Business License Reserve Fund
**Applications are due 5:00 pm Friday November 14th.**
Purpose
The purpose of the Business License Reserve Fund is to promote business activities that support core development, tourism, general economic development, and prevention of blight. The City reserves 18% of its business license revenue for reinvestment into programs that benefit Richland businesses. The program awards funding to eligible organizations annually for projects to be completed for or within Richland in the award year.Eligibility
Eligible entities for funding include the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, Visit Tri-Cities, City Business Improvement Districts (Uptown BID and Downtown BID - The Parkway), Richland Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Council of Washington and SCORE of the Mid-Columbia.
Other individuals and organizations deemed eligible by the Economic Development Committee may apply for funds with a specific program.
Program Guidelines and Application
Reimbursement Requests
Grant recipients may submit reimbursement requests anytime during the award year, but must be submit final payment requests no later than December 31st of the award year.
Click here for the Reimbursement Request Form
Additional qualifications and requirements are detailed within the application, and in RMC 5.04.385-386.
FAQs
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What is Business License Reserve?
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When is the application period?
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Do BLRF Funds come from taxes?
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What can the funds be used for?
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Who decides how the money is spent?
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When was the fund established?
2024 Awards
- Commercial Façade Improvement Program - $66,580 in matching funds to reduce blight and defray the cost of façade, and energy efficiency improvements to the exterior of Richland businesses. Businesses may qualify for up to $20,000 per project.
- Business District Revitalization - $10,000 to support renewal and revitalization projects in the Uptown and Downtown (Parkway) Business Improvement Districts.
- Uptown Business Improvement District - $20,700 to support events and marketing for the business district.
- Visit Tri-Cities in partnership with WSU - $10,000 to provide scholarships for Richland businesses and employees of Richland based businesses for the Workforce Development Certificate program.
- Downtown Business Improvement District - $12,700 to support marketing and maintenance projects in the district.