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Grants

Funding programs can play a crucial role in a business’ success. Connecting downtown businesses with applicable grants is one of the ways we support our members.

Building Business Grant Program

Businesses can apply for a grant under one of three streams. The grant will reimburse a portion of project costs, up to the maximums outlined below. Each stream aims to provide support for both new and existing businesses that are committed to downtown as a part of their long-term plans:

  • Grow the ground floor
    Who should apply?
    o A business that is ready to open a new downtown storefront
    o An existing business that wants to expand a downtown storefront
  • Boost your bottom line
    Who should apply?
    o An existing business looking to renovate their downtown storefront, office, or workspace
    o An existing downtown business looking for business development services

  • Elevate your workspace
    Who should apply?
    o A business that is ready to open a new downtown office or workspace
    o An existing business looking to expand a downtown office or workspace


Downtown Winnipeg BIZ micro-grant program (2nd round)

Applications are now closed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but it’s been especially difficult for downtown businesses. To help, we’re once again giving out 50 micro-grants of $1,000 each to qualifying small and medium-sized businesses in the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses can use the funds for advertising, promotion, signage, rent, repairs, beautification, or any other business expenses they might need it for. 

  • Grants will be given to qualifying Downtown Winnipeg BIZ members on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Businesses who have received one or more grants from us before are eligible.
  • A minimum of 10 grants are earmarked for supporting Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour-owned businesses.

Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Connect Grant

Applications are now closed.

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ created a grant in the form of a service program with designed to help businesses build capacity and sustain the second wave of COVID-19. The grant paired member businesses needing support with member business experts that could provide it. Simply put, it built sustainability for two businesses with each grant.


Downtown Winnipeg BIZ micro-grant program (1st round)

Applications are now closed.

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ gave out 50 micro-grants of $1,000 each to qualifying small and medium-sized businesses in the downtown area who had been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses could use the funds for advertising, promotion, signage, rent, repairs, beautification, or other business expenses. Grants were given to qualifying Downtown Winnipeg BIZ members on a first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of 10 grants were earmarked for supporting Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour-owned businesses.


Government of Canada COVID-19 Economic Response

The Government of Canada offers a variety of grants and loans to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. These programs include rent assistance, interest-free loans and supports for women entrepreneurs and BIPOC-owned business.