Hamilton Commercial District Revitalization Grant (CDRG)
Get up to $10,000 back (more for corner or BIA spots) to refresh your Hamilton storefront. It is a 50% cost-share grant, meaning you pay first and get reimbursed after the work is done. Applications are open.
“The Commercial District Revitalization Grant Program provides financial support for permanent improvements to commercial or mixed-use properties within Hamilton’s designated commercial districts.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Get the city's approval BEFORE you start work or buy anything. Costs from work started before approval may not be covered.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You run a business in a designated Hamilton commercial district
- You plan to improve your exterior facade, signage, or accessibility
- You will get approval before you start any work or buy materials
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside Hamilton or outside the eligible CIP or BIA areas
- You have already started or finished the improvement work
- You need funding for interior renovations rather than exterior improvements
How much you'd realistically get
50% match, up to $10,000 ($12,500 corner; up to $20,000–$25,000 in a BIA)
What may be supported
- storefronts, windows, doors
- cornices/parapets
- awnings
- brick repair/painting
- exterior & display lighting
- signage
- barrier-free entrances
- patios
- security cameras
How applying works
Effort: mediumApply to the city with quotes and photos. Get approval before you start, then claim your costs after the work is done.
- 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
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
- Cost-share: you pay for the work first, then the city reimburses its share (about half) after it's done and inspected.
- Apply and get approved BEFORE you start any work or buy anything. Work started before approval may not qualify.
- Your property must be in one of Hamilton's designated Commercial District CIP areas. Confirm your address qualifies before you spend.
- Municipal funding is limited each year. Confirm money is still available.
What are your odds?
Your property must be in a designated Commercial District CIP area, and you need the city's approval before work starts. City funds are limited each year, so ask early.
More funding by what it pays for
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.
Funding for Storefront Signage
Grants and loans that may help pay for new storefront signage.
Funding for Tourism
Grants and loans that may help pay for visitor marketing and online booking.
What you can combine it with
You may be able to combine this with provincial or federal programs for the same project. Ask the city before you plan on using both.
Related programs
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.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.