Uptown Saint John BIA Grants

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