2024 Funding
This year, the Old East Village BIA received funding from the City of London to support area businesses. Programs will be rolled out throughout the year. OEV business/property owners are invited to email info@oldeastvillage.com to hear about new funding opportunities first.
Jump to each program:
Special Event Grant
Do you have a great idea for an event? The BIA can provide funding up to $500 to support events that add vibrancy to our district. The program's goals are to:
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Generate foot traffic on the Dundas commercial corridor
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Attract Londoners and visitors to Old East Village
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Contribute to community spirit and vibrancy
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Activate OEV with a diverse range of events
Business owners, property owners, and members of the public are encouraged to apply. Be creative: this program is open to a variety of event concepts! The BIA will help you promote the event to ensure it is a success.
Applications must be submitted at least 21 days before the event date to allow for proper promotion time. Funding is eligible for costs associated with conducting the event. It does not include day-to-day equipment/labour or gift cards/discounts for the business. Applicants will be assessed on a continual basis. Events must occur in 2024 and take place within BIA boundaries. If you have questions after viewing the application, please call our office at 519-645-7662.
FEATURED PARTNER EVENTS
Our Special Event Grant provides funding up to $500 to support events in our district. Business owners, property owners, and members of the public are encouraged to apply with their event ideas. Learn more about the grant and view upcoming partner events below.
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Paint With Pamela: May 1
Pamela Scharback returns with another paint night at The Mockingbird Cocktail Bar on May 1!
In this unique speakeasy setting, Pamela will help you create a nature-inspired masterpiece. Paint, canvas, and two hours of instruction provided. Tickets went fast last time, so don't wait!
Local Legends at Taproot: May 10
Local legends Jordan Macdonald and Renée Coughlin combine forces to bring a night of original music to The Root Cellar on May 10th!
Two of London's top songwriters will give performances featuring exciting new material and recorded live by Forest City Records. Witness history in the making and be in the room where it happens!
Tree Giveaway at Queens Park: May 11
The Market at Western Fair District and ReForest London are teaming up to give away FREE trees in Queens Park on May 11 from 9-1pm!
While you're there, meet organizations like The Wormery, The Grove, The Patch, London Environmental Network, and the OEV BIA! Stop in at the WFD Market to discover 100+ local vendors.
Burlesque at The Mockingbird: May 11
Prepare to be captivated by this themed evening at The Mockingbird. From classic fan dances to modern interpretations, their lineup of performers will unveil the enchanting world of burlesque.
Be a part of the magic... the dress code will be strictly enforced! To get your evening started, a welcome cocktail is included in your ticket purchase.
PAST EVENTS
Variety East: February 1
Variety East was a sold out coffeehouse evening at The Root Cellar, highlighting local artists and creators. The lineup included comedian Sassy la V, poets Tom Cull and Jenny Berkel, musicians Fraser Teeple and Pink Moc, and filmmaker Dexter Greene!
Terrarium Class: February 10
Attendees created custom terrariums with Grow & Bloom's stock of plants, moss, bark, crystals, and more.
Fresh Pasta Class: February 11
With the experts at Baker's Table & Pastry Co, attendees made delicious pasta dishes from scratch.
Paint & Prosecco: February 14
A romantic evening at Recker Art: creating abstract art with your partner while enjoying prosecco and treats.
Pot Pie Class: February 17
Baker's Table & Pastry Co's class led you through the steps to create your own delicious chicken pot pie.
Dungeons & Donuts: February 18 & 25
Two SOLD OUT Sundays! Admission included a donut, a drink, and a Dungeon Master to lead your adventure.
Paint & Prosecco: February 29
Shana Recker led attendees in creating their own abstract art masterpieces while enjoying prosecco.
Noelle Frances & Friends at The Root Cellar: March 6
A fantastic evening for folk lovers!
Just Prince opened the evening with a haunting and genre-blending set. Noelle Frances took the stage with her gently hopeful melodies and striking lyricism. Fiker joined to close the night out with songs from Lavender Daze.
Forest City Records was recording tracks live, so keep an ear out for these tunes coming at you in the future
Variety East: March 7
Variety East returned to The Root Cellar for another evening of music, comedy, poetry, performances, and more!
March Break Camp
March 11-15
Baker's Table & Pastry Co's March Break camp has sold out! Each day is a stand-alone class where kids learn, bake, and eat.
Challah & Brioche: March 17
Create challah and brioche from scratch with Baker's Table & Pastry Co's guided baking class.
Coffee Tasting: March 24
Juan Marulanda hosts a sold-out coffee tasting at DoughEV! Discover new ways to enjoy your favourite beverage.
Easter Cookies: April 1
Artisan Bakery invited kids and adults to sprinkle fun into their Easter by decorating vegan cookies.
Open Jam Night: April 17
The Mockingbird hosted a full band open jam night, inviting the community to play and sing along with the pros.
Seniors' Fair: March 26
LIFE*SPIN invited low-income seniors to learn about local programs, featuring draws & door prizes.
