Closed
Source verified April 27, 2026
Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor
Funding for main floor commercial conversions
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports the conversion of main floor space to commercial use in strategic core areas of Thunder Bay. It provides funding for renovation and conversion costs, including accessibility-related improvements, for eligible properties and applicants.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Renovate or adapt facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Thunder Bay
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Renovating main floor residential space into commercial use
- Rehabilitating vacant commercial properties for new commercial tenants
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Current tax bill
- Two contractor estimates or material and equipment quotes
- Before and after photos of the improvements
- Proof of payment and cost summary after completion
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Property owners
- Tenants with owner consent
Eligible expenses
- Materials, equipment, and contracted labour for the conversion work
- Accessibility improvements under the AODA
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Owner or tenant labour
Eligible geographic areas
- Properties located within the project areas of the plan in Thunder Bay
Selection criteria
- Project must support re-use of buildings for commercial activity
- Project must help attract long-term commercial tenants
- Heritage properties must preserve the reasons for designation
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the application
- Complete the application form.
- Gather a current tax bill and required estimates or quotes.
- Include before photos of the property improvements.
- Step 2: Submit to the City
- Submit the application and supporting documents to the City’s Development & Emergency Services Department.
- Step 3: Await review and approval
- Wait for the application decision and any conditional approval.
- Step 4: Obtain required permits and complete the work
- If required, obtain the building permit within one month of conditional approval.
- Carry out the approved renovation and conversion work.
- Step 5: Request reimbursement
- Submit invoices, proof of payment, cost summary, and after photos once the project is complete.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are assessed on a first come, first served basis
- Applications depend on available funding allocation
- Conditional approval may be rescinded if a required building permit is not obtained within one month
- Reimbursement is issued after project completion and submission of costs and proof of payment
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis.
- Approval is conditional until required permits are obtained.
- The grant can be combined with certain other CIP grant programs, up to a combined maximum of $25,000.
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Commercial Façade Improvement GrantFunding for commercial façade upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions about the Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor Program
What is the Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor?
This program supports the conversion of main floor space to commercial use in strategic core areas of Thunder Bay. It provides funding for renovation and conversion costs, including accessibility-related improvements, for eligible properties and applicants.
How much funding can be received?
Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor program?
To be eligible for the Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor program, you must:
Property owner or tenant with owner consent
Property in a project area
Approval required before work starts
What expenses are eligible under Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor?
Renovating main floor residential space into commercial use
Rehabilitating vacant commercial properties for new commercial tenants
Where is the Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor available?
The Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor?
Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor is funded by City of Thunder Bay