London Vacant Commercial Space Fit-Out Grant
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Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Covers 50% of eligible fit-out costs, up to $50,000, to bring new commercial tenants into vacant or underused storefronts in London's Core Area Community Improvement Project Area. The program is designed to reduce long-term vacancy in downtown London and establish viable new businesses in street-level commercial space.
Eligibility Requirements
- Commercial tenant with a minimum 2-year lease in a vacant or underused commercial space in the Core Area Community Improvement Project Area
- Space must have been vacant or underused (City verifies vacancy status)
- Pre-approval required — work cannot begin before approval
- Targeted commercial uses only (confirm eligible uses with City; excludes residential, government, institutional)
- No outstanding debts or defaults to the City of London
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $50,000 (50% of eligible costs)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Co-Funding
- Up to 50% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing — subject to budget availability
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
Everything you need to win London Vacant Commercial Space Fit-Out Grant — $19
Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
- 7 rejection pitfalls reviewers flag — so you catch them first
- 8-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking
- 5-step application timeline with prep hours per step
- Insider tip from program officers on what separates winners
- 3-program stacking strategy to combine with compatible funding
- Success profile + evaluation criteria — exactly what reviewers score on
Applying for London Vacant Commercial Space Fit-Out Grant? Our Grant Proposal Template ($19) mirrors the section structure Canadian reviewers actually score on. Or get all 4 templates in the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27) →
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipThe 2-year lease requirement and vacancy confirmation are the two most common stumbling blocks. Secure written confirmation of vacancy status from the City before signing your lease. Pre-approval is a hard requirement — beginning fit-out before approval forfeits the grant entirely. Negotiate a conditional clause in your lease to account for grant timelines.
Rejection Pitfalls 7
- Fit-out work commenced before pre-approval was issued
- Space not confirmed as vacant or underused by the City
- Lease term shorter than 2 years
Success Profile
New commercial tenant signing a minimum 2-year lease in a vacant downtown London storefront, undertaking significant interior fit-out (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, flooring, partitions). Retail, food service, personal services, and office uses in the Core Area are typical applicants.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications reviewed by London Economic Development staff for eligibility: CIPA boundary location, vacancy confirmation, lease term, project scope, and documentation completeness. No competitive scoring — eligible applications within budget are approved in order of receipt.
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 8
Eligible Expenses 8
- Interior partitioning, framing, and drywall
- Flooring installation
- Electrical systems and lighting
- Plumbing and HVAC improvements
- Millwork and built-in fixtures
- Accessibility upgrades (ramps, accessible washrooms, door openers)
- Storefront glazing and interior entrance improvements
- Mechanical systems for commercial kitchen or service use
Ineligible Expenses 5
- Exterior improvements and signage (separate CIP programs may apply)
- Moveable furniture, fixtures, and equipment
- Work completed or commenced before pre-approval
- Routine maintenance and cosmetic repairs below the fit-out threshold
- Residential conversion costs
Intake Periods
Rolling — no fixed intake windows. Subject to annual program budget.
Deadline Notes
Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Pre-approval is mandatory before any construction or fit-out work begins. Confirm current budget availability with London's Economic Development office, as program funds can be exhausted mid-year.
Ineligible Organizations
- Government and institutional tenants
- Residential landlords
- Applicants in default on City of London obligations
- Non-targeted commercial uses (confirm current eligible use list with the City)
Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskIf the commercial use is discontinued within the lease term, the City may pursue repayment of the grant on a pro-rated basis. Standard London CIP terms.
How London Vacant Commercial Space Fit-Out Grant Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Vacant Commercial Space Fit-Ou... | Up to $50,000 | Easy | Reimbursement | Ongoing — subject to... |
| London Façade Improvement Loan | Up to $50,000 | Easy | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing — subject to... |
| Canada Small Business Financing Program | Up to $1.15 million | Easy | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing |
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $50,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Next deadline: May 29,... |
| Commercial Façade Improvement Grant P... | Up to $12,500 (50% of costs) | Easy | Reimbursement | Annual Intake |
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