Street in Kenosha.
Interested applicants can contact the department by telephone at (262) 653-4030 or by email at [email protected]. Information about city programs is also available at www.kenosha.org.
2 Responses
So, all the storage unit places on 52nd can get new signs?
Let the grifting begin….