ReStore Boston

There are 5 main steps in the ReStore process. Please read the ReStore User Guide  for more information.

1. Application: This is the first step!
2. Verification: You will meet with team members from the Office of Small Business, including ReStore staff and a Neighborhood Business Manager, to discuss your business’s health and future goals. We must verify your business’s information before you can be formally accepted into the program. During this step, we will also discuss your vision for the storefront.
3. Design Services: We will connect you with an architect or designers who will assist you with the design of your new signage or facade.
4. Contractor Selection: You are responsible for engaging a contractor to execute the vision with help from the Office of Small Business. The contractor will apply for all the necessary permits and identify any City departments that need to review the project.
5. Fabrication: The contractor will execute the plans for the new sign and/or facade of the store.

1. You will directly pay the contractor. It is your responsibility to pay the contractor when the balance is due.
2. You will invoice the City.
3. The City of Boston will reimburse you for 50-90% of the total cost, up to $200,000 (award amount) for facades, and up to $8,000 (award amount) for signage. It typically takes between 3-6 weeks to receive your reimbursement.

• Signage: projects completed within 5-9 months of application approval
• Facade: projects completed within 6-18 months of application approval

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

We have a dedicated Design Services unit and you’ll get help improving your storefront and signage.

To apply for the ReStore Boston program, your business must meet the minimum requirements listed below. 

• Your business must be a for-profit business, not a non-profit. 
• Your business must have a physical storefront. 
  
  You must have at least 3 years remaining on your lease and permission from your landlord to make the improvements.
• You must have funds available to cover your portion of the total cost.
• You must be in good financial standing with the City of Boston and cannot have outstanding bills with the Assessing Department, Boston Water and Sewer Commission, Public Works, or Inspectional Services. 
• Your storefront cannot be in disrepair caused by negligence.
• Your storefront cannot have solid roll down grates or backlit plastic-shield signboxes. However, the City of Boston will help pay for solid grates to be removed if you are selected for ReStore Boston and agree to remove them.

Please note: a majority of the grants for this program are for low-moderate income areas—this is a designation set by the federal government.  The Office of Small Business will determine if your business meets low-moderate income certification after we receive your complete application.

Here is a checklist of things to do before you apply for funding through the ReStore program

1. Obtain a Vendor ID number through the City of Boston Supplier Portal. A vendor ID is a number granted by the City of Boston that allows businesses to bid on contracts and receive reimbursements.
2. Locate your Employer Identification Number (EIN) provided by the IRS. An EIN is a tax identification number. You can find it listed on your previously filed tax returns; you can also call the IRS.
3. Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) at SAM.gov. A UEI is an ID number given to a business by the federal government that is used when determining the eligibility for grants and assistance.
4. Complete a Property Affidavit form. A Property Affidavit is a legal document that demonstrates ownership of a property and outstanding debts.
5. Take photos of your storefront that clearly display your existing signage and entire facade.
6. Obtain written permission from your landlord, if applicable.
7. Obtain a copy of your lease that shows at least 3 years remaining on the lease, if applicable.

1. Read the User Guide: review all the information in the ReStore User Guide before you begin.
2. Review the Application Deadlines: There are 5 application deadlines throughout the year. Your completed application must be submitted by these deadlines (Jan 1st, April 1s, May 15th, Sept 1st, Nov 1st). You will receive a response within a month of the deadline closing.
3. Apply online by completing the application form and attaching the necessary documents. You should budget 1 hour to complete the application.

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.