Thunder Bay Commercial Facade Improvement Grant
Get your storefront looking sharp with up to $10,000 in reimbursement for facade and signage upgrades in Thunder Bay. This is a cost-share grant, meaning you pay for the work first and get reimbursed after approval.
“These grants can be combined for a total maximum of $25,000 per property.”
From the official program page
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 operate a storefront business within Thunder Bay's designated CIP or BIA zones.
- You are planning exterior upgrades such as facade repairs, new signage, or lighting.
- You are ready to submit your application and secure approval before any work begins.
Probably not the right fit if
- Your business is located outside Thunder Bay or outside the specific CIP/BIA improvement areas.
- You have already started or completed the construction or signage work.
- You are looking for funding that does not require you to pay upfront costs first.
How much you'd realistically get
50% of costs, up to $10,000 (stackable to $25,000)
What may be supported
- facade
- signs
- awnings
- lighting
- masonry cleaning/restoration
- storefront redesign
- cornices/parapets
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 and coordinates high-impact storefront signs that grab attention and drive foot traffic, with the grant covering up to half the cost.
- BBN coordinates masonry cleaning, awning, and lighting trades so you deal with one team, with the grant covering up to half the eligible exterior work.
- BBN watches the dates and rules with you so the application stays valid from first sketch to final receipt.
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 — starting early disqualifies most of these.
- Thunder Bay core CIP areas (North/South Core, Westfort). 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 Thunder Bay 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.
Related programs
Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit
Up to $45,000
Boost your bottom line by claiming a 10% refundable corporate income tax credit on eligible commercial or industrial building expenditures in…
Checked today
Starter Company Plus
Up to $5,000
Starter Company Plus pairs a grant of up to $5,000 with hands-on training and one-on-one guidance from your local Small Business Enterprise Centre.
Checked today
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 today with the official source. Source: official program page.