Toronto Retail Accelerator Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Toronto, ON
$10,000 micro grant to help Toronto's small retail businesses thrive and expand
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $10,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
The Retail Accelerator Program, funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, aims to support small retail businesses in Toronto. It provides access to retail training, advisory services, mentoring opportunities, and a $10,000 micro grant to help businesses develop and expand. Eligible participants must operate an independent retail business with a physical location in Toronto and be majority owners of their venture.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Retail Accelerator Program requires businesses to meet specific criteria related to ownership, location, and operational requirements.
- The business must be an independent retail operation located within the City of Toronto.
- The business can be a sole proprietorship or corporation where the applicant is the majority shareholder, or a partnership where the applicant holds the majority share. If shared 50/50, only one partner may apply.
- The applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
- The applicant must be full-time self-employed and the majority owner in the business.
- The business must have a current lease agreement or ownership documentation for the retail location.
- A separate business bank account must be maintained in accordance with government rules and regulations for operating a business.
- The applicant must be prepared to commit to the business training components of the program.
- Proof of expenses must be provided as requested by the City of Toronto.
- A survey must be completed at the end of the program.
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the Retail Accelerator Program are those who own and operate independent retail businesses located within the City of Toronto. This includes sole proprietorships, corporations where the applicant is the majority shareholder, or partnerships where the applicant holds the majority share, with only one partner able to apply if shared 50/50. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, full-time self-employed, and possess a current lease agreement or ownership documentation for their retail location. They must also maintain a separate business bank account and be prepared to engage in business training, provide proof of expenses, and complete a program survey. Businesses not eligible include franchises, commissioned sales, distributorships, online-only operations, mobile retail, not-for-profits, co-operatives, multi-level marketing ventures, and single event-based enterprises.
Who is not eligible
This grant is not accessible to certain businesses and operational models due to specific restrictions. These limitations ensure the program supports independent retail businesses with physical locations in Toronto.
- Franchises, commissioned sales, and distributorships.
- Online e-commerce retail operations that lack a physical location.
- Mobile retail operations of any kind.
- Not-for-profits, social enterprises, co-operatives, or charitable enterprises.
- Multi-level marketing ventures.
- Single events, musical bands, DJs, or party event organizations.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is open to retail businesses operating specifically within a designated geographical area. The eligibility criteria focuses on ensuring support for local economic development.
- Businesses located within the City of Toronto.
How to apply
1
Subscribe to the BusinessTO newsletter to stay informed of business resources and supports.
2
Ensure your business meets the eligibility requirements: independent retail business in the City of Toronto, majority ownership, full-time self-employment, a physical retail location, separate business bank account, commitment to training, and ability to provide proof of expenses and complete a survey.
3
Monitor notifications from the City of Toronto for new funding availability.
4
Once applications reopen, gather necessary documentation such as proof of lease or ownership of the retail location and business bank account information.
5
Complete and submit the application form as instructed by the City of Toronto.
6
Await confirmation and further instructions from the program administrators.
Additional information
The Retail Accelerator Program is designed to support small retail businesses in Toronto with access to training, advisory services, mentoring opportunities, and a $10,000 micro grant.
- Applications are currently closed as funding has been expended. New applications may be accepted if additional funding becomes available.
- Interested parties are advised to subscribe to the BusinessTO newsletter to stay informed about business resources and supports.
- For more information, contact Fariba Niroui at 416-392-1328 or Fariba.Niroui@toronto.ca.
Contacts
Fariba.Niroui@toronto.ca
416-392-1328
Frequently Asked Questions about the Toronto Retail Accelerator Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Toronto Retail Accelerator Program. 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 Retail Accelerator Program?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Toronto Retail Accelerator Program?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Toronto Retail Accelerator Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Toronto Retail Accelerator Program?
Who is eligible for the Toronto Retail Accelerator Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Toronto Retail Accelerator Program?
Where is the Toronto Retail Accelerator Program available?
More programs like this
Grant and FundingClosed
Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream
Government of OntarioCost-share funding for rural economic development
Ontario, Canada
Grant and FundingClosed
Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program
Digital Main StreetFunding to develop Ontario SMEs online presence
Ontario, Canada
Grant and FundingOpen
Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)
Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)Supports Ontario SMEs in adopting and implementing digital technologies
Ontario, Canada
Expert AdviceOpen
The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program
Foodpreneur AdvantageSupport for high growth food businesses in Southwestern Ontario
Ontario, Canada
Grant and FundingOpen
Enabling Accessibility Fund — Small projects
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)Funding to create more accessible, safe spaces
Ontario, Canada
Other SupportPartnering and CollaborationExpert AdviceOpen
CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario
Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)Mentorship program accelerating early-stage foodtech companies in Ontario
Ontario, Canada
Grant and FundingOpen
Achievement Incentive and Group Sponsorship Grant
Government of OntarioGrants to train apprentices
Ontario, Canada
Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
VERGE Capital — Startup Fund
Government of OntarioLoans for social enterprises in Southwestern Ontario
Ontario, Canada
Grant and FundingOpen
Northern Technology Accelerator Program
Northwestern Ontario Innovation CentreSupports Northern Ontario SMEs adopting innovative technology solutions
Ontario, Canada
Grant and FundingClosed
REGI — Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) - Northern Ontario
Government of CanadaFunds to accelerate business growth in Northern Ontario
Ontario, Canada