Closed
Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund
Supports Toronto businesses in implementing reusable foodservice systems
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 35,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Circular Food Innovators Fund aims to support small businesses in Toronto implementing reuse systems to replace single-use and takeaway items with reusable foodservice ware. Eligible projects must involve food or beverage products for takeaway or delivery, focusing on innovative solutions, collaboration, community benefits, and sustainment plans.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 35,000 $
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 99 employees maximum
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Canadians
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Low-income individuals / families
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Implementation of new reuse systems for takeaway or delivery food and beverage services.
- Enhancement of existing reuse systems for food and beverage items, including expansion or improvement of current operations.
- Deployment of market-ready solutions to replace single-use and takeaway food service ware with durable, reusable alternatives.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit small businesses providing food and beverage for takeaway or delivery
- Registered charitable organizations involved in food and beverage reuse systems
- Not-for-profit organizations, including Business Improvement Areas
- Academic institutions collaborating with businesses on eligible food and beverage reuse projects
- Reuse service providers offering infrastructure for food businesses
Who is not eligible
- Companies offering reuse systems exclusively for dine-in consumption.
- Businesses with 99 or more employees (excluding academic institutions).
- Companies not located within the boundaries of Toronto, unless they are urban off-reserve Indigenous-led organizations providing culturally-based programming outside Toronto.
- Projects involving solely research and development, prototyping, or education and outreach initiatives.
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of durable, reusable foodservice ware such as plates, bowls, cups, trays, glasses, straws, stirrers, condiment cups, and utensils.
- Expenses for infrastructure to support reuse systems, including collection bins and cleaning facilities.
- Costs related to support technology, such as mobile applications or barcode tracking systems to coordinate reverse logistics and management of reusable foodservice ware.
- Project expenses verified by receipts or financial documentation for eligible costs as defined in the funding agreement.
- In-kind contributions essential to the project, such as the donation of office space or equipment (subject to approval).
Eligible geographic areas
- Businesses located within the boundaries of Toronto.
How to apply
1
Verify Eligibility
- Ensure your organization is a for-profit or not-for-profit entity with 99 or fewer employees.
- Confirm that your business is located within Toronto and your project meets the eligible project criteria.
2
Assemble Project Proposal
- Prepare a comprehensive description of your proposed or enhanced reuse system project.
- Include information on how the project aligns with Toronto’s circular economy transformation goals.
- If applicable, outline other confirmed sources of funding.
3
Budget Preparation
- Develop a detailed project budget.
- For for-profit applicants, demonstrate the ability to contribute at least 25% of project costs.
- Include any in-kind contributions and ensure they are essential to the project.
4
Complete Application Form
Fill out the application form provided by the City of Toronto, ensuring all sections are completed accurately.
5
Application Submission
- Submit the completed application form and any additional required documents to the City.
- Ensure submission is done before the application deadline.
6
Await Review and Feedback
- Wait for application review by the City of Toronto.
- You may be contacted for additional information or clarification.
7
Funding Agreement
If approved, sign a Funding Agreement with the City of Toronto to formalize the grant approval.
8
Reporting and Receipts Submission
- Upon completion of the project, submit a final report using the provided templates.
- Include receipts and documents verifying project expenditures.
- Submit interim and final reports by prescribed deadlines.
Additional information
- Reporting templates are provided in advance to allow applicants to anticipate required metrics and documentation.
- Lessons learned from funded projects may be shared with relevant stakeholders, including other grant recipients.
- Grant recipients must track and report specific metrics demonstrating project impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund Program
What is the Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund?
The Circular Food Innovators Fund aims to support small businesses in Toronto implementing reuse systems to replace single-use and takeaway items with reusable foodservice ware. Eligible projects must involve food or beverage products for takeaway or delivery, focusing on innovative solutions, collaboration, community benefits, and sustainment plans.
How much funding can be received?
Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $35,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund program?
To be eligible for the Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund program, you must:
Must be a for-profit small business with less than 99 employees located in Toronto
Must provide food and beverage products for takeaway or delivery, or reuse system infrastructure for food businesses
Services funded must take place within Toronto
What expenses are eligible under Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund?
Implementation of new reuse systems for takeaway or delivery food and beverage services.
Enhancement of existing reuse systems for food and beverage items, including expansion or improvement of current operations.
Deployment of market-ready solutions to replace single-use and takeaway food service ware with durable, reusable alternatives.
Where is the Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund available?
The Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund?
Toronto Circular Food Innovators Fund is funded by City of Toronto