Facade Improvement Grants for NEBA Members

The North End Business Association (NEBA) Facade Improvement Grant Program is designed to support local businesses and property owners in enhancing the visual appearance of commercial buildings within the North End.

The program provides matching grants of up to $2,000 to assist with exterior improvements that contribute to a more vibrant, attractive, and economically resilient business district.

Facade improvement programs are widely used to revitalize commercial areas, increase foot traffic, and strengthen local economies through public-private investment.

Funding Details

• Grant Type: Matching reimbursement grant

• Funding Ratio: 50% of eligible project costs

• Maximum Grant: $2,000 per property

• Minimum Project Value: $1000

• Payment Structure: Reimbursement upon project completion and approval

Note: Funding is limited and subject to annual program budget.

1) Timeline - Within 6 months of approval. The deadline to apply is May 30th, 2026.

2) Eligibility - The Grant is available to businesses and property owners with ground-floor commercial space that is highly visible from the public right-of-way. Non ground floor businesses making improvements may still be eligible, depending on the project (ie signage). Preference will be given to businesses which are categorized as retail, food and drink, entertainment, personal care/retail services, attractions, arts & culture, and accommodations. Eligible businesses must be members of the association and located in the NEBA catchment area (see catchment map here). Commercial tenants must have written property owner consent.

3) Suitable Grant Claims - Anything that improves your facade or street frontage - exterior painting and surface improvements, exterior (permanently affixed) signage, awnings, lighting, restoration of architectural details, accessibility improvements, safety enhancements, decorative elements, murals, or streetscape enhancements, patio enhancements, labour, etc. Members should focus on exterior projects that face the main street or store frontage; Making improvements to the back of your business or alleyway may not be eligible.

The Facade program typically focuses on highly visible exterior elements that significantly improve building appearance.

4) Ineligible Improvements - Interior renovations, window & door replacements, routine maintenance or repairs, roofing, temporary signage, landscaping not directly tied to the facade or street frontage, work completed prior to approval, labour completed by the applicant (unless pre-approved).

TO APPLY:

Please fill out the application HERE. You will be asked to provide the following information:

• Name of business

• Address

• Contact name and title

• Email and phone number

• Type of business (e.g. restaurant/bar/café, retail, personal care/retail services, attraction, or accommodation)

• Description of proposed improvements

• Estimated start and completion date

• Before photos of the building/project area

• Cost estimates or contractor quotes 

• Concept drawings or design plans (if applicable)

• Written property owner approval (if tenant applying)

  
  

Applicants are asked to read the Grant’s Terms & Conditions, below, before submitting a grant application.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

The Facade Improvement Grant is offering grants up to a maximum of $2000.00, including tax, per business. Businesses are welcome to apply for an amount LESS than $2000.00. Only projects with a minimum value of $1000 will be accepted. Facade grant funding is a one-time-only grant to assist businesses and property owners in enhancing the visual appearance of commercial buildings that face the main street or store frontage, within the North End.

To be eligible for the Grant, businesses or organizations must be a North End Business Association (NEBA) member, located in the NEBA catchment area, and are either a retail, food and drink, entertainment, personal care/retail services, attractions, arts & culture, and accommodations type business. Organizations with more than one business can apply for each business individually.

Exterior enhancements can include painting and surface improvements, exterior (permanently affixed) signage, awnings, lighting, restoration of architectural details, accessibility improvements, safety enhancements, decorative elements, murals, or streetscape enhancements, patio enhancements, and any labour and/or hardware associated with the improvements.

Other items or enhancements may be considered if presented by a business as being necessary to improve the exterior appearance of their storefront. Only improvements or enhancements to the street-facing exterior of a business or organization will be considered. The Grant may not be used for interior improvements.

The Call for Applications is now open, and applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm (ADT) on May 30, 2026. Grant applications will be reviewed and approved by NEBA, contingent upon meeting the criteria and sufficient funds in the overall program. Applicants will receive notification within ten (10) business days of closing if their application is successful or not.

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Visual impact and improvement to the streetscape

• Project readiness and feasibility

• Alignment with program objectives

• Distribution of funding across the district

NEBA reserves the right to approve, deny, or request modifications to applications.

Projects must be completed within 6 months of approval. Approval must be received before work begins. NEBA will reimburse up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $2,000. All necessary municipal permits must be obtained, and improvements must comply with local bylaws and regulations. Once the material is purchased and/or the work is done, the business/organization must:

1) submit proof of purchase/payment (receipts and/or invoices with dates,

2) provide an invoice from your company for the material amount (up to $2000.00 including tax). Please make your invoice out to North End Business Association and back out the HST paid on purchases if applicable. 

3) “before” and “after” photographs of the completed exteriors.

4) Please send your documentation to info@gonorthhalifax.com within 30 days of project completion.

NEBA will provide the funds to the businesses once sufficient proof has been submitted. Refunds will be processed every thirty (30) days and mailed directly to the applicants in the form of a cheque. If it is determined by NEBA that a Grant recipient did not use the full amount they were awarded, the materials were purchased outside of the outlined timeframe, or the materials purchased were not eligible, NEBA reserves the right to either deny payment to the grant recipient or pay an adjusted amount based on valid receipts received. Grants are provided at the discretion of NEBA. NEBA may conduct site inspections.

Please direct any additional questions or comments to Evyeneia Dexter, NEBA Communications & Events Coordinator, at info@gonorthhalifax.com or 902-456-3842.