© 2025, Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board. All rights reserved. A not-for-profi t organization.
The City of St. Charles has expanded its Business 
Improvement Grant (BIG) program to strengthen the local 
business environment, foster economic growth, and promote 
accessibility and fi re safety improvements – including fi re 
sprinklers and fi re alarms.
Eligible businesses located within the downtown zoning 
districts can apply for 50/50 cost-matching grant 
reimbursements up to $30,000 related to the installation 
or upgrade of fi re sprinkler systems (including water service 
improvements), fi re alarm systems, electrical upgrades, HVAC 
improvements, facade enhancements, accessibility upgrades, 
and installation of elevators or lifts.
“Installing or upgrading commercial fi re sprinkler systems 
can be a signifi cant upfront investment for business owners 
looking to move to a new space or expand their business,” 
stated Conley. “Through the BIG program, the city helps 
offset these costs and encourages safer, code-compliant 
improvements.”
Beyond individual projects, the BIG program helps preserve 
the historic and architectural character of St. Charles while 
supporting local entrepreneurship. By easing the fi nancial 
burden of structural improvements, the program encourages 
investment in the downtown core and key commercial cor-
ridors, boosting the vitality and inclusiveness of the entire 
community.
For more information about the BIG program, visit 
https://econdev.stcharlesil.gov/Incentive-Programs.
FireSprinklerAssoc.org | 708-403-4468
St. Charles 
Expands Business 
Improvement Grant 
Program to Support 
Fire Safety

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