Special Enterprise Program
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Special Enterprise Program (SEP), approved by Council in January 2021, is a 5 year pilot that aims to preserve and strengthen the cultural diversity, long-term viability, and economic opportunity of heritage businesses, social enterprises, and non-profit organizations in Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside.
Comments on Funding:
The SEP was initiated with an initial allocation of $500,000, sourced from the DTES Capital Grants funding. This funding is distributed across three main areas:
1. Community-Serving Retail Project: $150,000 allocated to support retail initiatives that serve the local community.
2. Capacity Building: $150,000 dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of businesses, non-profits, and social enterprises through training and development.
3. Access to Affordable Spaces: $200,000 aimed at facilitating affordable space solutions for eligible organizations.
Applications are closed. Stay tuned for future intake announcements.
Eligibility:
Eligible businesses, non-profit, and for-profit groups that fall under the following categories:
1. Heritage businesses
2. Community-serving and social enterprises
3. Non-profit or for-profit properties with a social purpose
Application Steps:
If you want to learn more about this program, send us an email sep@vancouver.ca
Documentation Needed:
No specific documentation has been identified.
Other Things to Note:
Eligible organizations or businesses could qualify for the following supports.
1. Space renovations
–Tools, equipment, furnishings
–Space layouts
–Tenant improvements
–Tenant curations
–Tenant relocation
–Business supports
2. Marketing and promotion
–Succession planning
–Business practices and mentorships
–Business development
–Community stewardship
About the author
Maurice
