How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 100000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund?

Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund is funded by Government of Canada, City of Toronto, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)

What are Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund's eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be a Toronto BIA or a not-for-profit organization 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.

Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund

Last Update: April 2, 2025

Toronto, ON

The Main Street Innovation Fund supports Toronto's business recovery through grants for innovative community projects.

Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $25,000 to $100,000

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Government of Canada
City of Toronto
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)

Status

Closed

Overview of the Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund program

The Main Street Innovation Fund in Toronto provides grants to Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and not-for-profit organizations to support innovative and creative solutions addressing main street business challenges. The program aims to enhance main street vibrancy through activities such as community placemaking, main street activations, and technology improvements, offering grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for eligible projects.

Financing terms and conditions

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.

Eligible projects & activities

The Main Street Innovation Fund targets projects that enhance the vibrancy and resilience of business communities along Toronto's main streets. It supports initiatives that introduce new and creative solutions to address local challenges and stimulate economic recovery.

Main street activations to promote local businesses and increase foot traffic.
Community placemaking projects to improve public spaces and boost community engagement.
Community planning and policy-making initiatives to develop strategies for business growth and sustainability.
Technology improvements that enhance business operations and customer experiences.

Eligibility criteria of the Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund program

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

Additional information

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.

Contact Government of Canada

mif@toronto.ca

Apply to this program

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