The Old Route 66 Association of Texas is excited to announce a Texas 66 small Business Beautification Matching Micro Grant Program to support and enhance the appearance of businesses along Historic Route 66 in Texas.

This program is designed to help Route 66 businesses improve their exterior appearance, strengthen curb appeal, and celebrate the character and heritage of the Mother Road.

💰 Grant Details

  • Grant Amount: Up to $500

  • Grant Type: Dollar-for-dollar matching grant

  • Use of Funds: Exterior beautification projects only

  • Reimbursement-based: Funds are reimbursed after project completion with receipts

🏪 Who Can Apply

  • Businesses must be physically located on Historic Route 66 in Texas

  • Must be a brick-and-mortar business

  • Business membership in the Old Route 66 Association of Texas is preferred but not required

  • Applicants must own the property or have written permission from the property owner

  • Businesses must be in good standing with local, state, and federal regulations

🎨 Eligible Improvements

Grant funds may be used for exterior improvements such as:

  • Exterior paint, murals, or façade enhancements

  • Signage restoration or improvements

  • Lighting (including decorative or neon lighting)

  • Landscaping, planters, or streetscape enhancements

  • Repairs or upgrades visible from the street

All improvements must be visible from the public right-of-way and contribute to the Route 66 experience.

📋 Additional Program Requirements

  • Applicant must provide matching funds equal to the grant amount requested

  • Project must be completed within the program’s designated timeframe

  • Funds may not be used for interior work, routine maintenance, payroll, inventory, or operating expenses

  • Grant recipients must provide before-and-after photos

  • Recipients agree to acknowledge the Old Route 66 Association of Texas in promotional materials

⭐ Why Apply?

This grant program is part of the Association’s ongoing mission to preserve, promote, and enhance Historic Route 66 in Texas—one business, one town, and one improvement at a time.

📅Click the link below for application. Applications must be received by April 30 2026 by email or mail.

Texas 66 Small Business Beautification Matching Micro Grant Program

Click Here To Download & Print Grant Application!

Partner With Us to Strengthen Texas Route 66

The Old Route 66 Association of Texas is proud to launch our new Texas 66 Small Business Beautification Grant Program, an initiative designed to invest directly in the small businesses that define the Texas stretch of the Mother Road.

While this program begins with modest micro-grants, its potential impact on our Route 66 communities is significant.

Small businesses along Route 66 are more than just storefronts — they are the economic and cultural anchors of our towns. Travelers stop in our communities because of these unique places: cafés, motels, gift shops, service stations, and historic roadside attractions. When these businesses look inviting, well-maintained, and full of character, it strengthens the entire Route 66 travel experience.

Investments in beautification and preservation have a ripple effect:

• Improved curb appeal attracts more travelers to stop and spend money locally
• Stronger visitor experiences increase tourism traffic through our communities
• Local pride and community engagement grow when businesses and historic properties are cared for
• Tourism dollars circulate through restaurants, lodging, fuel stops, and retail businesses
• Historic preservation helps maintain the authenticity that makes Route 66 one of the world’s most famous highways

Simply put, when Route 66 businesses thrive, our communities thrive.

Because of this, we invite business sponsors, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, and tourism offices to partner with us in supporting and expanding this initiative.

By working together, we can grow this program into a powerful tool that helps:

• Strengthen tourism economies along Texas Route 66
• Preserve the historic character of the Mother Road
• Encourage investment in local small businesses
• Increase visitor engagement during the Route 66 Centennial and beyond

Organizations interested in helping support or expand the Texas 66 Small Business Beautification Grant Program are encouraged to contact the Old Route 66 Association of Texas to discuss partnership opportunities. Info@rt66oftexas.com

Together we can ensure that Texas Route 66 continues to thrive for the next 100 years.