Up to $10,000 in rental subsidies are available for entrepreneurs looking to set up shop in downtown Red Deer.
The city’s new Vacant Spaces Grant is “designed to incentivize the development of a unique, well-invested downtown where people and businesses thrive,” says the city in a Tuesday news release.
Funding is available this year and in 2024, following guidelines of the Community Development Grant Program approved by city council in 2021.
“We are excited to be offering this unique funding opportunity to enhance our downtown and showcase some of the amazing entrepreneurs in our city,” said Bobby-Jo Stannard, Superintendent of Community Development.
“Downtown has the highest density of businesses in Red Deer and plays an important role in the social, cultural and economic health of our community. We look forward to seeing fresh business concepts come to life in Downtown Red Deer through this new grant program.”
Priority areas for applicant selection include vacant street-level spaces along 50th Avenue between 48th Street and 53rd Street, as well as spaces along 49th Street between 48th Avenue and 50th Avenue.
Applications for the 2023 Vacant Spaces Grant opened on Tuesday. The application deadline is Sept. 1, 2023 by 4 p.m. For more information on the Vacant Spaces Grant program, visit reddeer.ca/vacantspaces.
