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The City of Raleigh's Building Up-fit Grant encourages growth and development by assisting property owners who want to activate their vacant or underutilized commercial building space in Raleigh to create new business use or new jobs.
For more information and to ensure that you are eligible for the program, view:
How do I apply for a Building Up-fit Grant?
This matching reimbursement program helps small business owners invest in property improvements, by matching up to 50 percent of the qualified construction costs.
Residential properties and properties outside of Raleigh are not eligible. Franchises are not eligible. Exterior projects are also not eligible for the grant. Before submitting an application, applicants must review full list of requirements in the Program brochure and the Building Up-fit Grant FAQ.
- Complete the Building Up-fit Grant application to determine eligibility. (Application is available only during the grant cycles listed below)
- Staff will provide an application via email if an applicant is determined to be eligible to apply. Ineligible applicants will be notified.
- Submit application. Applications are accepted only during the quarterly grant cycles listed below.
When can I apply for a Building Up-fit Grant?
| QTR | OPEN DATE | CLOSE DATE | AWARD NOTIFICATION DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | Sunday, July 19, 2026 | Friday, August 7, 2026 |
| 2nd | Thursday, September 17, 2026 | Sunday, October 11, 2026 | Friday, October 30, 2026 |
| 3rd | Thursday, January 7, 2027 | Sunday, January 31, 2027 | Friday, February 19, 2027 |
| 4th | Thursday, April 1, 2027 | Sunday, April 25, 2027 | Friday, May 14, 2027 |
Grant Priority Areas
Companies locating within adopted Priority Areas for Economic Development will be eligible for enhanced terms and amounts. Use the map below to see if your company is located in the priority area (in green).
321 Coffee Expands with the Building Up-fit Grant
Raleigh-native and local small business owner, Lindsay Wrege, shares the impact the Building Up-fit Grant has had on 321 Coffee.
