Bruce County’s Spruce the Bruce program is offering $250,000 in funding to continue supporting local businesses.
The County says the funding is part of the Support the Bruce: Business Sustainability Fund, which totals $1.75 million over two years.
County Warden Janice Jackson says in a statement, “As our local businesses and communities continue to feel the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt to restrictions, it’s important they have access to funding to make
necessary modifications to services and offerings so they can remain resilient.”
The County says funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis to those who did not receive funding in 2020.
Eligible projects for business owners include sidewalk patios, façade improvements, perpendicular signage, awnings and collaborative marketing.
Some of that could be take-out window installation, new entrance, exterior lighting, replacement siding, re-pointing of brick or stone, installation of new masonry, or permanent outdoor planters and accessories.
It could also be used for a rooftop or back patio, COVID-19 patio adaptations including expansions to support physical distancing, or permanent exterior accessibility ramps.
Perpendicular signs can bring greater awareness of your business, allowing people down the street to see it from a distance instead of having to be in front of your business to see what it is.
The grant can also be used to support curbside pick up by covering a façade with an awning.
The County says, only applications that are submitted prior to purchase, fabrication or installation of the sign or awning will be considered.
Bruce County is funding 100 per cent of the project, up to a $4,000 maximum.
The County says there is a cap of $30,000 funding per municipality, until July 1, 2021, at which point the cap would be removed.
Community groups and municipalities are also eligible for streetscape beautification, destination
infrastructure and community signage grants, which have the same requirements as in previous years.
County Manager of Economic Development Jill Roote says, “Main street businesses are hallmarks of our communities and Bruce County is proud to support them through Spruce the Bruce funding,” adding, “Together, we will build our
downtowns back up and strengthen our communities, persevering beyond the pandemic.
For more information email info@sprucethebruce.com or phone 1-800-268-3838.
https://brucecounty.on.ca/business/business-supports/spruce-the-bruce