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Source verified July 8, 2026
CaféTO Grant
Funding for Toronto outdoor café improvements
Latest source updateLast Update: July 8, 2026Latest change: Changed: timeline and deadlines, application process, contact or portal details.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 8, 2026
Latest change: Changed: timeline and deadlines, application process, contact or portal details.
Grant changed: timeline and deadlines, application process
We detected changes to timeline and deadlines, application process, contact or portal details.
Funding available
$ 7,500
Deadline
October 7, 2026
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides matching funding of up to $5,000 for eligible exterior property improvements in Toronto. It also offers up to $2,500 for exterior accessibility upgrades and up to $1,000 for design professional fees.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Renovate or adapt facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 7,500 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Improvement of curb lane cafés, commercial patios, and sidewalk cafés.
- Permanent patio or café improvements on private property.
- Approved café spaces on City property with a valid permit.
- Exterior accessibility upgrades for café spaces.
Documents Needed
- Photos of the exterior space, including at least three current photos.
- Detailed drawing or annotated photo of the proposed improvements.
- Two complete and independent cost estimates.
- Property ownership proof or a tenant no-objection letter from the owner.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Commercial property owners in Toronto.
- Industrial property owners in Toronto.
- Commercial property tenants in Toronto.
- Industrial property tenants in Toronto.
Who is not eligible
- Places of worship.
- Institutional buildings.
- Residential buildings.
- Not-for-profit commercial buildings.
Eligible expenses
- Eligible property or site improvements for outdoor café spaces.
- Exterior accessibility improvements such as ramps, handrails, and temporary platforms.
- Architectural, engineering, and design fees from qualified professionals.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Maintenance of existing property elements.
- Sign repairs, dead tree replacement, and similar upkeep work.
- Projects costing less than $2,000.
- Work at places of worship, institutional buildings, residential buildings, and not-for-profit commercial buildings.
- Applications from past recipients who already received the maximum allowance.
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Toronto
Selection criteria
- Applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Funding availability affects approval timing.
- Eligible work and grant amounts are subject to final City review.
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare application materials
- Gather photos, drawings, and two independent cost estimates.
- Prepare ownership proof or a tenant no-objection letter, if applicable.
- Step 2: Complete the online application
- Fill in the applicant, property, and project information.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Send the application through the online portal before the deadline or before funds are exhausted.
- Step 4: Await decision and agreement
- Wait for email notification of the funding decision.
- If approved, sign and return the Letter of Understanding before starting work.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Review may take up to 4 weeks and may involve other City divisions.
- Applicants are notified of the decision by email.
- Approved applicants receive a Letter of Understanding to sign and return before work starts.
- All final documentation, including invoices, must be submitted by October 7, 2026; no extensions will be considered.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The funding is limited and may end before the deadline.
- Successful applicants must sign and return a Letter of Understanding before work begins.
- Final documentation, including invoices, must be submitted by October 15, 2026.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CaféTO Grant Program
What is the CaféTO Grant?
This program provides matching funding of up to $5,000 for eligible exterior property improvements in Toronto. It also offers up to $2,500 for exterior accessibility upgrades and up to $1,000 for design professional fees.
How much funding can be received?
CaféTO Grant Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $7,500 per project.
Who is eligible for the CaféTO Grant program?
To be eligible for the CaféTO Grant program, you must:
Commercial or industrial property in Toronto.
Owner or tenant with owner permission, if applicable.
Project must improve exterior café or patio areas.
What expenses are eligible under CaféTO Grant?
Improvement of curb lane cafés, commercial patios, and sidewalk cafés.
Permanent patio or café improvements on private property.
Approved café spaces on City property with a valid permit.
Exterior accessibility upgrades for café spaces.
Who can I contact for more information about the CaféTO Grant?
You can contact City of Toronto by email at cafetogrants@toronto.ca or by phone at 416-392-8674.
Where is the CaféTO Grant available?
The CaféTO Grant program is available the province of Ontario.
Who are the financial supporters of the CaféTO Grant?
CaféTO Grant is funded by City of Toronto