For commercial buildings and businesses located or planning to locate in Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), the City offers the following grants:

Storefront Improvement Grant

This is a matching reimbursement grant for large, significant exterior renovations, up to 50% of project costs. Mid-block buildings may be eligible for up to $25,000. Corner buildings may be eligible for up to $50,000. Projects which have begun construction prior to being approved and entering into a Reimbursement Agreement are not eligible for grant funding. 

  • Next application intake periods in 2023 are February 1-28, April 1-30 and September 1-30.
  • Please note that the design principles have been updated to include energy efficiency and climate resiliency.  
  • Applications submitted outside an application period will not be accepted. Please note that application periods may be cancelled if all funding is allocated during a prior application period.
  • Storefront Improvement Program Guide 
  • Storefront Improvement Application Form

Storefront Refresh Grant

This is a matching reimbursement grant for small exterior renovations, up to a maximum of $1000 per building. 

Interior Building Improvement Grant

This is a matching reimbursement grant for interior renovations, up to 50% of project costs to a maximum of $20,000.

Development Incentive Program

This program offers support of up to a maximum of $100,000 for constructing new commercial buildings, and support of up to a maximum of $200,000 for constructing new mixed-use developments.

  • The next application intake periods for 2023 are March 1-31 and October 1-31.
  • Please note that the design principles have been updated to include energy efficiency and climate resiliency.
  • Applications submitted outside an application period will not be accepted. Please note that application periods may be cancelled if all funding is allocated during a prior application period.
  • Development Incentive Program Guide
  • Development Incentive Program Application