BusinessTO News is a weekly newsletter that primarily focuses on available resources and supports to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Toronto businesses. Learn about the current health situation, changes to City services, resources to support reopening and economic support at toronto.ca/covid19.
Announcements
Bigger and better CaféTO planned to help local restaurants
Mayor John Tory endorsed a new City of Toronto report that recommends an expanded CaféTO program starting this spring to help Toronto’s main street restaurants and bars during the pandemic. The report, which will be considered at the meeting of Executive Committee on January 27, includes details about CaféTO – a quick-start pandemic response program launched last summer – and outlines key findings and outcomes along with recommendations on how to ensure the program is bigger and better this year.
Ontario Small Business Support Grant
The Ontario Small Business Support Grant is intended to help small businesses (including sole proprietorships) in Ontario that are required to close or significantly restrict services under Ontario’s province-wide shutdown. Eligible businesses can receive between $10,000 and $20,000 to help with revenue losses expected as a result of the province-wide shutdown. The City of Toronto is offering a free webinar (details below) to help answer questions from small business owners about the grant.
What to do if an employee tests positive for COVID-19
As per the Letter of Instruction from Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, employers must immediately notify Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 as soon as they become aware of two or more people who test positive for COVID-19 within a 14-day interval in connection with their workplace premises. The City has put together a COVID-19 guide for businessesand checklist to guide employers in reporting workplace outbreaks of COVID-19.
Business Community News
Toronto entrepreneurs share their advice for survival
With endless restrictions and shutdowns, the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly hard on small business owners in Toronto. Many have had to pivot to stay in business. Small business owners from across the city share their stories and their advice for survival.
This winter’s can’t-miss online tech events
From FinTech to healthcare innovation to networking events, here are some of the season’s hottest virtual events from MaRS Discovery District.
Webinars and Online Events
Guidelines for Mandatory Mask Usage in Enclosed Public Places (Free) Watch On Demand
Ontario Small Business Support Grant Webinar (Free)
Wednesday, January 27, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Register
Scarborough Business Association Events (Free)
After 5 Virtual Networking Magic | Wednesday, January 27, 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Register
Saving Scarborough Businesses – Child Care, Support Programs and Recovery | Wednesday, February 3, 9:15 to 10 a.m. – Register
Funding the Green Economy – Partners in Green Project
Thursday, January 28, 1 to 2 p.m. – Register
Ask the Expert: Legal Advice for Business (Free)
Friday, February 5, 9 a.m. to noon – Register
General Small Business Tax Literacy Seminar (Free)
Friday, February 26, 9:30 a.m. to noon – Register
B Corp 101 Workshop: Learning to Measure What Matters (Free)
Tuesday, February 16, 10 a.m. to noon – Register
Ask the Expert: Marketing & Sales (Free)
Friday, February 19, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Register
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
Digital Main Street: Provides support for businesses interested in adopting technologies to help their businesses
DonateTO: Make a difference in your community by donating or partnering with the City of Toronto
