The Business Building Improvement Grant provides funding to business and property owners to improve retail and building frontages, or to implement security enhancements on the premises.

Eligible businesses can receive up to a 50% reimbursement to a maximum of $1,000 to complete exterior improvements such as building facades, signage, murals, architectural features, siding, lighting, awnings, security cameras, window replacement, or related security improvements.

The goal of the program is to provide an incentive to improve the look and feel of their business frontages. Vibrant commercial districts have the potential to attract new customers, clients, visitors, and investors.

Eligible Properties
Businesses or properties that are located within the boundaries of the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District

Eligible Applicants
Property Owners or Business Owners
If the applicant is the business owner, the property owner must approve the application in writing and confirm that all improvements are to be paid by the applicant.

Ineligible Applicants
Residential properties located in the district and Government owned buildings (even if they have commercial tenants) are not eligible.

Eligible improvements may consist of, but are not limited to:
  • New exterior lighting (not replacement)
  • Exterior architectural features
  • Exterior surfaces and details (mouldings, trims, etc.)
  • Windows, including replacement due to vandalism or damage
  • New siding or façade painting
  • Awnings
  • Signage that is affixed to the building
  • Entrances or doorways, including accessibility improvements (ramps, wider doors, etc.) to the outside of the building only
  • Patios, including patio heaters, benches, and chairs to improve either a patio or sidewalk café
  • Flowers and or shrubs, if they are in the public realm outside the business/property
  • Security cameras and mirrors
The following improvements are ineligible:
  • Routine maintenance
  • Structural repairs
  • Roofs
  • Paving
  • Interior improvements
  • Any improvements not visible from the public right of way.
  • Any improvements that have been started prior to application approval.
Eligible Costs / Expenses

Direct project labour cost;
Design, architectural or engineering fees.
Contractor fees
Rental of tools or equipment
Project related material and supplies.
Shipping/freight

Ineligible Costs / Expenses

Staff wages and benefits
Purchase of construction tools or equipment.
Utilities
Duties
Permit fees
Expenses related to the improvement of the building façade not visible from the public right of way.
Façade improvement expenses started prior to application approval.

APPLICAtion Guidelines

Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-eligible basis to projects that meet the eligibility requirements.

To qualify for this grant, applicants must submit detailed designs and cost estimates for their project.                                 

The designs must clearly outline the proposed improvements, enabling the review committee to accurately evaluate the project and confirm that the final result aligns with the initial proposal.

Depending on the scope of the project, building, sign, or other permits may be required. These permits are not waived under this program and should be obtained either before or alongside the grant application.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the City of Saskatoon’s Façade and Heritage Conservation Grant in addition to Downtown Saskatoon’s program. Businesses or properties receiving funding from the city program remain eligible for this program as well.

APPLY NOW