Atlantic Avenue Grant Program

The Atlantic Avenue Grant Program (AAG) is administered by the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development, a municipal entity responsible for fostering economic vitality, investment, and job creation within the city. The program is specifically targeted at enhancing the visual and economic appeal of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort Area by supporting exterior improvements to commercial properties along Atlantic Avenue between 2nd and 40th Streets. The initiative reflects a place-based economic development strategy aimed at strengthening tourism, business retention, and overall district attractiveness. The primary purpose of the AAG program is to incentivize property owners and tenants to invest in high-quality exterior improvements that contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing streetscape. Funding is structured as a reimbursement-based matching grant, covering 50 percent of eligible project costs. Applicants may request funding ranging from 5000 to 25000 dollars, with the requirement that they match the awarded amount with their own capital investment. Eligible improvements must be capital in nature and produce a visible, demonstrable enhancement to the exterior of the property, including facade upgrades, landscaping, signage, lighting, outdoor dining spaces, and similar improvements. The scope of allowable expenditures is strictly limited to exterior improvements that are visible from the Atlantic Avenue right of way. Projects must comply with applicable zoning regulations, building codes, and Oceanfront design guidelines. Ineligible expenses include routine maintenance, indoor renovations, movable furnishings, and consumable supplies. Additionally, improvements cannot be made on building frontages facing the oceanfront boardwalk. All proposed work must not have commenced prior to application submission, reinforcing the program’s focus on new capital investment. Eligibility for the program includes both property owners and tenants with frontage along the designated corridor. Applicants must be in full compliance with all City of Virginia Beach licensing requirements, fees, and tax obligations at the time of application. Tenants are required to provide a signed authorization letter from the property owner approving both the application and the proposed improvements. The program ensures that all participants meet regulatory and financial standing requirements before funding consideration. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline, and funding is awarded on a competitive first come, first served basis until annual program funds are depleted. Applications are evaluated based on completeness, applicant eligibility, and the eligibility and impact of proposed improvements. A Grant Review Committee conducts an initial ranking and evaluation, after which recommendations are forwarded to the Virginia Beach Development Authority for final approval. This structured review process ensures accountability and alignment with program goals. The grant is performance-based, meaning that reimbursement occurs only after the successful completion and verification of approved improvements. Applicants must complete all project work within twelve months of the award date and submit invoices and proof of payment. A final inspection is conducted prior to disbursement to confirm compliance with the approved project scope. Grant payments are issued as a single reimbursement check, reinforcing fiscal accountability and project completion requirements. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application package that includes a completed W-9 form, detailed project descriptions with visual documentation such as drawings or photographs, and third party cost estimates covering all aspects of the project. Contractors involved must be licensed, bonded, and insured. Contact for the program is available through the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development, with a designated program representative providing direct phone and email support. The program operates continuously within each fiscal year until funds are exhausted, with no formal recurring cycle explicitly defined.

Ensure all materials are complete and clearly demonstrate visible exterior impact; provide detailed and accurate cost estimates; confirm compliance with zoning and design guidelines early in planning