Up to $10,000 in rental subsidy is available for entrepreneurs looking to set up shop in Downtown Red Deer, thanks to The City of Red Deer’s new Vacant Spaces Grant program. Entrepreneurs can apply to receive funding to activate vacant downtown street-level, commercial spaces with food & beverage, entertainment, or retail business concepts.
New in 2023, the Vacant Spaces Grant is designed to incentivize the development of a unique, well-invested downtown where people and businesses thrive. Funding is available in 2023 and in 2024 following the guidelines of the Community Development Grant Program approved by Red Deer 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 50 Avenue between 48 Street and 53 Street, as well as spaces along 49 Street between 48 Avenue and 50 Avenue.
Applications for the 2023 Vacant Spaces Grant funding cycle open August 1, 2023. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2023 by 4 p.m. For more information on the Vacant Spaces Grant program, visit reddeer.ca/vacantspaces.
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For more information, contact:
Community & Public Relations
The City of Red Deer
403-396-9533