In this Issue:

2025 AGM Business Awards
Now accepting nominations for the 2025 Downtown London AGM Business Awards!

Downtown London is excited to announce the call for nominations for the prestigious Business Excellence Award and the Gerald Gallacher Heart of Downtown Award.

These awards, named in memory of Gerald Gallacher, recognize his unwavering dedication and commitment to Downtown London BIA, its members, and the downtown community. Gerald served as LDBA’s chair from 2015 to 2019, and his legacy continues to inspire us.

We invite you to nominate deserving businesses, organizations, or individuals who embody Gerald’s spirit of positivity, innovation, and community pride. Award recipients will demonstrate a strong desire to improve our downtown as a place to do business, live, learn, and play.
More information and submit nominations here

Sewer Expansion Notice
Starting August 21, construction will begin in Ivey Park and Mitchell A. Baran Park as part of the Downtown Sewer Capacity Expansion project. This work will build a new sewer siphon beneath the Thames River, replacing the original 1934 pipe and increasing capacity to support future growth.

During construction:

  • Both parks will be closed
  • Portions of the Thames Valley Parkway will be detoured
  • Parking Lot 11 and part of Lot 17 will be closed

Signage and safe routes for walking and cycling will be provided where possible.

$5,000 Retail Modernization Project Grant
The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) is providing up to $5,000 in matching funds to Ontario-based retail businesses looking to adopt digital technologies.

Eligible technology upgrades include: online payment systems, inventory management software, point of sale (POS) hardware, cybersecurity solutions, artificial intelligence tools, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and video cameras for loss prevention.

To qualify, businesses must: be an Ontario-based, for-profit retail business with a physical storefront, have been in operation for more than 1 year, earn at least $100,000 in annual revenue, employ between 1 and 50 people.

The program is administered through the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) by the Ontario Centre of Innovation.

📌 Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to apply: Visit the DCC website to submit your application

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This initiative is part of the Government of Ontario’s $7.5 million investment in small and medium-sized businesses, including $2.5 million specifically for this grant.

Retail businesses play a vital role in our downtown economy. Don’t miss this opportunity to access funding and enhance your operations.
More information on how to apply here
For help with the application process, you can contact the office of MPP Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre):Tel: (519)-432-7339
Email: TKernaghan-QP@ndp.on.ca
Address: 400 York St, unit #105
London, ON N6B 3N2

Ontario Small Business Support Grants for Tariffs
With international trade tensions intensifying and new U.S. tariffs taking effect, Canadian businesses, especially in Ontario, are facing growing uncertainty. Navigating the shifting tariff landscape requires timely support and clear guidance.

Recognizing these challenges, both the federal and Ontario governments have launched targeted government funding programs designed to help small businesses weather the financial impact of tariffs. These initiatives aim to offset rising costs, support supply chain adaptations, and strengthen competitiveness in a volatile trade environment.
More information here

Unlocking AI for Small Businesses – Free Virtual Workshop
Digital Main Street and Google Canada are teaming up to help small businesses harness the power of AI. This free, one-hour workshop will cover practical prompting techniques, real-world AI applications, and the policy changes shaping the future of small business in Canada.

Learn how to:

  • Write effective prompts for better AI results
  • Apply generative AI to marketing, customer service, and content creation
  • Navigate emerging tech and policy trends

Ideal for small business owners, decision-makers, and anyone curious about AI.

📍 Online (free)
🗓️ September 11, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
Learn more and register here

Good News

Stay in the Loop!
2025 Downtown London: Momentum Report

Property Damage Grant

Monthly Event Calendar

City of London