The following are the procedures followed for the Business Assistance Program.
1. Business applicants or property owners must complete and submit a current BAP application to the DDA office, located on the lower level of City Hall, 215 W. Main Street, Northville, MI 48167. The application must be submitted by 4 p.m. on April 30, 2010. (Applications must be received, approved, and the contract signed before any work on the project begins.) Proof of ownership and paid taxes are required with a non-refundable $25 application fee. Design plans for the proposed improvements must be submitted with the application. Bids for the proposed work must be submitted with the application. Per the City's Purchasing Ordinance, if the work to be performed exceeds $5,000 (per property address), three bids are required. At a minimum, a detailed description of the work to be completed along with building photos (digital photos preferred), showing the areas where work will be done, must be submitted.
2. The business or property owner will then meet with the DDA Director to discuss the scope of the project. The scope of the project may require the services of a licensed architect.
3. The applications will then be presented to the BAP Advisory Committee for review. The BAP Advisory Committee will then make a recommendation to the DDA Board of Directors on which projects should receive funding and the extent of funding.
4. The DDA Board of Directors will meet to consider the BAP Advisory Committee's recommendation.
5. City Council will meet to consider the DDA Board of Directors' recommendation.
6. All properties eligible for the grant program are within the boundaries of the Historic District. Therefore, all projects must go before the Historic District Commission (HDC) for review and approval. You may go before the HDC any time prior to receiving an award. Please contact the Building Department to be added to the HDC agenda. In addition, any subsequent changes to the design must be reviewed and approved by the HDC.
7. Once the applicant's project is approved by the DDA Board of Directors and City Council, the applicant and the DDA will enter into the grant contract.
8. Applicant will oversee construction work in consultation with the architect, if applicable.
9. The applicant has one year to complete the approved project.
10. Upon satisfactory completion of all projects funded during this cycle, applicant will schedule an onsite visit with the DDA Director to confirm satisfactory completion of the job. The applicant will then submit paid bills, contractor receipts, cancelled checks or proof of payment satisfactory to the DDA. The DDA Director will then prepare a check for payment of the matching grant. Property taxes and other City accounts must be current before reimbursement will be made. Business owners must also have a valid Business License in the City of Northville before reimbursement will be made. | 
