CONSTRUCTION GRANTS

• I was shocked when I found out you could get grants for construction
• Construction grants revealed: federal, provincial, and municipal
• Plan in advance

When I was working as a finance researcher at the Alberta Legislative Assembly, my job was to follow the money.

Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) – in Opposition that is – just love asking questions about government spending. Asking questions is part of their job, which is important in any democracy.

GRANTS

While working at the Legislature, I was a recent graduate without much real-world experience.

Since MLAs CANNOT get sued for anything they say on the floor of the Assembly, and they have less accountability in Opposition than government (Opposition is not spending the money), you can understand why I thought being a researcher for the Opposition was the best job in the world.

What a blast.

What I didn’t understand at that time was just how expensive the “real world” could be.

Last month I read Profit First by Mike Michalowicz, which is an absolute amazing book for any small business owner out there. An absolute must read.

Please don’t take this next sentence as a spoiler alert, but here is one of the book’s key messages: the vast majority of small businesses are nearly broke.

Now some of you might be rolling your eyes, “come on Dave, that can’t be true.”

To that I say you are likely: (1) working in government, (2) spent a lot of time working in government, (3) never been a full-time entrepreneur. No disrespect. I dedicated years of my life in public service, and I loved it.

But I’ve spent the last five and half years self-employed, and I can honestly tell you most small business owners struggle financially. I rarely ask for “comments” in my blog, but I would love to hear your thoughts on this statement: are most businesses struggling financially or are most crushing it (i.e. winning big)?

Just a quick aside: there is hope Grant Seekers – start by reading and implementing Profit First!

CONSTRUCTION GRANTS

Right about now, some of you might be thinking, “Dave, I thought this blog post was about construction grants. Why are you giving me this dog and pony show?”

Well the reason goes back to my company’s purpose: I want to help bridge businesses and government. They are wired completely differently.

SO, HERE IS THIS WEEK’S MILLION-DOLLAR QUESTION: “WHY THE HECK IS THE GOVERNMENT GIVING OUT CONSTRUCTION GRANTS?

GRANT TIP: Because construction is really expensive, and most businesses would not do it if they do not have a grant.

Sure, some small businesses invest in construction projects without grants, but I bet most of them lose a lot of sleep over it.

Now here’s where it gets even worse.

Say you want to make some renovations to make your place accessible.

Do you delay as long as you can, or do you proceed with construction?

Do you renovate the front of your business building to attract more customers, or do you wait to see how cashflow is going?

Enter grants.

Most people have absolutely no idea grants exists for construction, but I want to give you a mix here of profit and non-profit eligible construction grants. Enjoy!

ENABLING ACCESSIBILITY FUND – WORKPLACE ACCESSIBILITY STREAM | EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CANADA (ESDC):

Value: Varies

Description:

The Enabling Accessibility Fund is a federal Grants and Contributions program that supports capital costs of construction and renovations related to improving physical accessibility and safety for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces. From installing screen reader devices, hearing induction loop systems, automated door openers, constructing a universally designed office or retrofitting a washroom with an accessible toilet, grab bars and taps, the Enabling Accessibility Fund works to enable Canadians with disabilities to participate in their community and the economy.

The Workplace Accessibility Stream provides funding to eligible recipients for projects that improve accessibility in workplaces across Canada.

To be considered eligible for funding, projects must be directly related to maintaining or creating job opportunities for people with disabilities. All projects must also meet the specific eligibility criteria identified in calls for proposals, including support from their community.

Eligibility:

• Not-for-profit organizations
• For-profit organizations
• Municipalities
• Fewer than 50 employees
• Less than $5 million in gross revenue per year
• The capacity to put in some of its own money or leverage funding from other sources

Eligible Expenses:

• Renovation, construction or retrofitting of buildings
• Modification of vehicles for work use
• Provision of accessible information or communication technologies for work use

Deadline: July 26, 2018.

Contact: Government of Canada | 1-800-622-6232

Website: http://www.edsc.gc.ca/eng/disability/eaf/index.shtml

COMMUNITY FACILITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (CFEP) | ALBERTA CULTURE AND TOURISM:

Value:

• Small Stream: Maximum $125,000 per fiscal year, approved on a matching basis
• Large Stream: $125,001 – $1 Million, approved on a matching basis

CFEP Small Funding stream will allow an organization to be considered for up to $10,000 non-matching funding if the organization can demonstrate:

• Financial hardship—e.g., loss of a major funding sponsor
• Existing funds are restricted for other uses other than ongoing regular capital projects
• Extra-ordinary circumstances limit the ability to secure matching funding, labour, materials and equipment
• Immediate need for the project to be undertaken

Description:

The Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) has been established to assist in fostering the unique characteristics of Alberta’s many communities. To accomplish this, the program has been designed to respond to local facility enhancement needs and to work in partnership with community groups and volunteers. By assisting communities with construction, renovation or redevelopment of community public-use facilities, CFEP will help enhance the quality of life and citizen well-being in communities across the province. CFEP has two funding streams: Small Funding Stream and Large Funding Stream.

Eligibility:

• Non-profit organizations and registered charities
• Universities, colleges and institutes

Eligible Expenses:

• Application can be for one, not multiple, facilities
• Build, purchase, repair, renovate, upgrade or otherwise improve sports, recreational, cultural or other related community facilities
• Major renovations and repairs to the structural, electrical or mechanical systems in their facility, modernize facilities to improve operational efficiency or enhance programming, or expand facilities to increase public use or develop new facilities to meet changing needs and expectations

Deadline:

• Small Funding Stream: January 15, 2018; May 15, 2018; September 15, 2018
• Large Funding Stream: October 1, 2018

Contact: Edmonton Region – Kristine Telenko | 780-422-9574

Website:
https://www.alberta.ca/community-facility-enhancement-program.aspx

I’m sure I have NO readers in Winnipeg, but Edmonton has one of these grants too. My point is that many municipalities have construction grants.

FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM | CITY OF WINNIPEG:

Value: Up to $5,000 to cover professional design consulting fees and will match up to $15,000 in hard costs.

Description:

The Façade Improvement Program, administered by CentreVenture in collaboration with the City of Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba, and Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, encourages building owners and ground floor tenants within and around The SHED to invest in façade improvements and exterior storefront upgrades by providing matching grants to cover a portion of design and renovation costs.

Eligibility:

Building owners and ground floor tenants.

Eligible Expenses:

Design and renovation costs such as enhanced signage, exterior lighting, awnings, patio fixtures, new doors/windows, etc.

Deadline: Currently closed. Future deadline to be determined.

Contact: Downtown Winnipeg BIZ | (204) 958-4640 | info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com

Website: http://downtownwinnipegbiz.com/programs-services/image/storefront-improvement/

Normally I don’t ask people to share my stuff, but I know some of these grants will literally change the lives of business owners and people who need accessible places to work. These programs could literally give them hope and a job.

Have an awesome week!

Crush it,

David Kincade

Phone: 780.297.6177

Email: davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca