First impressions are made in seconds! The South Bruce Downtown Revitalization Program looks at improving both exterior and the interior of your business to help your business stand out. This is a matching grant program, which means that the successful applicant pays at least 50% of the improvement cost up to a maximum of $2,000 excluding taxes.
Grants and Resources
Bruce County Grants
We are here to support you and your business. The County of Bruce offers various business grants, resources, and workshops available to help start, expand, and thrive your business. View the following Spruce the Bruce grants that offer support to help invest in your business. Grants are based on our Community Improvement Plan Areas (CIPA)
Municipality of South Bruce Grants
South Bruce Downtown Revitalization Program
Bruce County's Spruce the Bruce Grants
Façade Building Improvement Grant
The Façade Building Improvement Grant provides provides funding for business and property owners to update and improve the exterior façade of their downtown commercial building.
The Fascia Signage Grant provides funding for business and property owners to install a new and updated façade (flat / fascia) sign on the exterior of the downtown commercial building.
The Perpendicular Signage Grant provides funding for business and property owners to install a new perpendicular (blade / projecting) sign on the exterior of the downtown commercial building.
The Awning Grant provides funding for business and property owners to install an awning on the exterior of the downtown commercial building.
The Patio Installation Grant provides funding for business and property owners to install or expand an outdoor patio for their guests and visitors to enjoy food and beverage on. The patio may be a sidewalk patio, rooftop patio, or back patio.
The Community Marketing Grant provides funding for businesses, municipalities, and established or incorporated community groups to collaboratively develop a package itinerary or marketing campaign that stimulates the local downtown economy.
The Agri-Food Innovation Grant provides funding for agricultural operators to improve or implement new value-added and innovative technologies, software, and hardware.
Business Accessibility Adaptability Grant
The Business Accessibility Adaptability Grant provides funding for business and property owners to upgrade or renovate the exterior or interior of their commercial building to remove or reduce barriers for people with disabilities.
Product and Experience Development Grant
The Product and Experience Development Grant provides funding for tourism business and property owners of tourism establishments to improve the visitor experience by making upgrades and enhancements to their products, services, and physical location.
The Residential Improvement Grant provides funding for business and property owners to upgrade or renovate their mixed-use (commercial-residential) building to add new residential units or increase occupancy in existing units for long-term rental use.
Streetscape Beautification Grant
The Streetscape Beautification Grant provides funding for municipalities and established or incorporated community groups to install or improve streetscape elements in the downtown core that improve the vibrancy of the downtown.
The Community Signage Grant provides funding for municipalities and established or incorporated community groups to install signage that improves visitor experiences in and around the downtown.
Destination Infrastructure & Active Transportation Grant
The Destination Infrastructure & Active Transportation Grant provides funding for municipalities and established or incorporated community groups to install or enhance infrastructure or make capital improvements that improve the quality of core attractions or active transportation features.
Federal Grants
There are a variety of business grants and financing available from the Government of Canada to help your business thrive.
Provincial Grants
Various provincial grants and funding opportunities are available to you as a small business owner. Visit Ontario Government Grants to see what grants your business can benefit from.
Local Business Resources
We offer the following business resources to help you foster and grow your business.
Tourism Service Excellence Training
Help get your business in the spotlight to attract new and existing customers by registering for the free BGS Tourism Service Excellence Training. This training will provide you the fundamentals of customers service as a frontline tourism staff.
Create your own online coupons using Coupon County to increase your business exposure and gain loyal customers. This website was created as a Tri-County Initiative with Bruce, Grey and Huron Counties and is sponsored by Bruce Power.
Grey Bruce Huron Strong is a platform organized by Bruce Power that provides support to the community and local businesses. Support includes information on local business operations, business promotions, online courses, and funding assistance.
Post job opportunities on Municipal website
Fill out our job posting form to post your job opportunities on the Municipal website for free.
WOWSA - Women of Wellington and Saugeen Area. Offering various networking opportunities to share resources and best practices with other women from around our region.
SSUP - Summer Student Start-up program. Offers students in Grades 6-12 for an opportunity to open a summer business and earn up to $450 to help them with their expenses. Learn more about SSUP and sponsorship
If you’re starting your business, take advantage of our local resources and professional support to start off on the right foot:
Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC)
Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC)
Workshops and events
Learn about workshops and events happening in the area to build valuable skills and learn the latest business insights.
Business Grants And Financing Guideline Bruce County's Training Resource Library VPI - Virtual Events shopHERE - Free Ontario Program: How An Online Store Can Boost Your Business
South Bruce Community Business Association (SBCBA)
The South Bruce Community Business Association (SBCBA) is a group of businesses owners representing various business sectors within South Bruce. This association helps keep our business community connected by providing resources, outreach and advocating for our businesses. Visit SBCBA to learn how you can become a member and enjoy the benefits that this group has to offer.
Mildmay Chamber of Commerce
Mildmay Chamber of Commerce is a proud group of local business owners and are dedicated volunteers that take on various projects for the betterment of the Municipality. Learn how you can get involved with the Mildmay Chamber of Commerce to help create a more positive environment for our business community and learn about the business benefits and resources available to you when you become a member.
If you are a business owner or starting your own business in the Municipality of South Bruce, check out the various local, federal, and provincial grant opportunities that are available to help your business thrive.
Stay connected
Sign up for our local business newsletter to hear the latest about what’s happening in the South Bruce business community.
