Downtown Development Launches Activate Downtown Grant Program
"Activate Downtown: Turning Vacant Spaces into Thriving Places" was launched as a new grant program by the Downtown Development District (DDD), designed to help property owners and small businesses activate commercial spaces that were vacant for a long period of time.
Covering up to 50 percent of eligible tenant building costs, this program will provide awards of up to $20,000 per project, where applications will be accepted from now until October 15, 2026, with grant recipients being announced on November 2, 2026.
"Activate Downtown will reduce one of the biggest barriers to opening a brick-and-mortar business," Seth Knudesen, president and CEO of DDD, said in a press release. "The program will make it easier for entrepreneurs to invest in Downtown while creating more active, welcoming streets and expanding commerce for residents, workers, and visitors." He added this advancement will allow the downtown area to become more cleaner, safer, and stronger.
This program addresses the upfront cost of preparing a vacant commercial space for a new tenant, which is one of the most common challenges that entrepreneurs face today.
DDD Grant Program Eligibility Requirements
Projects that are eligible include interior build-outs, accessibility improvements, storefront renovations, lighting, signage, security enhancements, and essential building system upgrades necessary for new commercial occupancy. Additionally, projects that activate long-vacant ground-floor storefronts; generate new occupancy, new retail activity, or a meaningful expansion of an existing business location; supports locally-owned, independent, or small businesses; fill visible public-facing spaces that contribute to street life, pedestrian activity, and natural surveillance; and provide public assistance to fill a project financing gap will be prioritized.
Projects must involve a ground-floor space within the DDD, meaning that the space has been vacant for at least one year and is being proposed for a new business occupancy. Property owners and business tenants may apply if they meet all of the program's requirements.
Following all project completion, opportunities for small businesses and creating more engaging spaces for residents, employees, and visitors are expected to strengthen Downtown's commercial corridors activity.
Applications and complete program guidelines will be available on their website. Those interested can submit a complete application to stronger@downtownnola.com.
About Downtown Development District
Serving as the nation's first assessment-based Business Improvement District, DDD was created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1974 (LA Rev Stat § 33:2740.3) to enhance economic development and public spaces in the Downtown New Orleans area. For more information, visit their website.
