Closed
My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives
Funding for southern Ontario main streets
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
My Main Street supports business and community projects on southern Ontario main streets. It offers non-repayable funding of up to $20,000 for business sustainability or up to $250,000 for placemaking projects.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Increase production or service capacity
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Health care and social assistance
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- $ 10,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 1-50 employees
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Enhancements for brick-and-mortar businesses on main streets
- Community and placemaking projects
- Events, festivals, and community activations
- Streetscape and public space improvements
Documents Needed
- Business registration documents
- Proof of commercial property tax payment
- High-resolution storefront photo
- Project budget template
- Recent financial statements
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small businesses
- Local community organizations
- Municipal authorities
- Business improvement areas
- Non-profit organizations
Who is not eligible
- Franchises
- Online-only businesses
- Businesses without a physical storefront
Eligible expenses
- Storefront upgrades and leasehold improvements
- Technology modernization and other operational improvements
- Market research and advisory support linked to the project
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Land or building purchases and related real estate costs
- New construction and renovations of existing buildings or infrastructure
- Vehicles, indirect overhead, and depreciation
- Salaries of owners, management, or existing staff
- Political, election-related, or private-interest activities
Eligible geographic areas
- Southern Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications were reviewed by a committee of specialists.
- Projects were assessed against the criteria in the applicant guides.
- Successful applicants were notified by email.
Additional information
- My Main Street is currently closed for intake.
- The program is operated by the Canadian Urban Institute.
- Funding is provided by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives. 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 My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives?
My Main Street supports business and community projects on southern Ontario main streets. It offers non-repayable funding of up to $20,000 for business sustainability or up to $250,000 for placemaking projects.
How much funding can be received?
My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives program?
To be eligible for the My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives program, you must:
Located on a main street
Small, independently owned business
Based in Southern Ontario
What expenses are eligible under My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives?
Enhancements for brick-and-mortar businesses on main streets
Community and placemaking projects
Events, festivals, and community activations
Streetscape and public space improvements
Who can I contact for more information about the My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives?
You can contact My Main Street by email at business@mymainstreet.ca.
Where is the My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives available?
The My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives a grant, loan, or tax credit?
My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives is a Grant and Funding