Toronto Economic Resiliency Initiative

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) · The Toronto Economic Resiliency Initiative is a federal program providing $4 million to support small and medium-sized businesses and main streets across Toron…

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Overview

The Toronto Economic Resiliency Initiative is a federal program providing $4 million to support small and medium-sized businesses and main streets across Toronto through multiple grant streams. Eligible projects include dining district enhancements, commercial space renovations, community economic development, and transit construction mitigation.

Eligibility

Small to medium-sized commercial businesses in TorontoBusiness Improvement Areas (BIAs) and business associationsNot-for-profit organizations with ties to main streets or community developmentCommercial property owners and operators with storefronts that are vacant or at risk of becoming vacant

Eligible projects

Creating, enhancing and promoting outdoor dining spaces and experiences (Dining District Program)Interior improvements to vacant or at-risk commercial storefronts including structural upgrades, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, painting, flooring, and accessibility improvements (Commercial Space Renovation)High-impact community-led economic development and community wealth building projects, particularly for neighbourhoods facing disruption or under-resourcing (Community Economic Development Fund)Community-driven initiatives to mitigate impacts of multi-year transit construction on local businesses (Transit Construction Mitigation Fund)

Financing terms

Dining District Program: grants up to $5,000 or up to $100,000 depending on streamCommercial Space Renovation: 50 per cent matching funding, maximum $20,000 for base improvements ($24,000 with accessibility upgrades, $44,000 for multi-unit properties)Community Economic Development Fund: up to $300,000Transit Construction Mitigation Fund: up to $50,000

How to apply

1Check eligibilityConfirm you meet every criterion listed above before you start.

2Prepare the project packageProject description, budget with quotes, team, and recent financial statements.

3Apply on toronto.caGovgrant members can draft the application with AI and export a formatted PDF.

4Respond to reviewer questionsMost programs come back with one round of questions within a few weeks of submission.

Additional information

Multiple grant streams targeting different needs on Toronto main streetsCommercial Space Renovation applications currently closed; Dining District Program applications currently openTotal initiative funded with $4 million from Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

At a glanceMaximum$300KMinimum$5KProviderFederal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)DeadlineRolling intakeStatusOpenRegionOntarioOfficial sourcetoronto.ca ↗

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