BBN Labs — Better Business Network

This program has ended

This program is no longer accepting applications.

● Still available

One other program is open, with funding up to $5,000

Show all 68 open storefront & retail improvements programs →

Cambridge Core Areas Facade Improvement Grant

Cost-share

The Core Areas Community Improvement Plan concluded December 15, 2025, after its five-year run, and no longer accepts applications. Watch the city's core-areas page for successor programs.

Know a business owner this could help?

At a glance

Maximum support50% matching: up to $15,000 (≤25 ft frontage), or $600/linear foot up to $25,000
Issued byCity of Cambridge
RegionOntario
Pre-approvalRequired before starting
Matching fundsYes, business contributes
Applications closedDecember 15, 2025

Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.

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Is this for you?

  • You operate a business in Cambridge's Core Areas
  • You plan exterior improvements such as storefront, signage or masonry work

Probably not the right fit if

  • You need funding now: this program ended on December 15, 2025
  • You have already started or finished the renovation work

How much you'd realistically get

50% matching: up to $15,000 (≤25 ft frontage), or $600/linear foot up to $25,000

What may be supported

  • storefront/facade rehabilitation
  • doors, windows, masonry
  • cornices/architectural details
  • awnings/canopies
  • signage
  • exterior lighting
  • painting/cleaning

How applying works

Effort: mediumWhen it ran, you applied to the city with quotes and photos, got approval before you started, then claimed your costs after the work was done.

  1. 01Check the city's core-areas page for a successor program and confirm your property is in its area
  2. 02Get the city's written pre-approval BEFORE starting
  3. 03Complete the approved work
  4. 04Submit your costs for reimbursement

Documents commonly required

  • Quotes/estimates for the work
  • Photos of the current storefront
  • Proof of property ownership or owner's consent

What to know before you count on it

  • This program has ended. When it ran, you paid for the work first, then got back up to half after it was done and inspected.
  • If a successor program opens, apply and get approved BEFORE you start any work or buy anything.
  • It covered only properties in Cambridge's Core Areas.
  • If a successor program opens, ask the city whether your building qualifies.

More funding by what it pays for

Funding for Storefront Signage

Grants and loans that may help pay for new storefront signage.

Funding for Storefronts and Facades

Grants and loans that may help pay for storefront and facade work.

Funding for Accessibility

Grants for ramps, doors and washrooms may help pay for accessibility improvements.

What you can combine it with

If a successor program opens, ask the city whether it can be combined with provincial or federal programs.

Worth reading before you apply

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Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.