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.
London Fringe Fest: Aug. 13-17
London Fringe joins Fringe festivals around the world in a display of theatre that challenges boundaries and ignites imagination!
From August 13-17, shows will take place at venues through London, including six different productions on the Main Stage and in Procunier Hall at The Palace Theatre. Tickets are $15 each!
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.
Paint With Pamela: May 1
Local artist Pamela Scharback returned to The Mockingbird Cocktail Bar & Lounge to host another sold-out painting class.
Squeaky Wheel Celebrates: May 16
Squeaky Wheel Bike Co-op celebrated their anniversary and new hours with live music, snacks, bike repairs, and friends.
Live Music at Heads & Tails: June 12
Old East Village's newest bar, Heads & Tails, hosted The Richmond Gentlemen for an evening of live music.
Bicycle Thieves Screening: June 15
Odyssey Records & Cinema brought a classic movie night to The Palace, showing the 1948 film, Bicycle Thieves.
Inputs Listening at Dough EV: July 6
Inputs invited folks to Dough EV for a night of sharing music, connecting with each other, and enjoying delicious donuts.
Run Parlour Opening: July 20
The Run Parlour celebrated its grand opening with a 5K run, refreshments, free stretch sessions, prizes, and more.
Taproot Local Legends: May 10
Jordan Macdonald and Renée Coughlin brought a night of original music to The Root Cellar, recorded live by Forest City Records.
Dungeons & Donuts: May 26 & June 2
Dungeons & Donuts returned to Dough EV for another series of sold-out adventures. Admission included donuts and drinks!
Aeolian Jazz Festival: June 10-16
Aeolian Hall brought their annual Jazz & Musical Arts Festival back for a week of headliner concerts and a weekend street festival.
Friends at The Root Cellar: June 20
The Root Cellar hosted a fantastic night of music! Attendees could get a dinner deal at Bella's Acacia Catering before the show.
Lapelúda at The Root Cellar: July 7
Lapelúda and Paula Sofía brought an afternoon of musical exploration and enchanting melodies to The Root Cellar.
Try Clay Day: July 20
Clayworx hosted its second annual Try Clay Day! This FREE open house let attendees play with clay, tour the studio, and win prizes!
Burlesque at The Mockingbird: May 11
From classic fan dances to modern interpretations, performers unveiled the enchanting world of burlesque while attendees dressed up.
Indwell Garden Opening: May 28
Embassy Commons unveiled their new Health, Wellness, & Belonging Garden with live music and refreshments at Edgar + Joe's.
Sun & Saxophones: June 15-16
As a part of Jazz Fest, Aeolian Hall hosted a free weekend festival, featuring 20+ jazz performances and food vendors over two days.
Variety East: June 27
Variety East returned to The Root Cellar for an evening of local talent, featuring poetry, drama, music, and film.
New Leaf MVMNT Night: July 12
New Leaf Co. and Align MVMNT hosted an evening of self-care, community, and networking for women in small business!
Shogun Assassin Screening: July 20
Odyssey Records & Cinema hosted a screening of samurai classic Shogun Assassin at The Palace Theatre.
Gears Concerts #2: July 20
Gears Concerts brought a night of music to Squeaky Wheel. The lineup included shoegaze, bedroom pop, and indie-punk.
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 receive up to $1000 for initial costs incurred. The remaining project costs are eligible for up to 50% reimbursement, to a maximum of $2000. 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 must be street-facing onto Dundas.
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Ineligible signage includes 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.