Small Business Resources

Small Business Forums & Programs

Circular Food Innovators Fund for Small Businesses

The Circular Food Innovators Fund supports local small businesses (both for-profit and not-for-profit) by funding reuse system projects that replace single-use and takeaway items with reusable foodservice ware that is collected and redistributed for further use.

Deadline: March 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Details here.

The City will be also hosting two virtual information sessions to review the program goals, eligibility criteria and important dates, and answer questions:

Monday, January 26, 2026, 12-1 pm - Register here
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 5-6 pm - Register here

Commercial Business Grant Programs

The City of Toronto is offering the following grant opportunities to commercial business and property owners:

Commercial Space Renovation Grant Program

This grant provides matching funding of up to 50% (to a maximum of $20,000) for interior improvements to vacant or at-risk storefronts. Eligible upgrades include structural repairs, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, interior finishes, and accessibility improvements, including AODA compliance. Details here.

Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program

This grant opens March 2, 2026 and provides funding for improvements such as masonry restoration, new doors and windows, lighting, canopies or awnings, exterior painting, signage, and accessibility upgrades that meet AODA standards. Details here.

GST/HST Break: What You Need to Know

The federal government has announced a GST/HST break that will run from December 14 to February 15, 2025. Following the federal government’s approval of the tax break, the Ontario government agreed to match it. This is a temporary measure that will exempt the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) from some items. In Ontario, the GST is 5%, and the PST is 8%, with a total rate of 13% on most items.

Shoppers will automatically receive the tax break on the qualifying items and no GST/HST will be charged making a purchase. Full details available here.

If you own a small business and are concerned about how this tax break will impact you, please reach out to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business or email my office. Businesses with technical questions can also call 1-800-959-8287.

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.