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Business Façade Development Program

Supports business façade enhancements for economic development

Offered by

Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT)

Official source: northerndevelopment.bc.ca

Source change captured September 17, 2026

Funding available: $ 20,000; Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline: Open continuously
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Who can apply: Local governments; See full eligibility

Overview

The Business Façade Development Program offers up to $20,000 in funding to support local governments in enhancing economic development through improvements to business facades. Eligible activities include upgrades to facades, signage, architectural features, lighting, awnings, patios, and murals within Northern Development’s service region.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding: $20,000
Maximum share of project costs: 50%

Financing goals

Increase social or community impact
Launch or market a product/service
Renovate or expand facilities

Eligible candidates

Location: British Columbia
Eligible Industries: All industries
Annual revenue: All revenue ranges
Organisation size: All organization sizes
Audience: Rural or Northern Residents
Legal structures: All legal structures

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026

Periods: 1

Latest changes

September 17, 2026

Business Façade Improvement Guide Updated

The Business Façade Improvement Application Guide now sets the annual intake window, application requirements, funding limits, and submission process.

The Business Façade Improvement Application Guide now shows an annual intake window of October 1 to October 31 for the upcoming calendar year, with a final report due by January 31 of the following year for reimbursement. It also adds funding conditions and limits, including up to $20,000 in grant funding each calendar year, up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000 per façade improvement project, and carry-forward rules for applicants with $10,000 or more in unspent approved funding from the previous year. The guide now lists required application documents and directs completed materials to the Online Application System, with Northern Development contact details provided in the guide.

Official source: northerndevelopment.bc.ca

September 17, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Local governments

Who is not eligible

Businesses or organizations located outside of Northern Development's service region.

Eligible expenses

Direct third-party project labour costs
Contractor fees
Rental of construction tools and equipment
Project-related materials and supplies
Shipping and freight costs
Design, architectural or engineering fees
PST (Provincial Sales Tax)

Eligible geographic areas

Businesses located within Northern Development’s service region.

Activities funded

Enhancement of business facades, including exterior improvements such as cladding, decorative features, and architectural elements.
Installation or improvement of signage to increase visibility and appeal.
Creation or restoration of murals to enrich the appearance of commercial areas.
Upgrades to exterior lighting for improved safety and aesthetics.
Construction or improvement of patios and awnings for greater functionality and curb appeal.

How to apply

Select the program you want to apply to from the Active Programs menu.
Complete the mandatory fields marked with a red asterisk.
Enter the project name, proposed start and end date, concise description, and rationale.
Enter the detailed project budget and upload supporting quotes.
Upload required or optional supporting documents through the Attachment section.
Submit the completed application forms with all supplementary materials electronically through the Online Application System.

Documents Needed

Local government resolution
Complete Application Form
Business Façade Improvement Program Guidelines using the Guidelines Template
Copies of marketing materials used to advertise the program (if applicable)

Additional information

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Online Application System by the specified annual intake deadline.
Supporting documentation, such as before and after photos and invoices, is mandatory for reimbursement.
The program may be administered by local governments or delegated associations, with businesses applying directly to these administrators for funding.
A final report, including internal proofs of payment and photographic evidence, is required by January 31 of the following year to receive reimbursement.

Contacts

info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca

250-561-2525

Official sources

Business façade improvement

Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Façade Development Program Program

What is the Business Façade Development Program?

How much funding can be received?

Business Façade Development Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Business Façade Development Program program?

To be eligible for the Business Façade Development Program program, you must: The applicant must be a local government within Northern Development’s service region.

What expenses are eligible under Business Façade Development Program?

Direct third-party project labour costs Contractor fees Rental of construction tools and equipment Project-related materials and supplies Shipping and freight costs Design, architectural or engineering fees PST (Provincial Sales Tax)

Who can I contact for more information about the Business Façade Development Program?

You can contact Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) by email at info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca or by phone at 250-561-2525.

Where is the Business Façade Development Program available?

The Business Façade Development Program program is available the province of British Columbia.

By Province

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