City of Brantford launches pilot grant program for businesses impacted by vandalism

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford has launched a one-year pilot program to provide financial support to small businesses, non-profits, and faith-based organizations that have experienced an act of vandalism. This grant covers repairs directly tied to a vandalism incident and preventative measures that will reduce the likelihood of future vandalism. Applications are now being accepted online at www.AdvantageBrantford.ca/AntiVandalismGrant.

This pilot program will offer funding up to $1,000 for reparative measures and up to $3,000 for preventative measures, excluding HST. Reparative measures will cover repairs directly tied to a vandalism incident and will cover a maximum of 50 per cent of the repair. Examples of reparative measures include window or door repairs, lock replacement, graffiti removal, and exterior damage. A safety audit conducted by City of Brantford staff will help to identify prevention measures that will further assist with safeguarding the business against future vandalism incidents and will cover a maximum of 50 per cent of eligible costs. Examples of preventative measures include shatterproof glass, protective films, lighting, cameras, alarm systems, enhanced locks, A/C anti‑theft devices, and beautification murals that deter graffiti. Prevention projects must be applied at the same building or property where the vandalism took place, but may address a wider range of safety and security concerns.

Applicants must be a small business with less than 100 employees, a non‑profit, or a faith‑based organization, located in Brantford. Applicants must report the act of vandalism to the police. Only one application per property is permitted. Grants will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. Funds will be issued once repairs are complete and invoices are submitted. Contractors hired to complete the work must be at arm’s length from the property owner. Institutional buildings such as colleges and universities are not eligible for this grant. This grant cannot be combined with other existing municipal grants; however, a larger grant (up to $15,000 for specific façade improvements) is available, as noted in the Downtown Community Improvement Plan or the Greyfields Community Improvement Plan. Learn more about all available grants by visiting www.AdvantageBrantford.ca/Incentives or by contacting the City of Brantford’s Economic Development Department directly at 519-759-4150.