Small Business Forums & Programs
My Main Street Funding for Business
My Main Street is a $15-million investment to foster the stabilization and revitalization of main streets across southern Ontario. The program will offer streamlined direct-to-business supports and complementary programming for community projects that will encourage growth and economic prosperity. Application deadline is March 31, 2024.
Business Sustainability Stream
- Assists brick-and-mortar businesses located on main streets across southern Ontario
- Supports productivity enhancements through direct-to-business non-repayable contributions of up to $20,000
- Available to businesses that employ between 1 and 50 staff
- Provides a solid business case describing how the funding will strengthen their existing capacity and support their growth
- Details here
Community Activator Stream
- Assists community not-for-profit projects focused on high-impact placemaking activities
- Provides non-repayable contributions of up to $250,000
- Supports a variety of initiatives, such as events and festivals, community enhancements and streetscape improvements
- Details here
Good Neighbour Guide for Late Night Businesses
City Council has adopted amendments to the Licensing Bylaw and Zoning Bylaws as part of the Night Economy Review in December 2023. The amended bylaws will come into effect on January 1, 2025. The City of Toronto held a Night Economy Town Hall in January to share the latest information including the adopted regulatory amendments.
Also introduced was the Good Neighbour Guide for Late Night Businesses. This guide is a comprehensive resource and includes best practices for live music venues, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, retailers, service providers, and other businesses operating between the hours 6 pm - 6 am. The guide presents relevant information and provides links to related resources, from the City of Toronto and external sources, intended to support operators in running a safe establishment that also benefits the surrounding community, including nearby residents and other businesses.
Small Business Resources
Here’s a listing of City of Toronto resources and programs to help support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- City of Toronto Small Business Resources
- BusinessTO Support Centre: one-on-one virtual support for businesses
- Free webinars offered by Enterprise Toronto: year-round learning opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners
- Digital Transformation Resources: help accessing and adopting digital tools, technologies and services
- BusinessTO News: weekly newsletter with resources and supports to help businesses mitigate the impacts of COVID-19
- Reopening guides and information on financial relief and support programs