Windsor Business Retention and Expansion Grant (Economic Revitalization CIP)

Insider Tip

The job-creation thresholds are the primary gate — confirm you can credibly commit to the minimum (50 manufacturing or 20 new / 35 retained in other sectors) before investing time in the application. The grant is paid annually over 10 years from the tax increment, so the total value is a long-term benefit. Existing Windsor manufacturers with expansion plans should model the 10-year grant return as part of their business case before the investment decision.

Rejection Pitfalls 5

• New business (not yet operating in Windsor — use the companion Business Development Grant)
• Job-creation or retention commitment below the threshold (50 manufacturing or 20 new / 35 retained other)
• Investment does not increase assessed property value

Success Profile

Established Windsor manufacturer (50+ manufacturing employees) or significant employer in a targeted sector (35+ retained / 20+ new jobs) making a meaningful building or property investment — construction, major renovation, or property acquisition — that increases assessed value and demonstrates long-term commitment to the city.

Evaluation Criteria

City of Windsor staff review applications for sector eligibility, job-creation commitments, and credibility of the investment plan. Grant amount is determined by the actual assessed property tax increase post-completion. No competitive scoring — eligible applications are approved. Grant agreement specifies job-creation milestones and reporting requirements.

Application Steps

Required Documents 8

Eligible Expenses 4

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

Ineligible Expenses 4

• Equipment and machinery (relevant only to the extent they affect property assessment, which is generally minimal)
• Routine maintenance not increasing assessed value
• Operating expenses and payroll costs (program rewards capital investment, not operating costs)
• Investments by new businesses not yet operating in Windsor (use companion Business Development Grant)

Intake Periods

Ongoing — rolling applications. Program active since 2011; confirm current status with Windsor Economic Development.

Deadline Notes

The Economic Revitalization CIP has been active since 2011. Confirm current program intake status and any updates to the program guide directly with Windsor Economic Development before applying — underlying documentation predates 2020.

Ineligible Organizations

• New businesses not yet operating in Windsor (use the companion Business Development Grant)
• Businesses that cannot commit to the minimum job-creation or retention thresholds
• Businesses in non-targeted sectors

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

Grant can be terminated or clawed back if job-creation or retention commitments are not met during the grant period, or if the approved business use is discontinued. Ownership transfer provisions should be reviewed at the time of any sale.