Aeolian Event: April 10
The Aeolian held a glamourous night of music, auctions, food and drinks, and more to raise funds.
OEV Palace of Wonders
The London Magicians' Guild hosted three evenings of magic at the Palace Theatre this spring.
Paint With Pamela: March 27
In The Mockingbird’s speakeasy setting, local artist Pamela Scharback will lead attendees in creating masterpieces.
MVMNT Retreat: April 14
Align MVMNT Studio hosted a mini-retreat featuring yoga, meditation, watercolour painting, and more.
An Afternoon of Folk: Apr 21
Abbie Sawyer and River Glen brought folk melodies to The Root Cellar with local opener Hillary Watson.
Clean Crew Program
The OEV BIA's Clean Crew handles cleanliness concerns on private business properties. The City of London is responsible for the cleaning of all public property within the Old East Village core area. This BIA initiative has been developed to support business owners, landlords, and residential tenants with regards to private property within the OEV BIA district.
For issues that arise, please contact the BIA at 519-645-7662 or submit this form to request cleaning and/or refuse removal. The team will arrive within 1 day to assess and address issues including removing garbage/debris, sharps, graffiti, and animal/human excrement. The Clean Crew will also walk Dundas from Adelaide to Rectory on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to monitor and clean areas.
Clean Crew services are available to business owners, property owners, and residential tenants within the OEV BIA district (view the boundary map here). If you are unsure if you qualify, please contact our office at 519-645-7662.
Requesting Services:
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Phone calls are accepted at our BIA office Monday-Friday between 8:30am-11am, or complete and submit this form.
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The BIA office will confirm your location, issue, and contact information before communicating it with the Clean Crew.
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The Clean Crew will be dispatched to handle the concern within 1 business day.
Safety & Security Grant
The Old East Village BIA is pleased to announce our new Safety and Security Grant. This funding program assists OEV BIA members with costs incurred to improve or add facade safety measures, including security gates, door locks, and exterior lighting.
This one-time grant is available to business and property owners conducting current active business operations within our district (view the boundary map here). Vacant properties and inactive businesses do not qualify for this program.
Once the application is completed and submitted, the BIA office will contact you to confirm and review the information provided. A site visit will be scheduled to take photos before any work proceeds. The applicant must provide a quote for the improvements from a licensed contractor at the time of the site visit.
Approved candidates are eligible to receive up to $1000 for initial costs incurred. The remaining project costs are eligible for up to 50% reimbursement, to a maximum of $5000. No funds will be disbursed until all work is finished, project invoices are submitted, and a final site visit occurs to take photos of the completed work.
Funding is limited and approvals will be given on a first-come basis.
ELIGIBILITY:
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Applicant must be an OEV BIA member conducting active business in the district.
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Each business location is only eligible to receive one grant.
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Property tax and OEV BIA levy payments must be up-to-date.
REQUIREMENTS:
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Applicant must obtain and provide written permission from both the property owner and the business owner consenting to the improvement
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All work must be purchased and installed from a trusted and accredited vendor.
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Security systems must meet basic quality and safety requirements.
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If an applicant moves, closes, or sells, improvements must remain in place for the next owner/tenant.
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Grant application must be approved before any work begins.
Sign Grant
The Old East Village BIA's new program offers funding to assist OEV BIA members with costs incurred while purchasing and installing new permanent signs to commercial storefronts. This funding can also be applied to the repair/replacement of existing signs.
This grant is available to business and property owners conducting current active business operations within our district (view the boundary map here). Vacant properties and inactive businesses do not qualify for this program.
To avoid delays, it is highly recommended that you secure a sign permit from the City of London before applying for funding. Once the application is completed and submitted, the BIA office will contact you to confirm and review the information provided. A site visit will be scheduled to take photos before any work proceeds. Applicants must provide a draft sketch of the sign and a quote from a licensed contractor at the time of the site visit.
Approved candidates are eligible to have 50% of sign costs reimbursed, up to a maximum of $1500. No funds will be disbursed until the sign is completed and installed, copies of project invoices are submitted, and a final site visit occurs to take photos of the completed work.
Funding is limited and approvals will be given on a first-come basis.
ELIGIBILITY:
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Applicant must be an OEV BIA member conducting active business in the district.
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Each business location is only eligible to receive one grant.
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Property tax and OEV BIA levy payments must be up-to-date.
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Proposed sign project must be street-facing onto Dundas.
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Ineligible signage includes: door/window decals, window banners, roof signs, and ground-mounted signs.
REQUIREMENTS:
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Applicant must obtain and provide written permission from both the property owner and the business owner consenting to the improvement.
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Applicant must include a draft sketch of the proposed sign and a cost estimate with the application.
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Grant application must be approved prior to purchase, installation, or display of the sign.
Other Funding Opportunities
The OEV BIA is finalizing application processes for further programs including: Property Damage, Marketing, Beautification, and Facade Improvement. More will be announced soon. If you have questions, please contact us to learn more.