The Interlakes Economic Association (IEA) has been selected to receive a $20,000 grant from Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) to provide a new Business Facade Improvement Program for the Interlakes business community.
The physical environment in which we live and work has a great effect on us, says IEA president Dianne Lawson.
“A community that is more appealing and interesting to the eye gives its residents a greater sense of place. This program is aimed to provide grant funding to business owners to improve retail and commercial building frontages.”
It is envisioned that the program will help enhance the community as an appealing, interesting and friendly place to do business, visit and live, Lawson explains.
“By assisting business owners to improve their business facades, business areas can become more appealing to consumers; thereby, increasing the marketability of commercial land for sale or lease and assist in both business attraction and retention by providing a better sense of place within the community for our current and future residents.”
The Business Facade Improvement Program is yet another way in which NDIT is partnering with communities and businesses to improve the health and vibrancy of our region,” says Renata King, NDIT business development director.
The program can provide grants for up to 50 per cent to a maximum of $5,000 per business. Projects must have a minimum projected cost of $1,000.
Grant funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis with preference to small, locally owned businesses. Property owners or business owners with the property owner’s authorization can apply.
To find out more information and to download an application form, visit the IEA website at www.interlakeseconomicassociation.net.