Facade and Structural Improvement Program
Get your storefront looking sharp with a city grant that reimburses you for up to 50% of costs, maxing out at $7,500 for double facades or $5,000 for single facades per project. Just remember you pay first and get paid back after inspection. Applications are open.
How we verify funding records →
Before you spend a dollar
Get the city's approval BEFORE you start work or buy anything — starting early is the #1 way owners lose this funding.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You run a storefront business located in Owen Sound
- You are planning exterior facade, storefront, or signage upgrades
- You can secure approval before starting any work
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside Owen Sound or its designated CIP/BIA area
- You have already started or finished the work
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 50% to a max $7,500 (second/double facade); up to 33% to a max $5,000 (single facade) per project, per year
What may be supported
- Street-facing facade redesign/restoration/renovation
- Structural and life-safety improvements
- Restoration of original architectural features (brick, stone, wood, cornices)
- Gooseneck exterior lighting
- Signage (combined with facade work)
How applying works
Effort: mediumA city application with quotes/photos; approval before you start, then claim after completion.
- 01Confirm your property is in the program area and funds are available
- 02Get the city's written pre-approval BEFORE starting
- 03Complete the approved work
- 04Submit your costs for reimbursement
Before you apply
Your application will likely need written quotes
Programs like this usually ask for written estimates for the work before they approve anything, and some require as many as three. BBN Labs works with you on this: we prepare a quote for the work this program funds — scope, costs and timelines you can put straight into your application. Free, no obligation.
Get my quote for this program →Documents commonly required
- Quotes/estimates for the work
- Photos of the current storefront
- Proof of property ownership or owner's consent
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN designs storefront signage to match facade restoration, coordinating qualified partners for installation to draw eyes to your door and boost foot traffic.
- BBN coordinates the trades for structural repairs and architectural feature restoration, managing the masonry and painting work so you handle one team instead of juggling five contractors.
- BBN designs the gooseneck lighting layout to highlight your restored exterior, coordinating installation with partners to create a welcoming storefront that stays open longer.
- BBN guides you through the application process and organizes your eligible cost quotes, keeping you on deadline so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- Cost-share: you pay for the work first, then you're reimbursed (about half) after it's done and inspected.
- Apply and get approved BEFORE you start any work or buy anything — starting early disqualifies most of these.
- Area-gated to Owen Sound's designated CIP/BIA zone — confirm your address qualifies before you spend.
- Municipal funding is limited each year — confirm money is still available.
What are your odds?
Area-gated and funding-limited, but a straightforward fit if your Owen Sound address qualifies and you apply before starting.
Related BBN services
Storefront Signs & Sign Boards
Sign concepts, mockups and measurements done right. Fabrication and installation quoted and managed for you.
Storefront & Facade Improvements
Facade refresh concepts, visualizations and contractor coordination, scoped the way municipal improvement programs expect.
Accessibility Improvements
Accessible websites, clear signage, and ramps or entrance work handled by licensed trades.
What you can combine it with
May combine with provincial/federal programs for the same project — we'll check what stacks.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated ; last verified 5 days ago with the official source. Source: official program page.