Windsor Business Development Grant (Economic Revitalization CIP)

Insider Tip

This program rewards capital investment — the larger the building or property improvement, the larger the tax increment, and therefore the larger the annual grant. The grant lasts 10 years, so a meaningful property investment can yield a substantial cumulative return. Contact Windsor Economic Development early to confirm your sector and employee count are eligible under the current CIP guide, as the program documentation is dated and may have been updated.

Rejection Pitfalls 5

• Existing Windsor business (program is for new businesses only — existing businesses use the companion Retention & Expansion program)
• Employee count exceeds threshold for sector
• Investment does not increase assessed property value

Success Profile

New business in manufacturing (<50 employees) or other targeted sectors (<20 employees) making a significant building or property investment in Windsor — purchasing, constructing, or renovating commercial or industrial property in a way that increases assessed value.

Evaluation Criteria

City of Windsor staff review applications for sector eligibility, employee count compliance, and the credibility of the investment plan. Grant amount is determined by the actual assessed property tax increase after completion — no competitive scoring. Grant agreement executed after City approval.

Application Steps

Required Documents 7

Eligible Expenses 4

• Building construction or significant renovation that increases assessed value
• Property acquisition combined with development investment
• Structural improvements and additions to existing commercial or industrial buildings
• Site improvements that increase assessed property value

Ineligible Expenses 4

• Equipment and machinery (only improvements to the real property are relevant for tax assessment purposes)
• Routine maintenance that does not increase assessed value
• Interior improvements that do not affect property assessment
• Investments by businesses already operating in Windsor (use the companion Retention program)

Intake Periods

Ongoing — rolling applications. Program has been active since 2011; confirm current program status with Windsor Economic Development as documentation may be outdated.

Deadline Notes

The Economic Revitalization CIP has been active since 2011. Current program intake status should be confirmed directly with Windsor Economic Development — the underlying program guide predates 2020 and the City should be contacted to verify any program updates or revisions before applying.

Ineligible Organizations

• Existing Windsor businesses (use the companion Business Retention and Expansion Grant)
• Businesses in non-targeted sectors
• Manufacturing businesses with 50 or more employees at time of application
• Businesses in other targeted sectors with 20 or more employees at time of application

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

Grant period can be terminated if the approved business use is discontinued. Ownership transfer during the grant period may affect grant eligibility — confirm with the City at time of any ownership change.