A-2 Occupancy Small Business Grants

The City of Lincoln is Offering A-2 Occupancy Small Business Grants.

Grants are available for small businesses in Lincoln that are required to install a new fire sprinkler system within their existing building and are an A2 occupancy as described in the 2018 International Fire Code that has been adopted by the City. Code section 1103.5.1 Group A-2 states: Where alcoholic beverages are consumed in a Group A-2 occupancy having an occupant load of 300 or more, the fire area containing the Group A-2 occupancy shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. In addition, these occupancies are also required to be equipped with a current approved fire alarm system in accordance with the 2012 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code

Building owners may also apply for this grant but only one grant will be awarded per address. Grant payments will be remitted to the party that applied for the grant. In the event the party applying for the grant does not own or occupy the building at the time of disbursement of grant proceeds, the party that applied for the grant may assign its interest in the grant to the current business or building owner. The City reserves the exclusive right to determine the appropriate party to receive any grant proceeds.

A total of $450,000 will be made available for small businesses that meet the above qualifications as an A-2 occupancy. Small businesses may apply for up to $75,000 for reimbursement for the cost of installing fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems. Grants will be paid after the approved installation of the fire sprinkler and alarm systems.

Grant awards will be made on a first come, first served basis. Funds are available from the American Rescue Plan and small businesses must meet Federal requirements. Fraudulent documentation or activity will not be tolerated and will be subject to relevant legal actions and consequences.

Program Purpose

The purpose of this program is to provide funding to ensure that fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems are installed and in working order for the safety of business owners and the public.

Grant Program Benefits

Qualifying small businesses may receive up to $75,000 to help fund new installations of fire sprinkler and fire alarms systems. Fire sprinkler and fire alarms systems must be installed and approved by the Building and Safety Department prior to receiving the grant payment.

Eligibility Requirements

Businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Businesses must be for-profit or a non-profit located in a Qualified Census Tract.
• Applicants must have a physical location doing business in the City of Lincoln.
• Businesses must submit a bid, obtained within the last 60 days, from a licensed contractor for the installation of sprinkler and fire alarms systems.
• Businesses must have been in operation prior to February 29, 2020.
• Businesses must provide all necessary documentation.

How to Apply

The application period was from December 15, 2023 through March 29, 2024.