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Beltline BIA Community Improvement Grant Matching Programme

Supporting projects that enhance the wellbeing of Beltline businesses and the public realm

Programme Overview

The Beltline BIA Community Improvement Grant is designed to support small-scale projects that improve both individual businesses and the broader community environment. The goal is to encourage initiatives that support individual businesses plus beautify the public realm, strengthen community connection, and enhance the overall experience of the Beltline district. 

This is a grant matching program, meaning the BIA will match a portion of the project cost to help bring your ideas to life. The application process will open January 20th, 2026 and will accept applications until March 17th at 11:59pm. Multiple projects will be selected.

Funding Structure

  • Matching Ratio: 50/50 split between the applicant and the BIA.

○ Example: For a $1,200 project, the business contributes $600 and the BIA contributes $600.

  • Maximum Project Value: $2,500 total

○ The BIA will contribute up to $1,250 per approved project.

○ There is no minimum project value.

  • Payment:

Funds will be paid out before project start and must be spent within 2026. Applicants must provide all receipts from the project.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

​

  • Be a business located within the Beltline BIA boundaries.
     

  • Be in good standing with the BIA (levies paid and no outstanding compliance issues).
     

  • Be able to implement the project by December 31, 2026 and manage the project directly.

Eligible 
Projects

Projects should benefit both the business and the public realm — enhancing aesthetics, accessibility, or community wellbeing.

 

Examples include:
 

  • Outdoor beautification (planters, benches, landscaping, or decorative elements visible from the street)
     

  • Murals, window art, or façade improvements visible to the public
     

  • Lighting or signage improvements that enhance safety or ambience
     

  • Public seating, bike racks, or street furniture
     

  • Activation projects such as outdoor art installations or community displays

Ineligible Projects

Projects that are internal-only or do not contribute to the public realm are not eligible.

 

Examples include:

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  • Interior renovations not visible or accessible to the public (e.g., repainting bathrooms, office upgrades)
     

  • Routine maintenance or repairs
     

  • Projects benefiting private use only (e.g., staff-only areas)
     

  • Advertising campaigns or unrelated business expenses

Application Process:

  1. Submit a Project Proposal: Proposals can be emailed to katie@bloxbia.ca with the email title: “Grant Matching - insert business name”, in a word, PDF or powerpoint form. All proposals must include the following: 

    • Business name and address 

    • Applicant name and contact information 

    • Brief project description

    • Photos, sketches, or visual references (if applicable)

    • Estimated costs. 

    • Implementation timeline

    • Anticipated community impact
       

  2. Review & Approval: The BIA will assess projects based on community impact, visibility, feasibility, and alignment with program goals.
     

  3. Agreement & Matching: Approved applicants will receive written confirmation and funding details by April 7th, 2026.
     

Implementation: Businesses must complete the project on or before December 31, 2026 and submit receipts and photos for reimbursement.

BIA Support

The Beltline BIA can provide:
 

  • Guidance on project planning and approvals
     

  • Promotion of completed projects through BIA channels
     

  • Assistance connecting with local artists, suppliers, or fabricators

For questions or to submit your proposal, please contact:
Katie Thies - katie@bloxbia.ca
Executive Director, Beltline BIA (BLOX)

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