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Storefront Improvements

Learn about resources for sign and storefront improvements for your business.

  • Interested in the program?

    Want to find out how you can improve the outside of your building, or your storefront signs? Want to learn more about our design services? Contact the Office of Small Business at 617-635-0355.

Restore Boston

In a city like Boston, we’re focused on preserving and improving historic facades and storefronts. It’s a strategic way to increase the vitality of commercial districts and local businesses.

The more welcoming the front of your business, the more likely you'll be successful. Through ReStore Boston, we offer:

  • help designing your storefront
  • grants for signs, and
  • matching grants

We offer grants for:

  • finishing the outside of your business
  • repairing and replacing storefront windows or doors, or both
  • creating new signs
  • adding lighting for the building or signs
  • removing solid, roll-down grates, and
  • putting in place awnings outside your business.

Design guidelines

Design services

The Office of Small Business Development wants to help small business owners create a great first impression.

We have a dedicated Design Services unit for business and property owners. You’ll get help improving your storefront, signs, business logos, and website. This includes access to architects and graphic designers.

The Design Services unit supports businesses with:

  • concept development
  • review and approval at the City’s various landmark and historic commissions, and
  • the development of graphic representations that will help them grow and thrive.

Requests for Information

RFIs
The primary goal of the Architectural Design Services RFI is to gain information about expert providers that are experienced in providing architecture services for storefront renovations and signage design in the following building storefront categories:
  • Historic buildings with first floor commercial storefronts;
  • Multi-story buildings with commercial storefronts; and
  • Low density/single story commercial/retail buildings

The City will review the submissions and may consider the vendor as a qualified Small Business ReStore vendor for design services contracts. This inquiry does not guarantee any paid projects at present or in the future. Qualified vendors considered for future services will be contacted as eligible projects arise.

Architectural Design Services RFI

Please note that this request for information is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee any future contracts with the City of Boston.

The primary goal of the Graphic Design Services for Businesses in the City of Boston RFI is to gain information about expert providers that are experienced in providing graphic design services for signage in the following building storefront categories:

  • Historic buildings with first floor commercial storefronts 
  • Multi-story buildings with commercial storefronts
  • Low density/single story commercial/retail buildings

The City will review the submissions and may consider the vendor as a qualified Small Business ReStore vendor for design services contracts. This inquiry does not guarantee any paid projects at present or in the future. Qualified vendors considered for future services will be contacted as eligible projects arise.

GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES RFI

Please note that this request for information is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee any future contracts with the City of Boston.

  • Interested in the program?

    Want to find out how you can improve the outside of your building, or your storefront signs? Want to learn more about our design services? Contact the Office of Small Business at 617-635-0355.

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