Business Grants and Funding Opportunities

Building Improvement and Structural Grant

This program is in place to help you commit to renovate, restore, and update your commercial building and/or vacant property.

What you need to know:

• Applications for 2020 are closed as all funds have been awarded

• This is a matched-cash program up to $20,000 per grant

• A maximum of $20,000 awarded annually

• Funding can be given to one applicant or split among many

• Intake is done quarterly and all applications are evaluated based on a scoring matrix

If you think this program could help you improve your building, review the complete program guidelines and apply today!

Apply Now!

Community Energy Efficiency Grant

This grant helps you financially and makes you feel good because you're helping the environment while improving your property's energy efficiency and conservation.

What you need to know:

• This is a matched-cash program up to $3,000 per grant

• One application per property will be accepted

Eligible improvements include:

• Construction of new “green” buildings that meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification standards

• Retrofits to improve efficiency and conservation like lighting, doors, windows, insulation, heating, etc.

• Alternative energy sources like rooftop solar panels

Make sure you review the complete program guidelines before applying.

Apply Now!

Façade Improvement Grant

You know that old saying about “first impressions”? It extends to your storefront! Our Façade Improvement Grant is one we collaborate with Spruce the Bruce on for part of the season, which means you have even more access to funds for your business.

Spruce the Bruce

• Check first to see if the Spruce the Bruce program is running. It is typically open from spring through to fall.

• If the program is open, apply directly to Spruce the Bruce and they will let us know about your application (this way you aren't doubling-up on work!)

What you need to know:

• This is a matched-cash program up to $3,000 for projects under $10,000 and up to $4,000 for projects over $10,000

• Spruce the Bruce does not fund free-standing signs, but we will consider them

• Sign and façade designs must follow the Lucknow Community Toolkit or the Ripley Community Toolkit if your property is in either one of their CIP areas

• If the Spruce the Bruce program is not running, you can apply directly to us for funding year-round

If you need help navigating these programs, please contact us and make sure you're reviewing the complete program guidelines before applying.

Apply Now!

Infrastructure Works and Accessibility Grant

Designed to support the development, redevelopment, construction, or re-construction of a property, the Infrastructure Works and Accessibility Grant is tailor-made for BIG projects.

What you need to know:

• This is a Tax Increment Equivalent Grant program (TIEG)

• Successful applicants are provided with tax assistance equal to, or all of, the property tax increase based on the reassessed value once the project is completed

• The grant is awarded in annual installments over 5 years up to a maximum of $15,000 per property

• The project must result in a minimum $100,000 increase in the assessed value of the property

• Applications must be pre-approved prior to the project starting

• A building permit is required

• One application per property

Eligible projects include:

• Substantial development, redevelopment, construction, or reconstruction of commercial, industrial and mixed-use buildings/properties

• Remediation to bring an existing building up to current Ontario Building Code standards

• Accessibility enhancements for wheelchair accessible entrances and ramps

• Development or redevelopment of a vacant property

• Adaptive reuse of a property to suit a new commercial, retail, office, industrial or mixed use

The value of this grant varies depending on the investment made. For example, improvements resulting in a $100,000 increase in your assessment value would receive a grant of $777 per year (based on 2020 figures).

If you need help navigating these programs, please contact us and make sure you're reviewing the complete program guidelines before applying.

Apply Now!

Marketing Grant

You have a great business, so make sure your image promotes that! Our Marketing Grant allows you to hire an approved graphic designer or brand consultant to help develop your image.

What you need to know:

• This is a matched-cash program up to $2,500 per grant

• Graphic Designers or Brand Consultants must be pre-approved by our Downtown Improvement Grant Committee

Eligible projects include:

• Brand consultation and development including style guide development

• Logo development

• Branded stationary and promotional items

• Paid advertising

• Product development

• Marketing training for things like social media, search engine optimization, etc.

• Other graphic design services

Get your business image polished by reviewing the complete program guidelines and applying today.

Apply Now!

Storefront Signage and Awning Grant

This is another of our collaborative offerings with Spruce the Bruce, giving you the opportunity to restore or purchase new signs and/or awnings for your storefront.

Spruce the Bruce

• Check first to see if the Spruce the Bruce program is running. It is typically open from spring through to fall.

• If the program is open, apply directly to Spruce the Bruce and they will let us know about your application (this way you aren't doubling-up on work!)

What you need to know:

• This is a matched-cash program up to $1,000 per grant

• Spruce the Bruce does not fund free-standing signs, but we will consider them

• Sign and façade designs must follow the Lucknow Community Toolkit or the Ripley Community Toolkit if your property is in either one of their CIP areas

• If the Spruce the Bruce program is not running, you can apply directly to us for funding year-round

Get your store front looking amazing today by reviewing the complete program guidelines and applying today.

Apply Now!