GRANTS
The Business Improvement District (BID) is committed to fostering growth and revitalization in downtown Helena through various grant opportunities. Our grant programs are designed to support local businesses, beautify public spaces, and enhance community engagement in our historic downtown. Explore our available grants below.
New Business Development Grant
The New Business Development Grant is designed to encourage and support new businesses opening in the downtown district. This grant provides financial assistance for start-up costs, helping new ventures establish a strong foundation in our community.
Applications Due: 12th of every month (Rolling Grant)
BID Economic Vitality Committee considers for recommendation (third Wednesday of that same month)
BID Board votes: 2nd Tuesday of the next month
Notification of application status will be made by the second Friday of every month.
Past Recipient, Gulch Distillers
New & Established Event Grants
Community events play a crucial role in attracting people who shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment in the downtown area.
To support a wide range of events, BID offers two event grants: a New Event Grant for events in their early stages (1–3 years), and an Established Event Grant for events that have been occurring for more than three years. Both grants offer up to $1,000 to help events thrive and contribute to a year-round schedule of activities in Downtown Helena.
Note: This grant is broken into two (New and Established) to help make sure that new events get an opportunity. However, both grants follow the same two deadlines: September 14th & March 15th.
For questions, email manager@helenabid.com
Past Recipient, Tuesdays at the Trolley
Façade Grant
The Helena Business Improvement District (BID) Façade Grant is designed to promote the improvement of commercial and multi-use properties in the BID district by helping property
owners upgrade, rehabilitate, and preserve the facades of eligible structures. The program provides matching grant funds up to $5,000 or one half of project cost, whichever is less.
All grant applications must be received by March 1, 2027.
