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Strategic Core Areas 2021 Financial Incentive Program – Commercial Conversion Grant – Main Floor
Funding for main floor commercial conversions
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 10,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- 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.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $10,000
- Maximum share of project costs
- 50%
- Renovate or adapt facilities
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Thunder Bay
- Ontario
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- All groups
- 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
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
Activities funded
- Renovating main floor residential space into commercial use
- Rehabilitating vacant commercial properties for new commercial tenants
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.
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
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
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.
Official sources
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
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?
Materials, equipment, and contracted labour for the conversion work
Accessibility improvements under the AODA
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