Uptown Saint John BIA Grants

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE FUND DETAILS

A City of Saint John Grant Program

Funding

Administered by the City of Saint John, this program offers:

  • Non-profits: Up to 75% of eligible expenses covered
  • Up to $7,500 per year for individual small businesses and non-profits
  • Up to $25,000 for collective projects led by the Uptown Saint John BIA or groups of 4+ businesses
  • Cost-sharing:
    • Small businesses: Up to 50% of eligible expenses covered
    • Non-profits: Up to 75% of eligible expenses covered

Should You Apply?

Your business may benefit from this City of Saint John program if you are looking to:

  • Repair damage caused by break-ins or vandalism
  • Improve security (cameras, lighting, window/door reinforcement, alarms)
  • Add prevention tools or training for staff
  • Strengthen long-term safety and resilience
  • Participate in a shared, multi-business safety or security project

Who Can Apply?

This City of Saint John grant is open to:

  • Registered small businesses within Saint John city limits
  • (Priority areas include Uptown Saint John, Waterloo Village, Rothesay Ave, and Thorne Ave.)
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Commercial property owners leasing to small businesses
  • Uptown Saint John BIA (collective projects)
  • Mixed-use developments under construction

Not eligible:

  • Residential property owners or home-based businesses
  • Businesses with overdue municipal taxes
  • Government or quasi-government organizations
  • Costs already covered by insurance (excluding deductibles)
  • Work completed before required municipal approvals

Benefits of this Program

The Community Resilience Fund can help Uptown businesses:

  • Offset unexpected costs arising from crime or vandalism
  • Reduce the financial burden of improving safety and security
  • Support staff and customer comfort with enhanced safety measures
  • Collaborate on collective projects that improve entire blocks or zones
  • Build long-term stability and community resilience

Application Deadline

Applications to this City-administered fund are accepted twice per year:

Round 1

  • Eligible expenses: September 1 – March 31
  • Grants awarded: April

Round 2

  • Eligible expenses: April 1 – August 31
  • Grants awarded: September

Current Round:

  • Open now
  • Deadline: March 31, 2026
  • Eligible expenses: September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Need Help?

This is a City of Saint John program, but if you have questions or need help understanding the guidelines, Nancy Tissington, our Executive Director at Uptown Saint John, is happy to point you in the right direction.
Email: nancy@uptownsj.com

Visit the City of Saint john website to apply (online form top right)


FAÇADE GRANTS – On Pause for 2025

The Uptown Saint John Business Improvement Association is happy to assist in the maintenance and improvements of buildings in our BIA. We currently have the Facade Grant available to our members, helping to facilitate façade improvements. This supports our mandate for Clean and Safe streets in Uptown Saint John.


Façade Grants are awarded to cover up to fifty percent of project costs, to a maximum of $2,000 per PAN. Funds are limited and awards are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, please click the button at the bottom of this section & fill out the form.

Please Note: When all funds have been allocated for the first come first applicants for the current Façade Grant program.  If an applicant should not finish their work or purchases then the funds will be released and the next applicant in the queue will be notified.

FAÇADE GRANT DETAILS

Funding

The program provides for a one-time reimbursement, up to 50% (percent) to a maximum of $2,000 per PAN. Only eligible facade improvements will be considered for funding. Forms must be complete for consideration.

Eligible Buildings

Eligible buildings are commercial buildings with facades visible from the front of the street. New construction does not require occupancy in order to be eligible for this program.

Eligible Expenditures
and Activities

Façade renovation activities must involve the general upgrading of a building’s external appearance. Façade program funding is to be used for permanent exterior visual improvements to a street facade or storefront, and is not to be used for structural repairs. Permanent exterior improvements that are eligible include:

  • Masonry repairs and tuckpointing
  • Repair/replace/preserve (including the exposure and cleaning) historically significant architectural details
  • Storefront facade infill and/or reconstruction
  • Exterior painting and repairs to the finishes of original buildings
  • Fixed flower boxes
  • Certain lighting installations
  • Awnings
  • Signage
  • Patios and furnishings, ie: tables and chairs (does not include labour)

FESTIVAL AND EVENTS GRANT (DRAFT – NOT YET AVAILABLE)

The Uptown Saint John Business Improvement Association embraces the opportunity to support events that highlight our uptown as the city’s cultural and commercial hub, fostering community engagement, boosting tourism, and driving economic activity. This new grant supports our mandate for Placemaking in Uptown Saint John.

Are you planning a festival or event in our historic Uptown Saint John? Uptown Saint John Inc. **will soon be** accepting applications for its 2025 Festival & Events Grant.

FESTIVAL AND EVENTS GRANT DETAILS

Funding

TBD

Should You Apply?

Uptown Saint John Inc. is looking to fund events that:

  • Deliver a unique Uptown experience
  • Celebrate Culture, Heritage, or Live Entertainment
  • Support Uptown businesses and contribute to the local economy

Who Can Apply?

Organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Events must take place within the Uptown Saint John BIA Boundaries
  • General Liability Insurance is required
  • Events must align with one of Uptown Saint John’s strategic pillars: Advocacy, Place-Making, Clean & Safe Streets, Marketing & Promotion.
  • Proposals must include a detailed marketing plan with sponsor recognition.

Benefits of this Program

Successful applicants will receive sponsorship in a mix of cash and, possibly, Uptown Gift Cards (usable at Uptown businesses), ensuring your event directly supports our local economy.

Application Deadline

  • DATE TBD
  • Don’t miss your chance to bring your vision to life and make a lasting impact on Uptown Saint John
APPLICATION TO COME IN THE NEAR FUTURE