BusinessTO News is a weekly newsletter focused on resources to help Toronto businesses mitigate the impact of COVID-19. For a full list of resources, visit toronto.ca/covid19.
Announcements
Ontario Continues to Support Small Business
Over $1 billion in funding has gone to nearly 100,000 small businesses with the Ontario Small Business Support Grant. Businesses are encouraged to apply by March 31. Another support for small businesses is the Main Street Relief Grant, which offers businesses with between two and 19 employees support with the unexpected costs of personal protective equipment.
City Hall Live Spotlight relaunches to support Toronto’s music industry
City Hall Live Spotlight is a professionally produced weekly livestream concert series raising money for the Unison Benevolent Fund, while creating paid opportunities for local musicians and music businesses. To support Toronto’s restaurant industry, viewers are also encouraged to make a night of it by ordering in food from a favourite local restaurant via ToGoToronto.com. The online series, part of ShowLoveTO, kicks off ontoronto.ca/cityhalllive and on Happin with award-winning Colombian-Canadian artist Lido Pimienta on March 18 at 7:30 p.m. from the Phoenix Concert Theatre.
Ontario Investing in Music Industry During COVID-19
The Ontario government is investing $2.5 million through the Unison Benevolent Fund’s COVID-19 Relief Program and the Canadian Live Music Association. The funding will help ensure Ontario’s music industry is strong, vibrant and remains a source of pride for the province.
Toronto in the Grey Zone
The City of Toronto entered the Grey Zone of Provincial COVID-19 response framework on March 8. To ensure legal compliance with all applicable provincial regulations, individuals and businesses should consult the Reopening Ontario Act and/or obtain legal advice.
Business Community News
Circular Innovation City Challenge is calling all digital innovators
The Circular Innovation City Challenge – a global opportunity for innovators to connect with participating cities – is accepting applications to develop digital and data-based solutions that can help cities reduce their carbon footprint and become more circular. Learn more about the challenge and apply by April 23.
Upcoming virtual tech events
Explore MaRS’ top tech events to attend virtually this spring – from Canadian Fintech Summit to the massive Collision Conference to hands-on workshops and more.
Collision Conference 2021
Collision is taking place online from April 20 to 22. Women in tech get 80 per cent off the ticket price as part of the women in tech program. Collision is also offering free tickets to active developers and open source contributors in their network. Apply today.
Webinars and Online Events
Social Media for Your Business (Free)
Tuesday, March 23, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register
All Provincial Grants – Information Webinar (Free)
Wednesday, March 24, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Register
General Small Business Tax Literacy Seminar (Free)
Friday, March 26, 9:30 a.m. to noon – Register
Guidelines for Mandatory Mask Usage in Enclosed Public Places (Free) Watch On Demand
Ontario Small Business Support Grant Webinar (Free) Watch on Demand
How to Successfully Apply for Government Funding (Free) Watch on Demand
CaféTO & Expanded Outdoor Dining Program 2021 (Free) Watch on Demand
BusinessTO Support Centre: One-on-one virtual support to help businesses complete government assistance applications, navigate reopening guidelines and more
CurbTO: Provides temporary curbside parking pick-up zones for main street businesses
DonateTO: Make a difference in your community by donating or partnering with the City of Toronto
