Commercial Corridor Property Revitalization Program - Round 2

Now closed.

 

The City of Rockford’s Commercial Corridor Property Revitalization Program offers forgivable loans to business and property owners who make investment in commercial and industrial spaces in specific corridors in Rockford.  The Program offers to cover 75% of project costs up to $25,000 to assist property owners and/or tenants make building improvements.  Ideal projects add value, extend the longevity of the qualifying properties, and make substantial or aesthetic improvements to the property.  Deferred maintenance and improvements to become code compliant are allowed. Each of the identified corridors has a designated $125,000 in funds available on a first-come first-serve basis (for approved projects) through the duration of the Program. Review the Commercial Corridor Property Revitalization Program Summary for full information.

Eligible Corridors:

  • Harrison Ave Corridor – Rock River to S Alpine 
  • N Main St Corridor – Brown Ave to Campus Hill Blvd
  • Rockton Ave Corridor – Van Wie Ave to W Riverside Blvd
  • S Alpine Corridor – Larson Ave to Bypass 20
  • S Main St Corridor – Kent St to Marchesano Dr*                                                                                                                                                                Eligible properties must sit on the primary street, be between the identified cross streets/markers, zoned commercial or industrial, and not be located within a TIF District.                                                          
    *S Main St Corridor- the TIF District location requirement does not apply.

Program Flyer and Map

Applicants

Eligible Applicants Include:

  • For-profit businesses (established by October 1, 2025 documented through registration by the State or County) legally established and operating within the City of Rockford’s municipal boundaries in one of the designated corridors.
  • Property owners within one of the designated corridors (location zoned commercial or industrial).

Funds

  • The matching funds are provided by the City of Rockford as a five-year forgivable loan (a percentage of the loan will be forgiven each year documented on a promissory note).
  • Once the entire Project is completed, the Applicant will provide to the City documentation of the paid invoices and the City will reimburse the appropriate pro rata portion based off of the agreement.  

Application Assistance: Applicants who need technical assistance with the application can contact Francisca French (contact information below).

Francisca French, Economic Development Diversity and Procurement Coordinator | Francisca.French@RockfordIL.Gov | 779-348-7419 (office) | 779-207-2178 (cell))

Program Questions: Email EconomicDevelopment@RockfordIL.gov or call 779-348-7162.