Program Info
We at the AABA strongly support the businesses to better serve the needs of the neighborhood. To improve the condition and position of our member businesses, we offer advertising and marketing programs, business assistance programs and have our full-time staff ready to take a call or e-mail to help address a specific need of one of our member merchants.
We also offer assistance to open a new or move an existing business to our district. Our staff is ready to help you write a business plan, find a location on Adams Avenue or determine the best financial support through our many business support partners.
The AABA believes in supporting the merchants of Adams Avenue to maintain and enhance the unique nature of the Adams Avenue experience through all of the programs we offer. Please review the programs here and contact our staff to find out more about how the AABA can help your business grow or become a part of the Adams Avenue Experience.
Storefront Improvement Program
The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) was created in 1986, and is designed to enhance and revitalize commercial neighborhoods throughout the City of San Diego. As part of a comprehensive approach to small business assistance and neighborhood revitalization, the City of San Diego will rebate small businesses or property owners as an incentive to improve their storefronts consistent with design standards for their commercial areas.
The Storefront Improvement Program offers a business owner or property owner a rebate of 1/3 of the project cost up to $5,000. The Project must be to the façade of the building and include at least 2 types of improvements including but not limited to awnings, paint, windows, doors tile etc.
This is the best return you can find for an investment in your business or property. Where else can you get a 30% return immediately after completing a project? This does not even factor in the added value to the building and the community, indeed a great return on your money.
The AABA staff can be very helpful to streamline the entire process with you. For more information and assistance, please contact the AABA office or call the Store Front Improvement Program manager, Alissa Gabriel at (619) 236-6460.
City of San Diego Storefront Improvement Program
Public Right of Way Enhancement Program (PROW)
The purpose of the Public Right of Way Enhancement Program is to raise the businesses visibility by allowing and encouraging the use of the sidewalks. Without this program, no items are allowed to be in the sidewalk.
The AABA and other similar organizations worked to get this program approved by the City of San Diego. With this approval, the AABA and other Business Improvement Districts can issue permits for these items as long as the items are placed within the guidelines set out by the City.
The PROW allows three types of sidewalk displays:
- freestanding (A-frame) signs,
- outdoor merchandise display areas,
- outdoor dining areas.
It is not the intent of the PROW Enhancement/ Use Program to set aside existing or future City, State, or Federal regulations regarding public health, safety and accessibility in the public right-of-way. Note: Only those businesses fronting on the public right-of-way and located on the first floor may participate in the program.
