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
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business growth and sustainability initiatives for main street businesses
- Community activations, events, and festivals
- Community enhancements and streetscape improvements
- Placemaking projects that revitalize public spaces
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 and regional authorities
- Business improvement areas
- Non-profit organizations
Who is not eligible
- Franchises
- Online-only businesses
- Consulting or professional service firms
- Shared-workspace businesses
- Seasonal or part-time businesses
Eligible expenses
- Equipment, materials, and technology
- Leasehold improvements and storefront or façade upgrades
- Inventory, marketing, and promotional costs
- Project labour, consultants, and related program costs
- Temporary installations, seating, lighting, and placemaking improvements
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
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Hamilton
- Waterloo Region
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness.
- Eligible projects are evaluated by a selection committee.
- Funding decisions are final.
- Approved applicants must submit spending details and receipts.
- Reports and supporting documents are required after approval.
Additional information
- My Main Street is currently closed for intake.
- Successful applicants may receive a market research report and business training.
- The program is operated by the Canadian Urban Institute.
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, independent business or local organization
Based in Southern Ontario
What expenses are eligible under My Main Street - Business Sustainability & Community Activator Initiatives?
Business growth and sustainability initiatives for main street businesses
Community activations, events, and festivals
Community enhancements and streetscape improvements
Placemaking projects that revitalize public spaces
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