BusinessTO Newsletter

Announcements

City of Toronto launches ShowLoveTO to help local businesses recover and rebuild

The City of Toronto launched ShowLoveTO, a campaign to inspire Torontonians to safely re-engage with their neighbours, neighbourhoods and local businesses and help to rebuild the social and economic fabric of the city. ShowLoveTO encompasses many independent events. From hitting the patio to supporting local art and shops, ShowLoveTO encourages residents to get out safely and do the things they love.

City of Toronto helps restaurants extend patio season by allowing portable heaters

With cooler fall weather approaching, the City of Toronto announced plans to allow portable heaters to be placed on all outdoor patios, including CaféTO curb lane closures, to help keep outdoor dining spaces open longer and provide additional support for local restaurants. Allowing restaurant operators to safely introduce portable heaters will help make outdoor dining more appealing to customers, encourage physical distancing to help stop virus spread, and give restaurant operators the chance to maximize outdoor patio season and generate revenue.

Restaurants encouraged to register for new DineOutTO Program

Destination Toronto, in partnership with the City of Toronto, has announced DineOutTO, a program that celebrates Toronto’s culinary community and supports the industry’s economic recovery. The six-week program is flexible and absolutely free for businesses to participate in. The program will launch to the public on September 23. Register your restaurant now to participate.

Commercial Rent Assistance Program extended for one month

The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses has been extended by one month to help eligible small businesses pay rent for September. Find program details and apply.

Federal government announces Black Entrepreneurship Program

The federal government announced the creation of a program to support Black business owners and entrepreneurs. The Black Entrepreneurship Program will help entrepreneurs access funding and capital, mentorship, financial planning services and business training. In partnership with major financial institutions, the program will provide Black entrepreneurs with loans between $25,000 and $250,000.

Businesses reminded to adhere to COVID-19 prevention and control guidelines

As Toronto prepares for a possible resurgence of COVID-19 this fall and winter, business owners and operators are reminded that it’s important to adhere to Toronto Public Health guidance for retail stores and shopping malls and food and drink establishments. Businesses should make sure their COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures can accommodate increased customer volumes as the holiday season approaches. For related information and support, contact the BusinessTO Support Centre.

Ontario Reopens Apprenticeship and Trade-Related Exam Centres

All 24 provincial centres for apprenticeship and trade-related certifications are now open, and apprentices and skilled tradespeople can book their final exams at their local apprenticeship office.

Business Community News

Program to help revive women-led businesses

The RE3 program, supported by the federal government, is providing non-repayable performance-based contributions up to $5,000 to assist women-led businesses in Southern Ontario rebuild, reopen and revive their enterprises. View program application.

Opportunity to provide feedback on CaféTO patio program

The City of Toronto is looking for feedback on its CaféTO program. Launched in June in response to COVID-19, the program now supports 783 local Toronto restaurants with extended cafés on sidewalks and curb lanes. Restaurant owners as well as members of the public are invited to complete the online survey to provide their input.

City of Toronto Programs and Resources

• Reopening Guidelines

  • Mandatory mask wearing guidelines

  • Printable posters

• BusinessTO Support Centre: One-on-one virtual support to help businesses complete government assistance applications and navigate reopening

• Digital Main Street: Provides support for businesses interested in adopting technologies to help their businesses

• ShopHERE powered by Google: Help with setting up and launching a Shopify online store quickly, easily and at no cost

• Digital Transformation Grant: $2,500 grants available to businesses to help implement new technologies

• Business licensing and permit application portal

• Webinars

• DonateTO: Make a difference in your community by donating or partnering with the City of Toronto

Financial Support and Resources

Federal and provincial government financial supports:

• Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program

• Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program

• Support for Indigenous Businesses

• Business Credit Availability Program

• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

For one-on-one help with applications for any of these programs contact the BusinessTO Support Centre.

Webinars and Online Events

Reopening Guidance (Free)

• Retail Sector – Watch On Demand*
• Restaurant Sector – Watch On Demand*
• Manufacturing Sector – Watch On Demand*
• Personal Care Service Sector – Watch on Demand*
• Events and Festivals – Watch on Demand*
• Gym and Fitness Services Sector – Watch on Demand*

*Webinars were developed based on guidelines that had been published and available up to and including the following dates – Retail Sector: June 11, Food Service Sector: August 7, Manufacturing Sector: June 16, Personal Care Service Sector: August 7,Events and Festivals: July 27 and Gym and Fitness Services Sector: August 17. Effective July 7, the use of non-medical masks or face coverings are now required in all indoor public spaces.

Scarborough Business Association Cyber Breakfast – Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers & Businesses of Canada
Wednesday, September 16 at 9:15 a.m. – Register

Why Your Business Needs An Online Store – ShopHERE powered by Google Webinar Series (Free)
Thursday, September 17 at 11:30 a.m. – Register

The digital advantage: Securing your business
Thursday, September 24, 1 – 2 p.m. – Register

Infection Control 101 for Businesses Webinar (Free)
30-minute self-training module – Watch on Demand

Ask an Accountant – Applying for Government COVID-19 Support Programs (Free) – Watch on Demand

Subscribe to the BusinessTO newsletter.
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.