How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $5000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2025-06-04T23:59:59Z.

Who are the financial supporters of the CaféTO Grant?

CaféTO Grant is funded by City of Toronto

What are CaféTO Grant's eligibility criterias?

Owners or tenants of street-level commercial or industrial properties in Toronto For-profit businesses only (places of worship, institutional, and residential buildings are ineligible) Only one application per business or franchise chain

CaféTO Grant

Last Update: July 22, 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

Program 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

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

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

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