Minto's facade, sign and structural grant program is transforming the downtowns of Clifford, Harriston and Palmerston.
Business and economic development manager Belinda Wick-Graham says they added the structural grant program last year, which prompted new owners to buy the dilapidated old Harriston Post Office.
She says that has prompted extensive work and the building is now home to many new and expanding businesses.
She says the old Agro Trend building in Clifford was purchased and is under renovation by Brett-Young Seeds.
They are using a 40,000 grant for major renovations.
Since 2009, Minto has given out $181,866 for new signs, facades, and structural repairs. She says for every dollar issued, businesses spend $4.21
Wick-Graham says the program encourages businesses to invest in the community.
"For us, it helps make the downtowns look nicer," she says. "Everyone's always saying how to we get traffic to stop? Well you have to have a nice looking community for people to want to stop, or live in or invest in."
Minto budgets $15,000 in their facade program, $3,000 in signage and $80,000 a year in structural grant programs.
The facade program offers to match investments by property owners up to $3,000. The sign program offers up to $1,000 in matching funds.