Members

Hand in Hand Funding for Uptown Waterloo Businesses

The Hand in Hand program supports the local economy by providing funding to Uptown Waterloo businesses for initiatives that aim to attract customers, such as:

  • Events
  • Promotions
  • Sidewalk activations and public furniture
  • Indoor and outdoor decorations
  • Live music and entertainment
  • Advertising and marketing

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to distribute funds fairly, while meeting municipal rules on spending, funding is provided as an expense reimbursement and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Businesses may apply for up to $400, once per quarter (January-March, April-June, July-September, October-December). Please read the full details and conditions below.

How to Apply?

To be considered for funding, please follow the steps below:

1.  Pre-approval

To ensure there are funds remaining in the quarter you are applying for funding in, send an e-mail to UptownWaterlooBIA(at)waterloo.ca for pre-approval. Only pre-approved applications can be considered for funding. Should you have any questions about funding options, you can also call 519.885.1921. We will let you know if your application is pre-approved for funding.

2. Submit Expenses and Application

Once you have incurred expenses related to your pre-approved application, complete the online form and submit proof of expenses via the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UptownHandinHand 

3. Receive the Funds

That’s it! you will receive an e-mail from Plooto, our payment platform, to deposit your funding within a month after submitting the completed form and expenses.

Conditions & Requirements

  • The Hand in Hand program is only available for Uptown Waterloo BIA businesses.
  • Funds are allocated on a quarterly basis: businesses may only apply a maximum of once per quarter (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec).
  • Depending on the number of applications received, funding is not guaranteed to be available the whole year.
  • All initiatives must be open to the public and may not be used for personal gain.
  • It is the responsibility of each business to organize and execute the proposal. The sole mandate of the Hand in Hand Program is to subsidize the financial cost for initiatives.
  • Funding applications must be pre-approved to be considered.
  • When submitting Hand in Hand applications and proof of expenses, please allow up to 2 weeks to receive funds.
  • The Uptown Waterloo BIA does not share the ideas or opinions expressed by the business or performer of your event.
  • Ineligible expenses include day to day operation costs, staffing and alcohol  – if you are unsure about an expense eligibility, please reach out to us before submitting an application.

 

Sidewalk Activations

Special Hand in Hand funding is available from April to September for businesses who want to enhance their storefronts or patios along a public sidewalk, with the objective of adding visual interest and vibrancy to the Uptown streetscape. The following are examples of items that can be submitted for reimbursement:

  • Bistro tables
  • Benches
  • Planters
  • Outdoor racks
  • Outdoor lighting
  • Sandwich boards
  • Decorations

Please e-mail uptownwaterloobia@waterloo.ca or call us at 519.885.1921 for more information about Sidewalk Activations and to ensure that you have all the correct permits (if you need them).

Courtesy of Elz & Greco Beauty Studio