b"St. Charles Expands Business Improvement Grant Program to Support Fire SafetyThe City of St. Charles has expanded its Business Improvement Grant (BIG) program to strengthen the local business environment, foster economic growth, and promote accessibility andre safety improvementsincludingre sprinklers andre 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 ofre sprinkler systems (including water service improvements),re alarm systems, electrical upgrades, HVAC improvements, facade enhancements, accessibility upgrades, and installation of elevators or lifts.Installing or upgrading commercialre sprinkler systems can be a signi 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 thenancial 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|708-403-44682025, Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board. All rights reserved. A not-for-pro t organization.NIFSAB-AD25-St-Charles-Grant_8'5x11_v2.indd 1 8/21/25 5:22PM"