The City of St. Charles has expanded its Business Improvement Grant (BIG) program to strengthen the local business environment, foster economic growth, and promote accessibility and fire safety improvements – including fire sprinklers and fire alarms.

Originally launched in 2013, the BIG program is a 50/50 cost-matching initiative designed to assist business owners with essential upgrades to their commercial spaces. In response to rising inflation and increasing construction costs, City Council recently approved program updates, raising the maximum grant amounts from $25,000 to $30,000. The updated program now offers up to $15,000 in matching funds for general building improvements and up to an additional $15,000 specifically for ADA accessibility upgrades.

“The BIG Program was developed in 2013 to attract and retain businesses in the area,” explained Economic Development Director Derek Conley. “Although the program has seen several successful years, rising inflation has significantly increased the cost of necessary upgrades. By adjusting to current economic conditions, the revised grant program continues to deliver impactful support to local businesses.”

Eligible businesses located within the downtown zoning districts can apply for grant reimbursements related to the installation or upgrade of fire sprinkler systems (including water service improvements), fire alarm systems, electrical upgrades, HVAC improvements, facade enhancements, accessibility upgrades, and installation of elevators or lifts.

“Installing or upgrading commercial fire sprinkler systems can be a significant upfront investment for business owners looking to move to a new space or expand their business,” stated Conley. “Through the BIG program, the city helps offset these costs and encourages safer, code-compliant improvements.”

Applicants must schedule a Building Assessment & Safety Evaluation (BASE) visit, where representatives from the Building & Code Enforcement Division and Fire Department inspect the site and provide recommendations to ensure fire and building code compliance.

Beyond individual projects, the BIG program helps preserve the historic and architectural character of St. Charles while supporting local entrepreneurship. By easing the financial burden of structural improvements, the program encourages investment in the downtown core and key commercial corridors, boosting the vitality and inclusiveness of the entire community.

In 2023 and 2024, the City of St. Charles awarded 12 grants totaling approximately $130,000. With the increased funding allocation—rising from $50,000 to $120,000 annually—the program is positioned to support even more businesses in the years ahead.

View more information about the BIG program at https://econdev.stcharlesil.gov/Incentive-Programs

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