The upcoming VBDA meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in the boardroom of the Virginia Beach Economic Development office located at 4525 Main Street, Suite 700.
The grant portal is open. Interested applicants can review eligibility requirements and submit their application online.
NOTE: Atlantic Avenue businesses need to first apply for the Atlantic Avenue Grant (AAG). Should they not qualify for the AAG after application, eligibility for a Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) will be considered on a case-by-case basis for small businesses, based on small business eligibility and remaining FIG grant funds available.
What is AAG?
AAG is a matching grant program offering $5,000 to $25,000 to support businesses between 2nd and 40th streets on Atlantic Avenue. The program offers a 50% match of investments up to $25,000 for exterior building, site, and outdoor dining improvements.
The program is for properties owned or leased between 2nd and 40th Streets along Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach. All properties and applicants must be current on all City of Virginia Beach licenses, fees, and taxes.
Grant program at a glance
The AAG program offers a 50% match of investments between $5,000 and $25,000 for exterior building, site, and outdoor dining improvements.
A third-party cost estimate or quote for the proposed improvements is required to justify the grant amount requested. Funding is available on a competitive first-come, first-served basis until funds for the fiscal year are depleted.
Routine maintenance, indoor improvements, movable furnishings, consumable supplies, and other non-capital investments will not be considered.
Applications will be ranked on the completeness of the application, business eligibility, and the eligibility of proposed improvements. Applications will be reviewed for approval in the order in which they are submitted.
All proposed improvements must be visible from the Atlantic Ave Right-of-Way (ROW). Improvements cannot be made to the building frontage facing east toward the boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean.
Improvement projects must not have already occurred at the time of the application and must make a visible, demonstrable improvement to the exterior of a building or property.
These are the eligible improvements:
Facade improvements
Landscaping and planters, lighting
Outdoor cafe upgrades
Signage and art
Windows, doors, awnings
There is NO DUE DATE for applications. Funding is available on a competitive first-come, first-served basis until funds for the fiscal year are depleted. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received.
Grants are performance-based and will be authorized by the Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA) after successful completion and evaluation of the improvements. All improvements must be completed within twelve (12) months from the date of the grant award. Grant reimbursement is issued via check.
How to apply?
As part of the application submission, certain documents must be provided. Before you begin the application, make sure you have all required documents ready for upload.
NOTE: Atlantic Avenue businesses need to first apply for the Atlantic Avenue Grant (AAG). Should they not qualify for the AAG after application, eligibility for a Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) will be considered on a case-by-case basis for small businesses, based on their eligibility and the remaining FIG grant funds available.
NOTE: Your application will not be considered without this supporting information:
Completed W-9 Form
Description of the project with elevations, site plan(s), drawings, existing photographs of the building, and/or other supporting materials that accurately represent the scope and intent of project improvements
Third-party cost estimates for the project, including design fees, permits, construction, materials, and fabrication costs. Contractors must be licensed, bonded, and insured.
If the applicant is a tenant, a letter from the property owner, signed and dated, authorizing this application and project improvements must be obtained and submitted. This file upload is REQUIRED only for tenants or renters applying for the grant.