Current Opportunities For Business Owners:
(click on name for details)
- 2011 Annual ReviewDowntowns are becoming more important than ever. As big houses in the suburbs start to have less appeal for younger buyers and people are looking for new experiences in more walkable and vibrant communities, downtowns are where they are looking. These changes won’t happen overnight but downtown businesses have a lot to gain from the urban renaissance.
Downtown Red Deer experienced a number of these changes in 2011. With major addition such as City Centre Stage and the Red Deer College Donald School of Business, a long list of successful events, and a beautiful street upgrade program on Little Gaetz Avenue, our downtown saw some major improvements in 2011, and we strive to work towards continuing to establish the downtown as a destination point in Red Deer.
- Downtown Business Marketing ToolkitTo remind citizens and visitors that the Downtown is open for business through the summer construction, a $25,000 marketing campaign has been planned by the Downtown Business Association with input from many downtown entrepreneurs.
This toolkit will help to inform new and repeat customers about downtown transitions, parking and special events, and it will help to o set some of the inconveniences of construction.
- Façade and Shopfront Improvement ProgramThe Downtown Business Association has set aside funds for a Facade and Shopfront Improvement Program for storefronts located within the business revitalization zone (BRZ). The program encourages commercial building owners and business operators to invest in facade renovations and storefront upgrades by providing grants to cover a portion of renovation costs.
Matching funding up to a maximum of $5000 per façade can be available for approved upgrade projects.
All projects must be reviewed and approved prior to start-up. Funding may also be available through the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Incentive Fund (see info on this page). If approved for funding under the Façade and Shopfront Improvement Program, businesses may apply to Community Futures for a low interest (prime plus 2%) loan matching the grant amount received.
For more information, see:
- Shop Local Shop Downtown ProfilesYou may have noticed our new Shop Local, Shop Downtown Business Profiles in our E-News and on our website. A new profile will be released every second Thursday in our E-News.
Giving your business a personality is one way to increase traffic flow into your business. It is our hope, that with these Business Profiles, we will give exposure to downtown businesses, and let potential customers know more about you, your product or service, and what makes your business special. We will be interviewing people who want to take part in our new Shop Local Shop Downtown profiles, and have a new profile highlighted in our E-News newsletter. Interested parties are asked to call Randy at 403-340-8696 or email randy@downtownreddeer.com.
- Adopt A PlanterIt's Spring! Time to consider beautifying the sidewalk in front of your business.
Under the Adopt-a-Planter program, participating businesses will have a permanently-fixed planter installed in front of your business, filled with soil mix and flowers ready for planting. Businesses are required to pay a one-time fee of $125 and commit to planting, maintaining (including watering) and providing a little TLC to the flowers for three seasons. At the end of the third season businesses will have the opportunity to renew their agreement for another three years.
Planters are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. For more information, call Janice at 403-340-8696.
- Kiosk RentalMake your Business more visible, no matter where you are in the Downtown!
The Kiosk Advertising Program offers rental space for business advertisements/promotions located in the BRZ. The Kiosks are located in a number of locations throughout downtown. Each Kiosk has four sides for display advertising. The rental fee varies according to the side exposure of each Kiosk. The Kiosk's are rented on a yearly basis.
The Downtown Business Association manages the rental and installation of the signage for the program and reserves the right to approve or reject any promotional and/or informational advertising as deemed appropriate and prudent.
Click on the Kiosk for more information OR for specific locations and cost, please contact the DBA office.
- CPTED FundThe Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Incentive Fund will provide funding assistance for pre-approved crime-prevention related upgrades to downtown businesses or property owners.
Matching funding up to a maximum of $2500 can be available for approved upgrade projects.
The fund is available to all downtown businesses or social agencies within the designated area who meet the program criteria. All projects must be reviewed and approved prior to start-up.
For more information, see:
CPTED Information and Program Guidelines
CPTED Incentive Fund Application
CPTED Boundaries Map- Shop Downtown BookmarksSpread the important Shop Local - Shop Downtown message by giving bookmarks as shopping bag stuffers.
They are available at no cost from the Downtown Business Association (while supplies last). Call 403.340.8696 to order your supply.
- Alberta Downtowns ConferenceA conference for anyone with a vested interest in downtowns.
Every Community has a main street. Downtowns are not only the heart of communities, they are economic drivers. Downtowns, no matter the size, have many things in common.
The Alberta Downtowns Conference will appeal to:
* everyone charged with marketing a destination
* city and county administrators and elected officials
* tourism and economic development practitioners
* local businesses and retail and lodging associations
* anyone with a vested interest in the downtownsConference organizers are busy finalizing sessions and speakers on subjects that will include:
* destination development
* destination marketing
* recruiting investment
* social media and marketing
* Business Revitalization Zone- what, why and how to?* night-time economies - entertainment and social districts.
$189 Early Bird Deadline April 1
$239 Deadline April 29
Registration forms are coming soon.
