The Town of Stonewall has created a new program that aims to revitalize the community’s commercial sector.
The Commercial Revitalization and Incentive Support Program, known as CRISP, offers grants to encourage private investment, support local entrepreneurs and strengthen Stonewall’s commercial core.
Mayor Sandra Smith announced the program at the recent Stonewall and District Chamber of Commerce inaugural Business Awards Banquet.
“CRISP is about investing in Stonewall’s future,” Smith said. “By helping our local businesses grow and attracting new ones to our community, we’re creating a stronger, more vibrant downtown that residents can be proud of.”
Smith explained that CRISP provides three targeted programs: Business Owners’ Opportunity for Storefront Transformation (BOOST), Niche Enterprise Support and Transformation (NEST) and Economic Development Grant for Expansion (EDGE).
These programs are designed to assist businesses at different stages of growth, from storefront upgrades all the way to large-scale expansions. Council has identified the need to revitalize downtown and support local businesses while also transforming vacant and underused properties. Each year, council will set a maximum amount of funds for CRISP in their budget year.
BOOST offers up to $5,000 to businesses that are looking to complete storefront improvements that focus on signage and façade enhancements, decorative lighting, exterior accessibility improvements and security. BOOST is currently identified for the commercial general zone, but council is considering potentially expanding it to other business zones based on feedback received after the launch on Oct. 25.
NEST will provide a matching grant of up to $25,000 to entrepreneurs who are creating brick-and-mortar niche businesses in the commercial general zone that don’t currently exist or operate in town. In particular, this grant is geared for businesses that focus on tourism, innovation or unmet community needs. The business can’t be a national franchise.
EDGE aims to help business owners who are undertaking a major private sector investment that will result in at least $2 million in increased assessment and create new employment opportunities. The proposed projects need to focus on economic development and long-term job creation, and they must result in substantial improved property value. This opportunity is available to any business within town limits.
Successful EDGE applicants will receive a grant equal to incremental municipal taxes created by the increased assessment for three years. Incremental municipal taxes are the difference between the amount of property tax revenue generated before the development occurred and the amount of property tax revenue generated after the project is complete. The applicant must own, operate and pay tax on the improved property. The business expansion must also create at least three new permanent full-time jobs or equivalent, and some conditions apply.
“This is more than a grant program, it’s a partnership,” Smith said. “When businesses thrive, Stonewall thrives.”
CRISP aims to benefit the community by boosting local employment, attracting visitors and enhancing quality of life.
Robert Price-Lewis, president of the Stonewall and District Chamber of Commerce, said it’s great to see the town supporting investment in the business community.
“Small improvements like new lighting or signage can make a big difference,” he said. “At the same time, larger projects that bring jobs and long-term investment are vital for keeping our local economy strong and sustainable.”
To learn more about CRISP or to apply, visit https://stonewall.ca/p/crisp or contact the town office at info@stonewall.ca or 1-204-467-7979. Applications will be available before the end of 2025 and they’ll continue to be accepted year-round. Town staff are available to help guide applicants through the process.
