Closed
Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street
Funding for Southern Ontario main street businesses
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provided non-repayable funding of up to $20,000 for small main street businesses in Southern Ontario. It supported business growth projects such as equipment, leasehold improvements, storefront upgrades, technology, marketing, and inventory.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1-50 employees
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business growth and operational improvement projects
- Storefront, leasehold, and technology upgrades
- Marketing and customer experience improvements
- Inventory expansion for in-store sales
Documents Needed
- Business registration documents
- Proof of commercial property tax payment or lease showing tax included
- High-resolution storefront photo
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small brick-and-mortar businesses
- Food service businesses
- Retail businesses
- Personal service businesses
Who is not eligible
- Franchises
- Online-only businesses
- Consulting or professional service firms
- Shared workspace businesses
- Seasonal or part-time businesses
Eligible expenses
- Equipment and technology
- Leasehold improvements and exterior façade upgrades
- Inventory and marketing campaigns
- Initial lease costs for newer main street businesses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Land or building purchases and related real estate costs
- Indirect costs, overhead, salaries, and payroll
- Vehicle purchases and depreciation expenses
- Legal fees for disputes and partisan or political activities
- Projects or expenses outside the eligible funding period
Eligible geographic areas
- Southern Ontario
- Eligible main street communities in Southern Ontario
- Toronto
Processing and Agreement
- Applications were checked for eligibility and completeness
- Eligible applications were reviewed and scored by a selection committee
- Decisions were final and applicants were notified by email
- Approved businesses had to submit interim and final reports with receipts
- Funding was released after required documents were verified
Additional information
- Applications were reviewed on a continuous basis during the intake period.
- Approved businesses received a customized market research report.
- Applications had to include all supporting documents to be considered complete.
- Selected recipients could be invited to share their business in program communications.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street?
This program provided non-repayable funding of up to $20,000 for small main street businesses in Southern Ontario. It supported business growth projects such as equipment, leasehold improvements, storefront upgrades, technology, marketing, and inventory.
How much funding can be received?
Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street program?
To be eligible for the Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street program, you must:
Brick-and-mortar business
Located on a main street
1 to 50 employees
What expenses are eligible under Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street?
Business growth and operational improvement projects
Storefront, leasehold, and technology upgrades
Marketing and customer experience improvements
Inventory expansion for in-store sales
Who can I contact for more information about the Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street?
You can contact My Main Street by email at business@mymainstreet.ca.
Where is the Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street available?
The Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Business Sustainability Initiative - My Main Street is a Grant and Funding