Rediscover Main Streets

The Rediscover Main Streets initiative helps non-profit organizations team up to generate new ideas that inspire locals and tourists alike to rediscover all that their main streets, downtowns and neighbourhoods have to offer. And that supports a strong, resilient economy.

As people make plans beyond their social “bubbles” for the first time in a long time, the Rediscover Main Streets initiative will drive more support for local businesses. This funding builds on other federal, provincial and municipal support measures.

Who can apply*

The Rediscover Main Streets initiative supports non-profit organizations, including:

• business improvement associations
• tourism associations
• chambers of commerce
• destination marketing organizations

Indigenous applicants are invited to apply through the process described below for projects of all types and sizes.

*For a complete list of eligible applicants, please consult the applicant guide.

Eligible activities

Applicants can submit projects that:

• encourage consumers to return to community main streets, downtowns and neighborhoods
• bring back or reinvigorate arts and culture events that had been cancelled or reduced by health measures
• support businesses that have been hardest hit by the pandemic
• increase community engagement through new partnerships
• motivate Atlantic Canadians to support their local businesses
• entice Atlantic Canadians to explore their provinces on a local and regional level
• help build an inclusive economy through projects that support under-represented groups and take into consideration their unique challenges

Available funding

Your non-profit organization could get non-repayable funding for up to 100% of eligible costs.

Projects with a targeted scope could get $25,000 to $500,000. Projects with a broader, region-wide impact could receive more on a case-by-case basis.

Eligible costs

The Rediscover Main Streets initiative covers the following:

• Cost of labour and of material used
• New operating costs directly related to the project
• Professional and technical service fees
• Advisory expenses (such as planning, business information or counselling services)
• Costs related to coaching, mentoring or networking events
• Fees associated with participation in business training through a business service organization
• Costs related to expanding or maintaining markets
• Subcontracting costs
• Production and distribution of promotional materials

Ineligible costs

Under the Rediscover Main Streets initiative, you may not:

• refinance an existing debt
• purchase assets for more than their fair market value
• cover costs of amortization, land acquisition and goodwill
• establish or expand physical facilities

How to apply

Rediscover Main Streets IS CLOSED and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is no longer accepting applications. Please see our full list of current programs and initiatives. 

You can also find out more about the Government of Canada’s complete suite of COVID-19 relief support.