The District of 100 Mile House is offering local businesses funding from the 2024 Business Facade Improvement Program.
This is the ninth year the district has applied to the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) for a grant of up to $20,000 to help businesses improve retail and commercial facades in 100 Mile House.
“By supporting visual improvements to buildings, the program helps make business areas more appealing to customers, which in turn enhances the economic viability of business and stimulates the local economy,” the district said in a Jan. 8 news release.
The District of 100 Mile House will provide a 50 per cent reimbursement grant up to a maximum of $5,000 per building for improvements including new exterior lighting, architectural features, facade painting, siding, entrances, awnings, and some accessibility improvements. The use of log and timber accents is encouraged.
Fifteen businesses have taken advantage of the program since it was initiated in 2014 with $64,746 in grant funding being invested in these businesses for facade improvements. The total value of these projects is nearly $200,300 so private sector investment has been significant.
“The Business Facade Improvement Program strengthens and improves the first impressions of storefronts and our local economy,” said Mayor Maureen Pinkney. “We encourage businesses to take advantage of this program to improve their business facade and continue investment in our community. We thank Northern Development Initiative Trust for their continued support in 100 Mile House.”
Director of Economic Development & Planning, Joanne Doddridge, said the application process is user-friendly, approvals are processed in a timely fashion, and reimbursement is not complicated.
Applications will be considered on a first come – first served basis until all the funding is awarded. Project work should not begin until the project is approved. “We are hopeful that the full allocation will be utilized by businesses in 2024,” said Doddridge.
“We are pleased to witness the ongoing success of the Business Facade Improvement program. This program not only revitalizes the physical appearance of businesses in communities, but also fosters a renewed sense of pride and economic vitality,” said Joel McKay, NDIT’s chief executive officer.
To find out if your project is eligible, call the district office at 250-395-2434 or visit the district’s website at https://www.100milehouse.com/investing-here/businessresources/business-facade-improvement-program.
Applications are taken on an ongoing basis until all the funds are allocated, so the district encourages businesses to apply early to avoid disappointment.