Eligible applicants include:

• Commercial property owners; and
• Business tenants, with property owner consent

Applicants must:

• Be located within an eligible corridor
• Be in good standing with the City of New Orleans
• Have no outstanding taxes, liens, or municipal debts
• Be in good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State
• Not be debarred from receiving federal assistance

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through NORA’s online application portal. Paper applications are not available and will not be accepted.

Hold for link

Applicants are encouraged to review all program requirements prior to submission to ensure eligibility and completeness.

Important Application Dates

• Application Opens: Monday, May 26, 2026 @ 10:00 am
• Application Closes: Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 4:00 pm

Applications must be submitted by the deadline to be considered. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application that includes the following:

• Project description outlining proposed improvements
• Clear color photographs of existing façade
• Proof of property ownership, or an executed Owner Consent Form (if applicant is tenant)
• Documentation confirming the property is located within an eligible corridor

Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.

Application Review & Selection

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Existing property conditions
• Design quality and feasibility
• Project readiness, including ability to proceed in a timely manner
• Financial ability to fund required match

Project Readiness Requirements (Post-Selection)

Applicants selected for funding will be required to complete the following prior to construction:

• Work with a NORA-designated architect to create project design
• Obtain two detailed construction estimates from licensed contractors
• Provide proof of funds for required match (i.e. loans, capital on hand, equity verification, or credit lines)
• Complete all required environmental and regulatory reviews

Design Requirements

• All improvements must follow HDLC Commercial Design Guidelines.
• Signage must follow zoning standards and the relevant master plan.

Design Requirements

Environmental Review

• NORA conducts a HUD‑compliant environmental review on the project site.
• No work may begin until clearance is issued.

This is a cost‑reimbursement program:

• Participants incur eligible project costs
• Submit reimbursement requests with supporting documentation including itemized invoices.
• NORA verifies completed work through inspection
• Approved costs are reimbursed

Post Project Compliance

The compliance period is a minimum of five years for all completed projects. During this time, participants must adhere to the following requirements:

• All funded improvements must be maintained in good condition
• Project location must remain operational and in active use consistent with the approved project scope

For properties with vacant ground‑floor spaces. The following additional requirements apply:

• Space must be occupied by a commercial tenant within 12 months of project completion.
• Within six months of grant agreement execution, property must reach occupant‑ready status and receive a Certificate of Occupancy.
• If requirements are not met, recipient must reimburse NORA 10% of disbursed grant funds.