My Main Street — Local Business Accelerator
ON, Canada
Business advice in Southern Ontario communities
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- My Main Street
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Receive access to data insights, community resources and referrals, funding, and market research information through a dedicated program ambassador to revitalize and develop your business plans within your community.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is focused on supporting businesses in Southern Ontario, as it is funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. It aims to foster economic development in specific regional localities.
- Businesses operating in Southern Ontario.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$15,000
Developing a digital marketing workshop series for small businesses
$7,000
Enhancing local public art with a mural project
$30,000
Launching a pop-up art gallery to support local artists and stimulate the downtown economy
$40,000
Organizing an annual community festival to boost local commerce and community engagement
grant_single_labels|admissibility
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
There are several eligible types of companies for this grant. They include:
- Small businesses
- Retailers
- Restaurants
- Service-based businesses
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant. The grant can be used for business rent, utilities, payroll, and COVID-19 related expenses.
- Business rent
- Utilities
- Payroll
- COVID-19 related expenses
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Alignment with program goals
- Demonstrated need for the funds
- Feasibility of the proposed project
- Creative and innovative ideas
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
There are additional resources provided to help applicants with the application process:
- Webinars and workshops are available to provide guidance on the application requirements.
- A help desk is set up to address any specific questions or concerns applicants may have.
Apply to this program
Supporting Main Street Revitalization
My Main Street is an initiative aimed at revitalizing local communities through targeted economic development support. This program is operated by the Canadian Urban Institute and funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Exploring the Impact and Reach of the My Main Street Program
My Main Street is a significant program focused on rejuvenating local economies across Southern Ontario by providing essential support and resources to communities striving to thrive in today's evolving economic landscape. The initiative is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Canadian Urban Institute, with financial backing from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing local economic ecosystems and fostering inclusive growth.
At its core, the program aims to empower neighborhoods, increase their competitiveness, and boost economic resilience. It helps to energize business ventures and projects that reinforce the unique charm and needs of each community. By doing so, it seeks not just to stimulate immediate economic activity but also to build sustainable frameworks ensuring long-term growth and prosperity.
A fundamental aspect of the My Main Street program is its emphasis on community-centric approaches. The initiative ensures that community voices are at the forefront, recognizing that locals best understand the opportunities and challenges inherent in their environments. This bottom-up approach enhances the relevance and effectiveness of the supports provided, aligning them closely with genuine community aspirations.
The program includes a suite of offerings such as grants, mentorship, and access to advanced market analytics. These resources are designed to equip local businesses and community projects with the tools they need to navigate modern market dynamics effectively. The goal is to ensure that participants have not only the financial aids they require but also the strategic insights to grow resiliently and sustainably.
Moreover, My Main Street's partnership with municipalities and local organizations underscores its commitment to forging strong, collaborative networks. These partnerships work to create vibrant community hubs, where businesses can collaborate, innovate, and share resources. Such a collaborative network helps in pooling knowledge and strengths, thus exponentially enhancing local economic opportunities and impact.
As Southern Ontario moves towards recovering from economic downturns and adapting to global challenges, programs like My Main Street are pivotal. They ensure that economic revitalization is inclusive and equitable, reaching underserved and often overlooked neighborhoods. By investing in the regeneration of these areas, the program contributes to a more robust, diversified, and balanced economic landscape in the region.
The impact of the My Main Street initiative is measured not just in financial terms but also in the improved economic health and vibrancy of the communities it touches. By driving foot traffic, creating jobs, and supporting the establishment of locally rooted businesses, the initiative helps anchor stability and prosperity within Canadian neighborhoods.
In conclusion, My Main Street is more than a grant program; it is a catalyst for comprehensive economic reinvigoration. It represents an opportunity for communities to harness available resources effectively, leverage local strengths, and forge pathways to sustainable success. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and local empowerment, My Main Street sets a new benchmark for community-inspired economic development across Southern Ontario.
