Grants for Business owners
To support local businesses in making COVID-19 related modifications, the 2020 Spruce the Bruce grants have been amended for 2020. Matching funding requirements have been removed the total available funding for the program has been increased to $250,000.
Improve your building façade or install a patio
Improve your building façades and patios that will create an attractive, safe, vibrant downtown and adapt to COVID-19 precautions.
Install a perpendicular sign or awning
Make your business stands out to passing pedestrians and vehicles while showcasing your brand and product offerings.
Collaborate with other local businesses
Work will other downtown business owners to create and promote experiences and itineraries in your community.
Small tourism businesses in Bruce County are encouraged to submit an application with ideas on how they could "re-imagine" or "re-tool" their tourism operations, offerings and/or products to respond, pivot and adapt to the short- and medium-term tourism landscape and opportunities (e.g. upgrading facilities, buying equipment, creating new digital platforms, etc.).
Applications are now closed. Stay tuned for the fall 'Spark' program.
Bruce County businesses and artists can now access the ShopHERE Powered by Google program. ShopHERE provides independent small businesses and artists with a quick, easy and no-cost* way to get selling online right away.
*The ShopHERE program is free for participants to sign up and have a Shopify store built. Businesses will be responsible for the monthly Shopify fee after the initial 90-day trial.
Bruce County businesses can access a grant of up to $5,000 to expand, enhance, or adapt their existing business through the Starter Company Plus initiative.
The Business Pivot and Adaptation Grant has surpassed its maximum funding limit and applications are now closed. The program will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Access resources and guidance to launch you into entrepreneurial success. Bruce County offers hands-on training, mentorship, and a $5,000 grant to help get you started through the Starter Company Plus program. Training and mentorship components and tie commitments are tailored to your needs.
Applications are no longer being accepted to the program.
In partnership with the Province of Ontario, Business to Bruce is pleased to help students enter the world of entrepreneurship! Available for youth between the ages of 15 and 29 who are returning to school in the fall, the Summer Company grant offers free training and mentorship, with an opportunity to earn a grant for their summer business. Applications close in mid spring each year.
Grants for Stakeholder Groups and Municipalities
Community Development
These grants support may be directed towards signage that improves visitor experiences in and around the downtown, including gateway signs, interpretive / historical plaques, kiosks, and route markers (i.e. for cycling or hiking).
These grants can be used towards street improvements such as, but not limited to, banners, benches, garbage/recycling cans, bike racks, flower containers, green space/park enhancements, seasonal decorations and/or public art, provided that the items are installed within the designated downtown area and inline with the adopted community brand.
These grants support capital improvements to core visitor attractions that improve visitor experience. Although downtown locations are preferred, this grant may include locations outside of the downtown. Design services are available in advance of grant applications to help applicants turn their ideas into great proposals.
Marketing & Promotions
The Collaborative Marketing Grant encourages downtown businesses to partner together in promotional activities, for example to provide a package offering. This grant also supports non-gated public attractions (i.e. Bruce Trail, Saugeen River) and supports improvements to marketing materials for advertising, mapping and promotion of these attractions.
Not-for-Profit Community Grants
Not-for-profit grants are available for not-for-profit corporations, non-profit organizations or groups, a registered charity, volunteer groups, and/or an affiliate of Bruce County or lower tier such as a community club are eligible to be considered for grant assistance. For more information click here. Please note that there are two application forms. The “Short Form” is for requests up to $5,000. The “Long Form” is for requests over $5,000.
Bruce County recognizes the role philanthropy plays in strengthening our community and that the benefits of such acts ultimately improves the quality of life for all residents. To support this recognition, the County has a Community Grant program that provides a mechanism for groups or organizations to make financial requests to County Council. For eligibility and details, please review the policy below.
Bruce County recognizes the role philanthropy plays in strengthening our community and that the benefits of such acts ultimately improves the quality of life for all residents. To support this recognition, the County has a Community Grant program that provides a mechanism for groups or organizations to make financial requests to County Council. For eligibility and details, please review the policy below.