CaféTO Grant
Last Update: May 7, 2025
Toronto, ON
Supports commercial patio and café space improvements in Toronto
CaféTO Grant at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $5,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : June 4, 2025
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
Grant Providers
- City of Toronto
Status
Open
Overview of the CaféTO Grant program
The CaféTO Grant offers up to $5,000 in financial assistance to owners and tenants of commercial and industrial properties in Toronto to enhance the appearance and functionality of their curb lane cafés, patios, and sidewalk cafés. Eligible activities include permanent improvements, accessible upgrades, fencing, and boulevard landscaping, with additional support for exterior accessibility enhancements.
Financing terms and conditions
- Grant covers 50% of eligible property or site improvement costs, up to a maximum of $5,000 per project.
- Minimum project improvement cost of $10,000 required to qualify for the full $5,000 grant.
- Additional funding of up to $2,500 is available for eligible exterior accessibility improvements.
- Certain professional fees related to accessibility design may be covered up to $1,000 per application.
Eligible projects & activities
- Permanent improvements to patios or café spaces on private property that serve a business use (excluding furnishings).
- Enhancement of café spaces on City property with a valid permit.
- Installation of permanent on-site boulevard landscaping features (excluding plant material).
- Construction of fencing for exterior spaces.
- Installation of temporary platforms level to the sidewalk for curb lane cafés, accessible ramps, handrails, and other exterior improvements that enhance accessibility in compliance with AODA standards.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 4,900
Construction of decorative and secure fencing around café perimeter
$ 5,000
Installation of a raised temporary patio platform at curb lane
$ 4,900
Upgrade of café exterior with custom stone boulevard landscaping
$ 5,000
Exterior accessibility improvement with tactile markers and signage
$ 4,900
Installation of wheelchair-accessible ramp and handrails for patio
$ 5,000
Expansion of patio footprint with permanent heating system upgrades
Eligibility criteria of the CaféTO Grant program
- The applicant must be the owner or tenant of a street-level commercial or industrial property located within the City of Toronto.
- The project must aim to improve the appearance and/or function of exterior spaces associated with the property, such as curb lane cafés, commercial patios, or sidewalk cafés.
- Projects must involve permanent improvements or accessibility enhancements that meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) design standards, if applicable.
- Only one application per property from a business chain or franchise chain will be considered.
Who is eligible?
- Owners of street-level commercial properties in Toronto
- Tenants of street-level commercial properties in Toronto
- Owners of street-level industrial properties in Toronto
- Tenants of street-level industrial properties in Toronto
Who is not eligible
- Places of worship
- Institutional buildings
- Residential buildings
- Not-for-profit commercial buildings
- Businesses that have previously received the maximum grant allowance from the CaféTO Property Improvement Program
Eligible expenses
- Improvements to patio or café spaces on private property (excluding furnishings).
- Upgrades to café spaces on City property with a valid permit.
- Permanent on-site boulevard landscaping features (excluding plant material).
- Installation of fencing.
- Installation of temporary platforms level to the sidewalk for curb lane cafés (rented, leased, or purchased).
- Accessible ramps for patios on private property, handrails, and other exterior accessibility devices that meet AODA design standards.
- Fees for architectural, engineering or AODA specialist services, and BCIN registered designer fees (up to $1,000 per application).
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Toronto
How to apply to the CaféTO Grant program
1
Verify eligibility criteria
- Review the grant objectives and determine if your business is eligible
- Ensure your property is a street-level commercial or industrial property in Toronto
- Confirm your project meets eligibility criteria and does not fall under ineligible projects
2
Prepare supporting documents
- Review requirements for eligible and ineligible projects
- Gather documents demonstrating planned improvements and necessary permits
- Ensure cost estimates for improvements total at least $2,000
3
Submit the application
- Complete the CaféTO Grant application form online
- Submit the required documentation and cost estimates
- Apply before June 4 or before funds are exhausted
Additional information
- Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until June 4 or until all funds are allocated.
- The program was previously called the CaféTO Property Improvement Program.
- Only one application per business or franchise chain is permitted under this program.
Apply to this program
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