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October 6, 2025

Bath launches grant program to fill empty storefronts

Downtown Bath Photo / Renee Cordes Bath Development Corp. is launching a grant program to help fill empty storefronts in the midcoast city.
By Renee Cordes

To fill empty storefronts in downtown Bath and other neighborhoods, the city is offering matching grants of up to $12,500 to businesses that open or expand a brick-and-mortar location in the midcoast community.

Launched by the nonprofit Bath Development Corp., the Business Fit Up Grant Program aims to offer funding for projects including interior renovations, accessibility upgrades, equipment purchases, or even connecting utilities.

“This program is about investing in Bath’s future,” said Mandy Reynolds, who chairs Bath Development. “It creates opportunities for entrepreneurs, adds dining and retail choices for residents, and helps our downtown stay vibrant and welcoming.”

With $50,000 available in the first funding round, the program is designed to lower barriers for businesses that are ready to grow but face high up-front costs. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to projects that bring year-round activity to Bath and transform underused spaces into thriving storefronts. 

Misty Parker, Bath's director of economic and community development, told Mainebiz that the city aims to support four to five new businesses in the first round. Should interest be high, the city may consider a second round, she said.

"We have roughly eight to 10 vacant spaces along Congress Avenue, then another half dozen vacant spaces in the downtown that could benefit," she noted. "However, several of those spaces are currently negotiating leases."

Cory King, executive director of the Bath Brunswick Topsham Regional Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the initiative.

“At the chamber, we applaud when any of our municipalities can help assist entrepreneurs as they grow and expand,” he said. “There are so many pressures on business owners that this type of 1-to-1 matching grants for infrastructure support can make a huge difference in making a business owner’s dream a reality.”

The lowdown 

Businesses interested in applying should submit an application package including a project description, budget and business plan.

Funds are reimbursed after approved expenses are completed, with projects required to finish within six months of approval.

More information about the program, including application materials and deadlines are available from Misty Parker, director of economic and community development. 

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