As of January 30, 2026, the County of Wellington and the Town of Minto have opened the 2026 application window for the “Invest Well” Community Improvement Plan (CIP), offering local business owners in Minto — including those in Harriston, Palmerston and Clifford — access to matching grants that can total up to $20,000 when municipal funding is combined with the County Invest Well top‑up. The program is intended to help businesses pay for storefront revitalization, accessibility upgrades and energy-efficiency retrofits.
The Minor Activity Grant provides 50% matching funds up to a combined maximum of $20,000 per project. The CIP was updated following public consultations in late 2025 (public meeting: Oct. 21, 2025) and includes streamlined application processes. Eligible work ranges from visible improvements such as new signage, façade repairs and painting to internal upgrades including improved insulation, HVAC upgrades and high-performance window replacements. Note: some municipal streams (for example Minto’s Façade & Signage Improvement Grant) have lower individual caps; the full $20,000 maximum is achieved by combining municipal funding with the County top-up where projects are eligible.
To qualify, applicants must complete a pre‑consultation with the Town of Minto Economic and Community Development office, submit a formal application with project quotes, and receive written approval before starting any construction (work begun prior to approval is ineligible). Businesses that need additional capital can pursue low‑interest CIP loan programs offered by partners such as Community Futures and the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation. The program’s stated goal is to support downtown revitalization, improve accessibility and help small businesses remain sustainable over the long term.
