Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund

This grant provides specific financing options tailored to support innovative projects within Toronto’s main street business community. The financial aid is structured to encourage diverse and impactful projects.

• Grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 for eligible projects meeting the fund’s criteria.
• Up to $100,000 in funding available for Legacy Projects that demonstrate significant impact and innovation.
• Requirement of $100,000 in financial and in-kind contributions from applicant organizations for Legacy Projects.
• In-kind contributions, valued at a maximum of $27 per hour, can account for up to 50% of matching contributions or 25% of the total project budget.

The eligibility for this grant is restricted to specific types of organizations with active involvement in the local business community within Toronto.

• The applicant must be a Toronto Business Improvement Area (BIA).
• Alternatively, the applicant can be a not-for-profit organization, which includes business associations and registered charities with strong local business involvement.
• For-profit businesses, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations are not eligible to apply.

Who is eligible?

The Main Street Innovation Fund is available to the following organizations:

• Toronto Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)
• Not-for-profit organizations including Business Associations and Registered Charities with strong local business involvement

For-profit businesses including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations are not eligible to apply.

Who is not eligible

This grant is not available to certain companies and industries based on their business status. The restrictions ensure that funds are allocated to support community-oriented and non-profit entities.

• For-profit businesses including sole proprietorships.
• Partnerships and corporations.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports innovative and creative solutions aimed at increasing the vibrancy of Toronto's main street business communities. Eligible projects focus on a range of strategies from community engagement initiatives to technological improvements within local commercial areas.

• Main street activations.
• Community placemaking projects.
• Community planning and policy making initiatives.
• Technology improvements for local businesses.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is aimed at supporting businesses located in Toronto. Eligibility is determined based on regional requirements specific to the city of Toronto.

• Businesses located within the city of Toronto.

The evaluation and selection criteria specifically for projects under the Main Street Innovation Fund have not been explicitly detailed in the provided context.

The Main Street Innovation Fund in Toronto finances innovative solutions to revitalize local businesses and supports projects through significant grants.

• Managed by the City of Toronto and funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
• Aims to boost main street business vibrancy through various community projects.
• Offers grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for eligible projects.
• Currently, applications are closed, and updates are provided via the BusinessTO newsletter.
• Eligible applicants include Toronto's BIAs and not-for-profit organizations with strong business community links.
• For-profit businesses are not eligible to apply.