BusinessTO News is a weekly newsletter that focuses on available resources and supports to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Toronto businesses. Learn about the current health situation, service changes and economic support at toronto.ca/covid19.
Announcements
Toronto prepares for restart of some services and partial reopening of many businesses
The City of Toronto is preparing to oversee the safe restart of some services and partial reopening of many businesses on Wednesday, June 24. This follows the Province of Ontario announcement that Toronto can enter Stage 2 of the provincial reopening plans.Learn about Toronto Public Health’s guidelines for reopening, including guidelines for businesses and workplaces, food premises, personal services and more.
Ontario Government providing loans to Indigenous-owned small and medium-sized businesses
As the province begins to reopen the economy, the Government of Ontario is providing up to $10 million to Indigenous-owned small and medium-sized businesses. Businesses that are ineligible for, or unable to access existing federal and provincial COVID-19 responsive initiatives for small businesses are eligible for loans of up to $50,000. Loans will be available through Aboriginal Financial Institutions.
City of Toronto Programs and Resources
BusinessTO Support Centre: One-on-one virtual support to help businesses complete government assistance applications and navigate reopening.
Digital Main Street: Support for businesses interested in going digital through resources, connections to trusted digital vendors, online learning and one-on-one virtual assistance.
ShopHERE powered by Google: Assistance with setting up and launching a Shopify online store quickly, easily and at no cost.
Business AdviceTO: Free online events to help entrepreneurs and leaders connect.
For one-on-one assistance with applications for any of these programs visit the BusinessTO Support Centre.
Webinars and Online Events
CaféTO Webinar (Free)
Learn about CaféTO and guidelines to participate, and get updates on permitting and licencing, the education and enforcement strategy for 2020 and updates from Toronto Public Health as they relate to patios.
Tuesday, June 30, 1:30 p.m. – Register
Reopening Guidance (Free)
Retail Sector – Watch On-Demand (includes guidelines published up to and including June 11)
Restaurant Sector – Watch On-Demand (includes guidelines published up to and including June 12)
Manufacturing Sector – Watch On-Demand (includes guidelines published up to and including June 16)
Personal Care Service Sector – Watch on-Demand (includes guidelines published up to and including June 19)
Ask an Accountant – Applying for Government COVID-19 Support Programs (Free)
Wednesday, June 24, 3:30 p.m. – Register
Business AdviceTO Event Series (Free)
Business AdviceTO with Partners SheEO World – Women Entrepreneurs | Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – Register
Business AdviceTO with Partners Retail Insider | Wednesday, June 24, 11 a.m. – Register
Business AdviceTO with Partners TechTO | Wednesday, June 24, 12 p.m. – Register
Business AdviceTO SisterTalk (BIWOC) Black Indigenous Women of Colour Biz Mentorship Circle | Thursdays at 10 a.m. – Register
Scarborough Business Association Cyber Breakfast – Re-opening and Support Programs(Free)
Wednesday, June 24, 9:15 a.m. – Register
Collision from Home
Collision is moving online for 2020. Join “The world’s best speakers” and tech’s leading lights for one incredible online event.
June 23 – 25 – Register
Business Community News
Digital Main Street helps businesses with a range of digital solutions
Toronto’s tech community has strong fundamentals to help it spring back says Mayor
Toronto is North America’s third-largest market for tech talent. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many tech companies were forced to put their operations on hold. Mayor John Tory sees great potential for Toronto’s tech community as the economy reopens.
Startup shifts focus from marketing lights to sourcing PPE for front-liners
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, staff at Toronto-based startup Nanoleaf pivoted from the business of lighting designs to sourcing medical-grade masks. To date, the company has delivered one million masks to healthcare professionals and another 500,000 to workers in essential industries.
