The Ontario government has recently introduced the small business lighting incentive program that helps small businesses to invest in energy efficient lighting. Having energy efficient lighting will not only save you more money on your operating costs, but it will also give you more attractive lighting to show off your products, give the customers a better experience since they won’t be irritated by flickering lights, and help your employees focus more on their work.

Here is what eligible small businesses will receive when they opt into the lighting incentive program:

• Get up to $2,000 for energy efficient lighting upgrades.
• Free onsite assessment of your building or facility.
• A stress-free lighting installation process that gets rid of the need to find a certified contractor, obtain and compare quotes, project management, and the cleanup.

Here are the types of businesses that are eligible to participate in the Ontario lighting incentive:

• Businesses who use less than 100kW on average per year.
• Past businesses who participated in the Power Saving Blitz (2008-2010) or Direct Install Lighting (2011-2015) programs can also participate in the new Ontario Small Business Lighting Incentive Program.

You should note that some companies will receive the full benefit while others may only be partially funded through the program. There may also be additional opportunities to exceed the $2,000 incentive in the new program.

Why should you apply to participate

If you are eligible to participate in the Small Business Lighting Incentive Program you should seriously consider joining it because there are so many benefits that your company will receive. As mentioned above, the program will provide all the services necessary to install your new lights and clean everything up after they are done. You will also see more savings with your energy bills, plus the following:

• Have better visibility in your building which is a lot safer to walk around in.
• Have better curb appeal because your lights won’t be dull or flickering anymore and you can better showcase the products within your store.
• The average lifespan of the new lighting system will reach around 50,000 hours, meaning you won’t have to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
• Have a more comfortable and friendly environment that your customers and employees will enjoy their time in.

How do you sign up?

All you have to do is follow these steps:

• Call your local hydro utility: Ask the representative if your area offers the program. If they do, they will help you determine if your company is eligible to participate in it and get you started on the installation process.
• Review the options: An onsite assessment will outline your energy efficient lighting upgrade options. You will sign some paperwork if you do decide to go through with the upgrades so the installation process can start.
• Your lighting will be installed: You will be provided with up to $2,000 in lighting upgrades which do include the cost of labor and materials. You utility representative will tell you how much of the benefit you will receive before the installation process starts.

Acrylic halo-lit sign.

Where To Start?

Getting a sign for your brick and mortar business is exciting. A sign is a representation of everything that you are as a business, and you want to make the right decision as it will live above your storefront for years to come. There are many things to consider when you purchase a sign. You need to look at zoning restrictions, analyze cost, look to your neighbours, think of the people who will be viewing your sign, and many more things. This does not even take into consideration the fact that you need to find a sign that you like first and foremost. Here is our list of what you need to consider when buying a sign for your storefront.

Zoning Restrictions

All cities have different zoning rules for hanging signs, and often need permits to hang a sign. Depending on your area these zoning restrictions can vary wildly. Always ensure that you check these restrictions before you commission a sign, you would not want to purchase the sign of your dreams only to find that you cannot hang it.

Location

When you are installing a sign, while you want your store to stand out you may not want it to stand out too much. Take a walk around the neighbourhood and check out the general feel as well as what signs work well for other businesses. This can help inspire you and will help you understand what sign may be too flashy or not flashy enough to compete.

Demographics

Depending on who you are catering your business to, you may want to make decisions about the sign to attract them to it. Different demographics are drawn to different designs, and a talented design team, like those at Sign Nation, will be able to help you make these decisions. Your sign communicates who you are to the world, and communicating directly with your key audience is a huge factor.
Foot Traffic vs.

Vehicle Traffic

Depending on where your store is, you will have different levels of foot traffic versus vehicle traffic. If you are inside of a mall, for instance, you will not have anyone drive by your store, but if you are on a main road, you will have a lot of cars going by. Different signs work better for people who are going to take a quick glance versus people going by on foot, who have more time to spare your sign a look.

CONTACT SIGN NATION

Sign Nation produces some of the most innovative designs in Canada, we work with architects, developers, and designers to be at the forefront of creative development. Start your signage or custom project today!

647-930-7446 Ext.100.

Helpful Storefront Sign Design Tips

Have you ever seen a dull and boring sing? If not, do not worry, it probably failed to grab your attention or make space in your memory. Storefront signs that lack personality and delivery of a catchy message fail to grab the interests of customers.
Signage should be at the forefront of all your priorities when you’re creating the brand of your business or revitalizing an existing one. A customer shouldn’t have to dive-in to assess the brief details about your product. A good sign gives a quick image to the passerby about the type of the company and what it’s selling. We have compiled a list of six tips that can guarantee an exciting sign for your business.

To The Point

Attention spans of people have significantly reduced, which explains the prominence of 140 characters on Twitter and 2-minute videos on YouTube. We are growingly in a hurry, so keeping signs short will result in many people readily giving their time to read it.

Easy-to-read Fonts

You need to keep your fonts simple and easy to read in order to avoid losing people’s attention. Clear fonts, without any curly-cues, in a single colour will make it easier for customers to read your font quickly. Overly complicated fonts may look unique but make it harder to drive in the sales.

Purpose of Purchase

Make sure to state the value your product will add to the customer’s life in a few words. For instance, does your product make it easier for people to style their coarse, curly hair? In that case, adding “manage beautiful curls with ease” to your sign will help push your product. Adding small but informative details to your signs will help people relate their needs to your product and invest in it.

Less Is More

People are beginning to get shorter texts in their daily lives. Readers no longer have the time to read fluff. Boil down the text on your signage until only the meaningful crux is left.

Test Your Sign

Signs on the window display or on the top of your store look magnificent; however, you must ensure they are visible from considerable distances and easy to read from up close. So before you open up your store to the public, make sure to have a couple of friends look at your sign and give feedback on its visibility.

CONTACT SIGN NATION

Sign Nation produces some of the most innovative designs in Canada, we work with architects, developers, and designers to be at the forefront of creative development. Start your signage or custom project today!

647-930-7446 Ext.100.