Take Your Business to the Next Level
An entrepreneur needs to reinvest in their business to sustain or grow the business. One way to do this is to improve the appearance and function of their existing business location. With interior or exterior improvements, the curb appeal of the business should increase and improve the willingness of residents or visitors to shop locally. When several adjacent businesses (such as Main Street) improve their physical appearance, it improves the overall image of the business area and makes the overall community more enticing to visitors and potential residents.
What Is Our Beautification Loan
The Beautification Loan Program provides interest-free term loans up to $20,000 for three years to existing local businesses to improve the appearance and function of their business. If your business operates in a distinct physical location (not within your home) within the Town of Slave Lake, the Municipal District of Opportunity, or Big Lakes County, permanent interior or exterior improvements may be eligible. This is one way that our municipalities and Community Futures can support existing local businesses so that they can stay, grow, and become more competitive in our region
Note: Applicants must complete the improvements within 12 months of receiving the loan, and the loan must remain in good standing to keep the loan interest-free. Limited funds are available.
Eligible Improvements Include:
Design and installation of external signs (in accordance with sign bylaw)
Design and installation of awnings
Exterior lighting of the building and sign(s)
Removal and disposal of broken sign(s) and fixtures
Restoration of exterior finishes and repainting
Removal of exterior materials that cover architectural details
New architectural details (i.e. new entryway, cornices)
Repair or design and replace storefront windows and doors
Addition of patio areas and permanent landscaping elements
Interior window display areas and lighting
Interior painting
Interior flooring (i.e. carpet, laminate, tile, hardwood)
Shelving (permanent)
Interior counters and display cases
Interior light fixtures
Creation of new retail bays in an existing building (in accordance with the development and building bylaws)
*This list is not all-encompassing. Other improvements could be eligible if they meet the objectives of the program and comply with municipal development regulations.
Want to Apply?
To apply for a beautification loan, click the button below and submit an application request form.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions or require any further information please feel free to reach out to our Business Analyst Robin-Lee Vance by phone or email. You can also book a meeting directly with the links below:
Phone: 1-780-849-3232
E-mail: balsl@albertacf.com
Comments