The Down to Shine Grant (DSG) is a new membership perk offered by Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) to cover the cost associated with professional photography. Eligible Downtown Halifax businesses are encouraged to use the photography to strengthen marketing, build visibility, and showcase their people and space(s).

The call for applications is now open, and applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. (AST) on September 30, 2026.

The DSG provides up to $700.00 (HST included) per business as a one-time grant to support marketing and communication efforts. It is available to DHBC members located in ground-floor spaces within the Downtown Halifax catchment area, including retail shops, food and drink businesses, and personal care or retail service businesses.

Successful applicants (member businesses) can select their own photographer or select one of four photographers provided by DHBC. 

Please read the full 'Terms & Conditions' (below) before submitting your grant application.

DHBC will review and approve grant applications, and successful businesses will be notified of the decision by October 2, 2026.

Grants are provided at the discretion of Downtown Halifax Business Commission.

For more information, please contact Colleen Ritchie, Membership Engagement Manager, at colleen@downtownhalifax.ca.  

 

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Terms and Conditions

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    Terms & Conditions:

    The Down to Shine Grant offers grants up to a maximum of $700.00 (including tax) per business. Grants are a one-time only grant and are intended to assist businesses and organizations in capturing photography for marketing and communication needs. 

    The grant is open to DHBC members that occupy ground floor space and are categorized as retail shops, food and drink, and personal care/retail services, and are located in the Downtown Halifax catchment area.

    Applications are being accepted until September 30, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (AST). 

    Grant applications will be reviewed and approved by DHBC, contingent upon applicants meeting the eligible criteria and the availability of sufficient funds within the overall program. Successful member businesses will be notified of the decision by October 2, 2026. 

    Grant recipients will have the option to use their own photographer or select one of four photographers provided by DHBC. 

    DHBC Photographer Route

    If they choose a photographer from DHBC’s list, then DHBC will introduce the photographer to the business by email. It will then be the responsibility of the business to book the shoot date and time directly with the photographer. 

    Personal Photographer Route

    For businesses that choose their own photographer, they will be responsible for working directly with that photographer without assistance from DHBC. The business will also be required to submit its own invoice (not exceeding $700.00 HST included) to DHBC and the completed photography to DHBC. Payment will be processed within thirty (30) days and mailed directly to the applicant in the form of a cheque.

    The photo shoot must happen before November 11, 2026.

    Once the photos are completed, they will be shared with both the business and DHBC. DHBC will retain all rights to the photos to use for marketing purposes, including promoting the business and the Downtown Halifax area. 

    Based on the amount of funds available for this grant, businesses with multiple locations are only eligible to apply for one location. 

    Grants are provided at the discretion of Downtown Halifax Business Commission.

    For more information, contact Colleen Ritchie, Membership Engagement Manager, at 902-444-1510 or colleen@downtownhalifax.ca.