The City of Amarillo is reopening its Business Improvement Grant (BIG) program on Monday, November 3, with a broader reach that now includes a notable piece of the city’s heritage — the iconic Route 66 corridor.
The BIG program is designed to support local business owners and commercial property tenants who want to improve the exterior appearance of their buildings. Through the program, participants can receive financial assistance and professional design guidance to restore storefronts, enhance curb appeal, and contribute to the overall revitalization of Amarillo neighborhoods.
Applications for this funding round will be accepted from November 3 through December 11.
Under the program, eligible businesses may receive a matching grant covering up to 50 percent of total project costs, with a maximum match of $20,000 for projects costing $40,000 or more. The grant continues to focus on key Amarillo neighborhoods, including the Barrio, Eastridge, North Heights, and San Jacinto communities, along with designated Neighborhood Empowerment Zone corridors.
A notable change this year is the inclusion of businesses located along Route 66 within city limits. These properties may qualify for increased matching funds if improvements are completed by June 2026 — a strategic deadline set ahead of the Route 66 Centennial Celebration. The city said the goal is to help transform and highlight the historic roadway as travelers and tourists prepare to commemorate the 100-year milestone.
Along Route 66, grant matching requirements are lower, and project timelines are shorter to encourage faster development.
Once the application window closes on December 11, city staff will review all proposals, with grant recipients expected to be announced by the end of the year.
Past participants in the BIG program include local favorites such as Old Tascosa Brewing Company and La Frontera restaurant — both of which used the grant to restore and refresh their buildings while contributing to neighborhood revitalization.
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