BDDC gave out $605K, attracted 8 new businesses in ’23

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The Brandon Downtown Development Corporation approved targeted funding of $605,248.93 through its grant programs to support 81 downtown projects last year.

The grant program comprises two streams — capital investment and business improvement — catering to both new and existing downtown businesses.

Executive director Emmanuel Ahaneku said this signifies a substantial investment in revitalizing the downtown area, noting the allocation of funds has had a noteworthy impact with a reported leverage effect.

“In 2023, for every $1 spent by the BDDC, it spurred private-sector investment of $4.04 in the downtown,” Ahaneku said. “This suggests an efficient and impactful use of resources in stimulating additional investments from the private sector.”

BDDC, under its capital investment, supported 32 capital projects to transform previously vacant, underdeveloped and underutilized spaces into productive contributors to the economy, generating tax revenue.

The outcome, Ahaneku said, is evident in the transformation of deteriorating downtown properties, fostering economic development and revitalization in downtown Brandon, with tangible results reflected in the successful completion of multiple projects.

“Priority was given to projects with the highest potential overall impact and alignment with program objectives,” he said.

Some of the businesses that were transformed with the fund are Komfort Kitchen, Chez Angela Bakery and Café, Evo Golf Performance, Custom Auto & Trucking Accessories, Fieldstone Dental, Samson Engineering, Karla’s International Foods, Western Manitoba Regional Library, Asian Spices of Brandon and Accent Chartered Professional Accountant, among others.

On the business improvement projects, Ahaneku explained the initiative provided support for both existing and new-to-downtown businesses, adding it included up to 75 per cent of eligible expenses when the service provider operated in downtown Brandon and up to 50 per cent when the service provider was located outside the downtown, with a maximum grant limit of $6,000.

“The approved projects covered a diverse range of activities aimed at enhancing business operations and growth,” he said. “This approach indicates a commitment to fostering a supportive business environment by addressing various aspects crucial for business improvement and success.”

The corporation also used its Rent Abatement Program to promote and encourage the recruitment of businesses into downtown Brandon, as it provided funding directly to small business owners in the form of rent assistance, which helped to lower lease rates and made it even more desirable to locate downtown.

“We helped reactivate retail in the city’s core and create opportunities for retailers to support the stimulation of the downtown market,” Ahaneku said. “We are not only committed to assisting small business owners get started, but also to thrive.”

The program supported businesses that were new to the downtown or existing downtown businesses that were expanding the overall physical size of the building footprint they were leasing.

This support, he said, freed up funds for downtown business owners to undertake other initiatives or projects.

The program also attracted eight new businesses downtown in 2023. They are People’s Place Café Lounge, Mindful Milestones Psychotherapy, Evo Golf Performance Inc., Accent Chartered Professional Accountants Inc., Alyza Beauty Collective, 10153977 Manitoba Ltd., The Massage Temple and Kaley Noel Photography.

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