Great storefronts do more than improve the appearance of a building—they create welcoming spaces, attract customers, support local businesses and contribute to a thriving downtown.
The City of Leduc’s Façade and Capital Enhancement (FACE) Grant Program provides grant funding to help commercial property and business owners improve the exterior of buildings within the Urban Centre. Whether you’re refreshing a storefront, restoring historic features or undertaking major façade improvements, the FACE Grant Program helps offset project costs while supporting a more vibrant, welcoming and pedestrian-friendly Urban Centre.
Applicants may receive funding for 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $5,000, $15,000 or $25,000, depending on property and project type. Funding is provided as a reimbursement after approved work is complete.
Why apply?
The FACE Grant Program helps businesses and property owners make façade improvements that benefit both their property and the broader community.
Through the program, you can:
- Reduce renovation costs with matching grant funding
- Improve your storefront’s visibility and curb appeal
- Create a more welcoming and accessible experience for customers
- Restore or enhance architectural and historic features
- Help create a vibrant, attractive Urban Centre
Is your business or project eligible?
You may be eligible for the FACE Grant Program if:
- Your business is in a commercial or eligible mix-use building within the Urban Centre
- The project includes permanent exterior improvements that enhance the building and public spaces
- The project begins after you have been approved for the program, signed an agreement with the City, and obtained all required permits. Costs incurred before these requirements are met are not eligible for reimbursement.
- The project meets all other program requirements and is listed as an eligible project in the program guidelines.
Use the table below to assess whether your proposed project may qualify for the FACE Grant Program. Please note that this is a self-assessment tool and does not guarantee eligibility. Refer to the program guidelines for detailed project criteria (page 4) and scoring matrix (Appendix B).
Unsure whether your business or project qualifies? Schedule a pre-application meeting.
Funding at a glance
The FACE Grant Program contains three funding tiers based on property and project type. Please refer to the program guidelines for detailed project requirements.
| Project Type | Description | Examples | Maximum Grant Value (50% reimbursement of eligible costs) |
| Storefront Improvements | For single storefront improvements that refresh the appearance of your business and create a more inviting street presence. |
|
Up to $5,000 |
| Simple Façade Improvements | For larger storefront projects, such as corner properties, that require a more substantial investment. | All items in Storefront Improvements, plus:
|
Up to $15,000 |
| Comprehensive Façade Improvements | For major building improvements that transform the appearance and functionality of your property. | All items in Storefront and Simple Façade Improvements, plus:
|
Up to $25,000 |
Before applying
Before submitting an application, applicants are required to review the program guidelines in full. Information sessions and pre-application meetings are strongly encouraged to help applicants understand program requirements, confirm eligibility, ensure proposed projects align with City bylaws and requirements, and submit a complete application package.
Information sessions
Information sessions are a great opportunity to learn more about the program and ask questions before preparing your application.
- Nov. 5: Virtual session, noon to 1 p.m. Link to come.
- Nov. 6: In-person session, Grain Elevator (5209 47 St) and time to be confirmed.
- Nov. 10: In-person session, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Civic Centre: Lede Room.
Pre-application meeting
Applicants are highly encouraged to attend a pre-application meeting. These one-on-one meetings provide an opportunity to discuss your project, confirm eligibility, review program requirements, and ask questions about the application process.
Whether you’re still developing your project or ready to apply, a pre-application meeting can help ensure you have the information you need before submitting your application
How to apply
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an information session and pre-application meeting to increase chances of a successful application.
- Prepare your application package
- Submit your application package on CityView
FAQ
The FACE Grant Program is a key action identified in the City’s Urban Centre Redevelopment Plan (UCRP) to encourage investment and revitalization within the Urban Centre.
The current program is limited to eligible properties within the Urban Centre. As the City monitors the program’s success, there may be opportunities to consider expanding similar funding programs to other areas in the future.
Yes. Projects must be approved, and you must have a signed agreement with the City before construction begins. Expenses incurred before approval are not eligible for reimbursement.
Yes, if your project requires them. Once you’ve signed your grant agreement, it’s your responsibility to obtain all required development, building and trade permits before construction begins. Approval for the FACE Grant Program does not guarantee permit approval.
No. The FACE Grant Program is not retroactive. Improvements that are underway or completed before your application is approved and a grant agreement is signed are not eligible for reimbursement.
Generally, no. The FACE Grant Program funds permanent improvements that enhance the exterior appearance and function of commercial and mixed-use buildings. Interior renovations may only be considered when they directly support an approved exterior improvement, such as creating multiple bays within an existing building or adding an additional storefront. If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, we strongly encourage you to book a pre-application meeting before applying.
Tenants may apply with permission from the property owner. A completed Land Owner’s Authorization Form is required as part of the application package.
In total, the FACE Grant Program has $100,000 available for the 2026 intake, with an additional $100,000 planned for a second intake in 2027. Funding is awarded through a competitive application process and is subject to available program funding.