By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that the County has launched the Façade Improvement Program (FIP), a pilot economic development initiative designed to help small businesses and commercial property owners enhance the exterior appearance of their buildings within the downtown districts of Perth Amboy and New Brunswick.
By supporting strategic storefront upgrades, the program aims to deliver rapid, highly visible improvements that enhance commercial vitality, attract foot traffic, and foster long-term economic resilience throughout the County, MCPO officials say. 
According to Middlesex County officials, Perth Amboy and New Brunswick were selected based on their current façade initiatives led by their respective Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and on their demonstrated need.
Through this pilot program, the County will match each BID reimbursement award, with maximum reimbursements ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 per storefront, Middlesex County officials said. Each BID will be eligible for up to $50,000 in County funding on a biannual basis.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“Improving the look and functionality of our commercial corridors is a direct investment in economic opportunity and the long-term success of our communities,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, Chair of the Economic Development Committee.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply to your local BID:
• Businesses located within the New Brunswick Business Improvement District must first apply for and be approved through either the New Brunswick Façade Improvement Grant or the Signage/Awning Improvement Grant.
• Businesses located within the Perth Amboy Business Improvement District must first apply for and be approved through the Perth Amboy Signage and Façade Grant.
Complete a County-approved Technical Assistance course:
• Applicants are required to complete a County-approved technical assistance, training, or educational course as part of the application process.
• A list of available courses will be provided upon receipt of the application and may vary based on business needs and availability.
Submit your acknowledgment form, including your contact information and agreement to the program guidelines, Middlesex County officials said.
PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AND ELIGIBILITY
The program will be piloted by Middlesex County’s Office of Business Engagement in partnership with New Brunswick City Center and the Perth Amboy Business Improvement Corporation, both designated Business Improvement Districts, MCPO officials say. These partner organizations will manage application intake, project verification, and review of project completion.
Key program details include:
• County matched reimbursements of up to $4,000–$6,000 per storefront
• Up to $50,000 in County funding available on a biannual basis for each BID
• County reimbursement issued after project completion and BID verification
Middlesex County officials said the Façade Improvement Program aligns with Middlesex County’s commitment to supporting small businesses, fostering economic opportunity, and driving the continued revitalization of its downtowns.
For questions, please contact Carla Cefalo at carla.cefalo@co.middlesex.nj.us. For more information about Middlesex County and its initiatives, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov.