Business Development Incentive Program

The City of Fort Saskatchewan Business Development Program offers five unique incentives that were developed, in partnership with local business, to help accelerate the growth and development of small businesses and assist commercial property owners improve their property.

Business Development Incentives Policy and Procedure

PLEASE NOTE: Applications will be accepted between February 15, 2023, and November 1, 2023, or until the funding is all allocated, whichever comes first. All expenses must be submitted by December 15, 2023.

List of Available Business Incentives

Incentive

Max Funding

% of Eligible Expenses

Export Development Incentive

$5,000 50%

Small Business Education

$500

50%

Small Business Equipment and Technology

$5,000

50%

Small Business Marketing

$5,000

50%

Storefront Improvement

$10,000

50%

Funding

Incentive funding will be allocated on a case-by-case basis subject to the approval of the Business Development Incentive Review Committee, until the budget has been spent or the program year has ended. Submitting an application does not guarantee a funding or a specific funding amount. All project proposals are subject to a comprehensive review of application and required information, and must reflect the spirit and intent of each grant.

Eligibility

Each incentive has its own unique requirements, however generally the incentives are available to business owners with a Resident Business Licence and/or owners of commercial property located in Fort Saskatchewan.

FAQs

Am I required to use local contractors when applying for any of the Business Development Incentives?

No. While we encourage businesses to shop local by using other local business, we want to ensure that applicants have the ability to seek out the most competitive quotations for their projects.

Why aren't advertising fees eligible for the Small Business Marketing Incentive?

The objective of the Small Business Marketing Incentive is to assist small businesses with improving the quality and effectiveness of their marketing not the quantity. Funding is intended for creation and development marketing content, not for advertising fees. As an example, the cost associated with the creation of a website or the development of a promotional video would be eligible however the cost associated with website hosting and maintenance or airtime on television would not be eligible.

For the Storefront Improvement Incentive, I plan on performing some of the work myself. Can I submit my labour as an eligible expense?

No. While you are permitted to perform work yourself, any labour done yourself or provided in-kind is an ineligible expense.

Are software licence fees eligible under the Small Business Equipment & Technology Incentive?

Yes, some software licence fees may be eligible, however the fees would only by eligible for a period of 12 consecutive months.

Are computers eligible for the Small Business Equipment & Technology Incentive?

Computers may be eligible, however it is critical for the applicant to demonstrate how the computers would be specialized for business and how the computers will increase efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness of the business.

Are signs eligible for the Storefront Improvement Program?

Signs may be included as part of an overall storefront improvement, however applications that are exclusively for storefront signs will not be considered.

Note that signs may also be eligible under the Small Business Marketing Incentive as part of a strategic Marketing Project.

I am the owner of home based business. Am I eligible for the Storefront Improvement Incentive?

No. Only commercial property is eligible for the Storefront Improvement Incentive.

I lease space for my business. Am I eligible for the Storefront Improvement Incentive?

Yes, as long as you have the approval of the property owner.

I have a project that would qualify under two Incentives. Can I apply for both?

You are permitted to submit applications for more than one incentive, however you would only be eligible to receive one incentive.

Can I receive more than one Incentive?

Business owners and commercial property owners are only eligible to receive one incentive every three years. If you receive a incentive in 2018, you would not be eligible for another grant until 2021.

The only exception is the Small Business Education Incentive.

Recipients of a Small Business Education Incentive would be eligible for another Business Development Program Incentive, however they would not be eligible for another Small Business Education Incentive for three years.

Program Recipients

2021
2021 Recent Program Recipients
Business NameIncentive CategoryProject DescriptionCity's ContributionPrivate ContributionTotal Cost
Anytime Fitness Marketing Marketing Strategy Implementation & advertising new website $5,000.00 $5,512.00 $10,512.00
Atlantic Kitchen Storefront New awning signage, window trim painting $6,300.00 $6,300.00 $12,600.00
BB Studio Equipment Equipment for recording studio $1,988.78 $1,988.78 $3,977.56
Casilda Beauty Supplies Professional Service Professional service assistance related to application/ reporting for federal/provincial programs $1,000.00 $ - $1,000.00
Crawford Master Stylists Marketing Marketing Strategy Implementation & advertising $5,000.00 $5,485.86 $10,458.86
Eastgate Plaza Storefront New outdoor patio $10,000.00 $16,397.00 $26,397.00
Fine Light Designs Equipment Laser cutting machine $5,000.00 $10,246.00 $15,246.00
Fort Saskatchewan & District Chamber of Commerce Professional Service Professional service assistance related to application/ reporting for federal/provincial programs $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00
Fort Saskatchewan Eyecare Professional Service Professional service assistance related to application/ reporting for federal/provincial programs $1,000.00 $3,000.00 $4,000.00
Givens LLP CPA Marketing Rebranding & Marketing Strategy $5,000.00 $50,000.00 $55,000.00
Great Clips Equipment POS & scheduling equipment $2,034.43 $2,034.43 $4,068.86
Handyman Electric Equipment Thermal imaging cameras, computer & software $1,318.88 $1,318.88 $2,637.76
Heartland Psychology Inc. Education Education course for therapy techniques $200.82 $200.82 $401.64
Ingram Custom Homes Equipment Skid Steer $5,000.00 $20,000.00 $25,000.00
Jehad Torbeih Professional Corporation Storefront Repaint, add outdoor lighting to multi-tenant building $11,387.50 $11,387.50 $22,775.00
Larry Morin Farm & Business Planning Equipment New computer $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00
Legacy Jewellers Equipment Engraving machine & accessories $4,268.86 $4,268.86 $8,537.72
Marino's Plumbing & Gas Fitting Ltd. Professional Service Professional service assistance related to application/ reporting for federal/provincial programs $1,000.00 $1,625.00 $2,625.00
Maxx Physiotherapy Equipment Decompression/traction chair $5,000.00 $7,995.00 $12,995.00
Oakwood Property Management Professional Service Professional service assistance related to application/ reporting for federal/provincial programs $1,000.00 $3,000.00 $4,000.00
Occupational Therapy Assistant Equipment Computer & apps to assist children with little to no verbal speech $2,324.49 $2,324.49 $4,648.98
Pivotal Physiotherapy Equipment Shockwave Therapy Machine $5,000.00 $13,900.00 $18,900.00
Priority Wellness Equipment Specialized massage tables $3,199.96 $3,199.96 $6,399.92
Qualico Commercial Storefront Exterior renovation, new signage and lighting for 2 multi-tenant CRU buildings $15,500.00 $95,580.00 $111,080.00
Royal Catering Inc. Professional Service Professional service assistance related to application/ reporting for federal/provincial programs $1,000.00 $70.00 $1,070.00
Skin Effect Laser & Medical Aesthetics Professional Service Professional service assistance related to application/ reporting for federal/provincial programs $750.00 $ - $750.00
Smilemakers Dental Centre Professional Service Professional service assistance related to application/ reporting for federal/provincial programs $1,000.00 $ - $1, 000.00
Smilemakers Dental Centre Education Training for office staff $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00
Smilemakers Dental Centre Marketing New awing signage $5,000.00 $5,450.00 $10,450.00
Superior Show Service Professional Service Professional service assistance related to application/ reporting for federal/provincial programs $1,000.00 $3,000.00 $4,000.00
The Barn Door Professional Service Professional service assistance related to application/ reporting for federal/provincial programs $1,000.00 $880.00 $1,880.00
The Fort Distillery Professional Service Professional service assistance related to application/ reporting for federal/provincial programs $1,000.00 $3,000.00 $4,000.00
The Fort Distillery Equipment Fully automatic cocktail bottling machine $5,000.00 $96,725.00 $101,725.00
Vivid Vision Professional Service Professional service assistance related to application/ reporting for federal/provincial programs $530.00 $ - $530.00
Total $115,803.72 $376,862.58 $492,666.30
2020
2020 Recent Program Recipients
Business NameIncentive CategoryProject DescriptionCity's ContributionPrivate ContributionTotal Cost
Alberta Communication Cable Services Marketing Marketing strategy, advertising & website upgrades $5,000.00 $14,000.00 $19,000.00
Alberta Communication Cable Services E-Commerce Social media marketing to promote E-Commerce on their website $999.97 $ - $999.97
Anytime Fitness E-Commerce E-Commerce website to sell memberships online $1,000.00 $221.14 $1,221.14
Associated Telecom E-Commerce Database set-up & online payment service $1,000.00 $6,510.00 $7,510.00
Be Free Fitness Marketing Website creation $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00
Dominique Digital Equipment Computer equipment to create 4K videos $2,757.43 $7,757.42 $5,514.85
Fake and Bake Suntan Studios Equipment Computer & booking software $4,546.67 $4,546.66 $9,093.33
Fort Distillery E-Commerce Social media marketing to promote E-Commerce on their website $1,000.00 $ - $1,000.00
Fort Saskatchewan Acupuncture E-Commerce Created an online platform for booking and sales $995.85 $ - $995.85
Fort Saskatchewan Autobody Marketing Marketing strategy, advertising & signage $5,000.00 $15,550.00 $20,550.00
Green Pen Writing Services Marketing Marketing strategy, advertising & website upgrades $5,000.00 $9,750.00 $14,750.00
Integrity Land Inc Marketing Marketing Strategy Implementation & Re-branding $5,000.00 $18,500.00 $23,500.00
Little Caesars E-Commerce Local advertising promoting online ordering $1,000.00 $ - $1,000.00
Mackin Quality Construction Equipment Enclosed cargo trailer modified with workbench $3,841.82 $3,841.82 $7,683.63
Marble Slab E-Commerce Local advertising promoting online ordering $1,000.00 $ - $1,000.00
Master Cleaners E-Commerce Website design $1,000.00 $25.64 $1,025.64
Miller's Ice Cream Equipment Freezers and worktables $5,000.00 $5,618.68 $10,618.68
Modo Mio E-Commerce Revamp existing website with online ordering $935.99 $ - $935.99
Parikrama Massage & Wellness Inc. E-Commerce Local advertising promoting online booking $1,000 $100 $1,100
Pita Pit E-Commerce Local advertising promoting online ordering $1,000 $ - $1,000
Primary Heating Education Accounting courses $400 $400 $800
Primary Heating Equipment Box and pan brake $1,393.81 $1,393.81 $2,787.62
Quality Electric Marketing Marketing strategy, advertising & website rebuild $3,710.50 $3,710.50 $7,421
Royal Catering Inc. E-Commerce Website update & social media advertising $1,000.00 $358.75 $1,358.75
Royal Catering Inc. Marketing Marketing Plan development & advertising $4,712.50 $4,712.50 $9,425.00
Switzer Financial E-Commerce Website update to include online booking & associated advertising $1,000.00 $14,800.00 $15,800.00
The Barn Door E-Commerce Website design for online ordering $1,000.00 $145.15 $1,145.15
The Bear's Den Storefront New concrete stairs and patio glass $2,185.00 $2,185.00 $4,370.00
Tummy Full E-Commerce Website creation & app $750.00 $ - $750.00
Unfussy E-Commerce Online advertising for website promotion $1,000.00 $ - $1,000.00
Your Holistic Earth Marketing Marketing strategy, advertising & website upgrades $3,230.00 $3,230.00 $6,460.00
Total $67,959.54 $112,857.07 $180,816.61
2019
2019 Recent Program Recipients
Business NameIncentive CategoryProject DescriptionCity's ContributionPrivate ContributionTotal Cost
Urban Centre Plaza Storefront Improvement Installation of floor-ceiling windows on ground floor commercial space $10,000 $38,690 $48,690
Switzer Financial Services Storefront Improvement New siding for 2 commercial units $19,996 $20,000 $39,996
Vivid Vision Equipment & Technology Equipment to enhance services for children and non-verbal patients. $5,000 $7,000 $12,000
Prairie Fire Landscaping Equipment & Technology Landscaping equipment $5,000 $30,000 $35,000
Serenity Funeral Service Equipment & Technology Computer purchase & associated set-up fees $1,512 $1,512 $3,024
Fort Saskatchewan & District Chamber of Commerce Storefront Improvement Landscaping, sidewalk & outdoor features $7,785 $7,785 $15,570
Voshell Architecture Equipment & Technology Trade specific computer programs $5,000 $9,470 $14,470
Total $54,293 $114,457 $168,750