BDDC doubles funding for storefront program

The Brandon Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC) has expanded its Facade & Storefront Improvement Program funding.

Starting April 1, the program will cover 50 per cent of eligible project costs, up from the previous 25 per cent, to encourage more property owners and businesses to upgrade the exterior of their buildings and improve the visual appeal of the city’s downtown core.

The change is part of broader efforts to beautify downtown Brandon and support property owners and tenants who want to invest in their storefronts, executive director Emmanuel Ahaneku told the Sun on Friday.

“The idea is simple, we want to help cover more of the cost for property owners or tenants,” Ahaneku said. “With the new change, business and property owners can now access 50 per cent of the project cost.”

Under the program, applicants can receive funding covering half of the eligible project cost, up to a maximum of $20,000. For example, he said, a $40,000 project could receive $20,000 in funding, while a $100,000 project could qualify for the program’s maximum grant, which is $20,000.

“Part of what we do is reach out to property owners when we see buildings that could benefit from exterior improvements,” he said. “The feedback we got from many of them was that if they could get more support in terms of funding, it would encourage more material upgrades.”

The program is open to both property owners and tenants, though tenants must provide written authorization from the building owner before beginning renovation work, he said.

While there is no fixed limit on how many applicants can receive funding, Ahaneku said approvals will depend on the availability of program funds.

“So, once we run out of funding, we can’t take more applications,” he said.

Interest in the expanded grant is already building ahead of the program’s April launch. Ahaneku said several potential applicants have contacted the organization seeking more information.

The funding expansion, he said, aligns with broader efforts to revitalize downtown Brandon, including initiatives aimed at improving the streetscape and enhancing the visitor experience.

Improving the look of storefronts can have a meaningful impact on the neighbourhood, Downtown BIZ executive director Emmy Sanderson said in an interview.

“It’s a positive move because uplifting the aesthetics of the streets is a really impactful way to support making downtown better,” Sanderson said. “Supporting businesses with things like paint, signage or exterior improvements helps make the streets look better and supports everything else we’re doing.”

She said the development can help attract more visitors to the area.

“It’s part of beautification, and beautification is a big part of revitalizing a neighbourhood,” Sanderson said. “The increased funding could make projects that were previously unaffordable more feasible for businesses and property owners.”

Local business owners also say the program could help improve both the appearance and economic activity of downtown.

The financial support for renovations can make a significant difference for businesses trying to maintain older properties, Chintan Patel, owner of the Empire Inn, restaurant and beer vendor — a family-run business — told the Sun.

“It’s one of the best things that could happen to downtown businesses,” Patel said. “Having support from the city in helping with renovation or retrofit projects and bringing older buildings up to newer standards is amazing.”

Patel said he plans to apply for the funding once applications open in April and is considering several potential improvements to the property’s exterior.

Among the ideas being explored are upgrading the building’s signage, repairing damaged wooden structures around the entrance canopy and adding new cladding to the front of the building.

“We have a few ideas, but it will depend on what the funding approval looks like and what the construction costs are,” Patel said.

He said previous renovations at the property have shown how improvements can attract more customers and help sustain business activity.

“Every time we renovate or build something new, it appeals to existing clients and new clients as well,” he said. “It helps bring more foot traffic and helps generate more revenue or at least keep revenue consistent.”

Patel also believes programs like the façade grant can play a role in addressing perceptions about the downtown area.

“If buildings are not maintained well and look run down, people don’t want to come downtown,” he said. “But when businesses reinvest and get support from the city to maintain their properties, it helps keep the area active and attractive.”

Ahaneku said the goal is to encourage more building improvements and create a vibrant, welcoming downtown environment.

“We want a beautiful downtown,” Ahaneku said. “We want visually appealing properties and well-maintained storefronts so when people come downtown, they have a great experience.”

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