How the City supports your business and community
The City of Wrenford offers grants and tax incentives to help local businesses grow, keep our downtown core vibrant, and create more affordable housing. These programs are run by the Economic Development team at City Hall. You can apply online or visit the customer service counter to get started.
Business and storefront grants
Wrenford wants to see your storefronts look their best and your new business succeed. The following grants help cover the cost of improvements and moving to the city.
- Facade Improvement Assistance Program: Get up to $40,000 to repair or upgrade the exterior of your building in the downtown core. You must cover 50 per cent of the project costs yourself. Learn more about eligibility and deadlines on the Facade Improvement Assistance Program page.
- New Business Relocation Grant: Moving your business to Wrenford? We will cover your moving expenses and initial signage costs up to $5,000.00. This grant is for businesses that have never operated in Wrenford before.
- Downtown Business Improvement Grants: The Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Area (BIA) offers matching funds for marketing, events, and sidewalk maintenance. Check the Downtown BIA page for current calls for proposals.
Affordable housing incentives
Building safe, affordable homes is a top priority for our city. The City provides grants and land incentives to non-profit groups, housing co-ops, and community land trusts.
- Pre-Development Housing Grant: Covers up to $33,000 for feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and engineering work. You must apply through the Affordable Housing Programs page.
- Municipal Land Disposal: The City prioritizes selling vacant city-owned lots to non-profit developers and community land trusts. These sales are held at a nominal fee to keep long-term housing affordable.
How to apply for a grant
All incentive programs follow the same basic steps:
- Pre-consultation: Book a meeting with an Economic Development Officer to review your project scope. You can reach Isabel Moreno, our Economic Development Manager, at Contact economic development.
- Submit your application: Fill out the online form and attach all required plans, quotes, and proof of funding.
- Review and approval: Staff will check your application within 15 business days. Council must approve grants over $25,000.
- Project completion: Once your work is finished and inspected, the City releases the funds. You will need to submit final invoices and photos.
Tax incentives and fee waivers
Beyond direct grants, the City offers property tax exemptions and licence fee waivers to encourage investment.
- Industrial Development Incentives: Businesses that invest over $1 million in manufacturing or logistics infrastructure can apply for a temporary property tax reduction. See the Industrial Development Incentives page for full terms.
- Pop-up Shop Licence Waiver: If you open a temporary retail shop in a vacant downtown storefront for less than one year, the City will waive the annual business licence fee for your first six months.
Grant program summary
| Program | Who it is for | Maximum amount | Match required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facade Improvement | Property owners in downtown core | $40,000 | 50 per cent |
| New Business Relocation | Businesses moving to Wrenford | $5,000.00 | None |
| Pre-Development Housing | Non-profits and housing co-ops | $33,000 | None |
| Pop-up Shop Waiver | Temporary retail in vacant storefronts | $0.00 (fee waived) | N/A |
Need help?
Not sure which program fits your project? Visit the Start a Business Guide or email the Economic Development team at [email protected]. We are happy to walk you through the process.