ABOUT THE GRANT In 2025, the Downtown Austin Alliance launched a Construction Impact Relief Grant (CIRG) Program to support small businesses impacted by construction. Downtown Austin is experiencing unprecedented transformation in response to its explosive growth. To maintain downtown’s vibrancy and economic stability during construction, the CIRG aims to support local storefront businesses directly affected by construction through direct funding, technical assistance, marketing support, signage and temporary installations. In it’s first cycle, the CIRG supported eight businesses representing two restaurants, two music venues, a brewery, cafe, and juice bar. Over $70,000 was distributed to these businesses with a range of uses including new sigange, social media marketers, influencers, equipment, and employee retention.
CONSTRUCTION IMPACT RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM OCTOBER 2026 IMPACT SNAPSHOT
BY THE NUMBERS
100%
Without the grant, we would have had less cash available during an already slow period and likely would have delayed or scaled back our marketing and promotions. The funding gave us the ability to carry out campaigns, improve our visibility, and reach new customers at a time when the cost of doing so would otherwise have been difficult to absorb.
- Foxy's Pub + Cedar Door
Reported stablizing revenues, with 3 reporting increased revenues
75%
Reported increased foot traffic due to the grant
100%
Reported employee retention post grant
190+
Total employees
125+
Collective years of businesses operating in the Downtown PID
GRANT RECIPIENTS
Antone’s
Foxy’s Proper Pub
201 Brazos St.
305 E. 5th St.
Business Type: Bar Funding Received: $10,000 Usage: Marketing + Advertising
Business Type: Music Venue Funding Received: $10,000 Usage: Marketing + Advertising
Central District Brewing
Happy Chicks
Business Type: Brewery Funding Received: $10,000 Usage: Business model alteration (Coffee service)
Business Type: Restaurant Funding Received: $9,900 Usage: Marketing + Advertising + Branding
417 Red River Street
Pelon’s
802 Red River St.
214 E. 6th St.
Business Type: Restaurant Funding Received: $6,900 Usage: Marketing + Advertising + Branding
Cedar Door
Revolución
Friends
Business Type: Bar + Grill Funding Received: $10,000 Usage: Marketing + Advertising
Business Type: Juice + Coffee Bar Funding Received: $6, 700 Usage: Marketing (Influencer)
Business Type: Music Venue Funding Received: $9,500 Usage: Marketing + Advertising
201 Brazos St.
207 San Jacinto Blvd.
208 E. 6th St.
PHOTO: NAYA MONTUFAR
TESTIMONIALS
“Prior to the relief grant we were noticing a 10% decrease in sales across our business as well as the street. With the enhanced marketing we were able to stabilize sales.”
- Friends Bar “We have less discretionary money these days to put towards advertising, hiring and retention.This was a very helpful resource.“
- Happy Chicks
“Without the impact relief grant, we would have scaled back design, printing, and digital ad spends. I do believe that our socials engagement and foot traffic would have seen less impact without the funds allocated to those efforts.”
- Antone's
“Without the grant, we would have likely shortened our hours open during the summer. And we would be in a financially worse position to survive the continuing construction & loss of business from less visitors.”
- Central District Brewing