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Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund - Toronto - ON - Canada
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Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund

Last Update: October 27, 2025
Toronto, ON
The Main Street Innovation Fund supports Toronto's business recovery through grants for innovative community projects.
Grant and Funding

At a glance

Funding available
Financing goals
    No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 100,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 25,000 $
Timeline
  • Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Toronto
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Culture and Arts
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Business Associations
Target group
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
  • Artists / creatives
Revenue structure
  • All structures
Scope
  • Local
  • Municipal

Overview

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.

Activities funded

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

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.

Selection criteria

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.

Contacts

mif@toronto.ca
Toronto, ON, Canada
Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund. 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 Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

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

Who is eligible for the Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund program?

Who can I contact for more information about the Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund?

Where is the Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund available?

Apply to this program

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