Downtown Winnipeg businesses eligible for funding to improve their storefronts
Posted August 11, 2026 12:25 pm.
Last Updated August 11, 2026 12:29 pm.
Downtown Winnipeg businesses are eligible to receive up to $200,000 to improve their storefronts and accessibility.
The funding comes from the provincial government in partnership with the City of Winnipeg and CentreVenture Development Corporation, with the goal of getting more people to come downtown.
“I love downtown Winnipeg. When it comes to making sure that more people visit, live in downtown Winnipeg, we want to make sure we have a healthy and vibrant business community, safe and community spaces for people to be in,” said Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses at a press conference Tuesday.
Small- and medium-sized retail businesses, restaurants, cafés, specialty retailers and some non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for the funding.
Priority will be given to Winnipeg-owned businesses, storefronts facing Graham Avenue, businesses occupying previously vacant storefronts, and businesses introducing new or underserved goods and services in the downtown area.
Storefront work included in the program are façade improvements; lighting and signage; windows, entrances, patios and canopies; accessibility upgrades; landscaping and public realm enhancements; and interior improvements visible from the street.
“Storefront Success will help businesses create more welcoming spaces that attract customers and investment downtown,” said Rochelle Squires, president and CEO of CentreVenture Development Corporation. “By investing in our storefronts, we’re investing in the vitality and future of downtown.”
Applications are open and will be accepted until the total funding — $1.4 million – is allocated.
Downtown Winnipeg has long faced major challenges to tourism, including widespread retail and office vacancies, economic stagnation, public safety fears and open-air drug use.
Earlier this year, the province invested $2.2 million in an effort to improve safety in downtown Winnipeg. The funding was earmarked for five organizations that strictly focus on community and neighbourhood support.
“We know that there’s more work to be done downtown,” said Moses. “It’s on us and we understand that we can acknowledge the challenges and the reality while also investing in our downtown, supporting businesses, and being there consistently in the future.”
