BDDC invests over $276K in 52 downtown projects

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This article was published 17/07/2025 (252 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Brandon Downtown Development Corporation invested more than $276,000 in 52 downtown projects during the first half of 2025.

The corporation, in its progress update, says projects with a total value of almost $878,000 received the funding support.

The results demonstrate increased investment confidence in downtown Brandon and mark a visible improvement in the core’s economic and visual appeal, BDDC executive director Emmanuel Ahaneku told the Sun on Thursday.

“We’ve been fortunate. Our partners have stepped up, and that’s allowed us to focus on project delivery,” he said.

Ahaneku explained that the 52 projects do not necessarily represent 52 unique businesses, as some applicants were approved for more than one program.

For example, Westman Promotions received support under multiple streams, including the Façade and Storefront Improvement Program for exterior upgrades, the Commercial Space Improvement Program for interior renovations and the Business Improvement Program for strategic support like website development.

The approved projects all fall under those three BDDC programs.

The Business Improvement Program saw the most activity, with 32 projects totalling $357,658.33 in investment and nearly $147,000 in BDDC contributions.

The Commercial Space Improvement Program funded 16 projects valued at more than $458,000, with BDDC covering about $114,000 of that total.

The Façade and Storefront Improvement Program supported four projects worth just over $61,000, with BDDC providing $15,314.23.

On average, the corporation covers about 25 per cent of eligible costs.

“If a renovation costs $10,000, for example, we might contribute $2,500,” Ahaneku said. “Our goal is to leverage private investment and stimulate broader economic growth in the core.”

Among the standout projects, he said, was the Brandon Professional Building at 144 Sixth St., where upgrades were made to support the Brandon Minor Injury and Illness Clinic. This included converting a meeting room into a treatment room, installing hands-free systems, adding bariatric doorways to three examination rooms, enhancing the security system and expanding IT infrastructure.

Rolling Spokes also benefited from a BDDC grant to improve its storefront and install new insulation, while Guinness Tavern was supported under the Business Improvement Program to install new outdoor LED signage at the corner of Rosser Avenue and 10th Street.

“The signage not only helps with branding and marketing but also enhances energy efficiency,” Ahaneku said.

He described the first six months of 2025 as “very exciting,” highlighting the volume of activity and the diversity of projects as evidence of growing momentum. He noted that funding has not been a challenge so far, thanks to continued support from the City of Brandon and a multi-year grant from the federal government.

Beyond funding, Ahaneku sees the increasing number of applications as a sign of renewed trust in the downtown area. He said many projects, particularly those under the Business Improvement Program, involved updated signage, which helps refresh the visual identity of downtown and draw more pedestrian traffic.

“These changes may seem small, but they have a big impact on how downtown is perceived by residents and visitors alike,” he added.

Looking ahead, the organization is projecting at least 50 more projects by the end of 2025. In terms of financial support, BDDC expects to approve more than $300,000 in funding for the second half of the year, which would push total disbursements for 2025 beyond $575,000, surpassing the $541,139.61 disbursed in 2024.

Ahaneku said the second half of the year is expected to include several large, capital-intensive projects, particularly under the Commercial Space Improvement Program. Given the anticipated scale of investment, BDDC is also exploring additional provincial funding to meet demand.

In his message to businesses, Ahaneku emphasized that downtown Brandon is becoming more welcoming and better resourced than ever before. He encouraged new and existing business owners to explore the wide array of supports available — not just from BDDC but from partner organizations like the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, Westman Immigrant Services and Community Futures.

“We want downtown businesses to know that they are not alone,” Ahaneku said. “There is support for you, from launching a business to growing or renovating one. The downtown community is strong, and we’re just getting started.”

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