Closed
Source verified April 29, 2026
My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives
Funding for southern Ontario main streets
Funding available
$ 250,000
Deadline
Open continuously
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
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
Official resources
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
Selection criteria
- Vision and sustainability of the project
- Capacity to deliver the project
- Community need and local relevance
- Ability to create economic and social benefits
- Consideration of equity-deserving groups
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program information
- Read the applicant guide and program details.
- Attend an information session if available.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete the application form.
- Gather the required supporting documents.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Send the application through the My Main Street application process.
- Submit before the deadline.
- Step 4: Wait for results
- Applications are reviewed by a committee.
- Applicants are informed of the results by email.
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
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