BusinessTO Newsletter May 12th, 2026

BusinessTO News is a weekly newsletter highlighting opportunities that are available to Toronto businesses such as programs, grants, resources and guidelines. For a full list of City of Toronto resources for businesses visit toronto.ca/BusinessSupport.

Announcements

Attend a Starter Company Plus Grant Information Session to prepare your application 

Ready to take your business to the next level? The City of Toronto’s Starter Company Plus Grant – General Business Stream is designed to help local entrepreneurs scale with confidence. Successful applicants receive expert-led business training and one-on-one mentorship to develop a growth-focused business plan. Participants who complete the training and business plan are eligible for a $5,000 microgrant to help fund their business expansion. Applications open on Tuesday, May 19 at 9 a.m. and the deadline to apply is Friday, May 29 at 5 p.m. Interested business owners are recommended to attend an information session. Register today. 

Support local this long weekend on a CaféTO Patio 

Kick off your summer by choosing a CaféTO patio this Victoria Day weekend. Whether it’s for brunch, coffee or dinner, it’s a wonderful way to Love Local and experience Toronto’s vibrant neighbourhoods before a festival, gallery visit or evening stroll. Make the most of the City’s food and culture while giving back to your community. Find your nearest outdoor table on the CaféTO map. 

Register to attend the 2026 Start Up Here Innovation Showcase  

On Tuesday, May 26, the City of Toronto is hosting the Start Up Here Innovation Showcase, a curated series of guided tours across leading innovation hubs, including incubators, accelerators and academic institutions across the City. Participating locations include MaRS Discovery District, DMZ, OneEleven, NEXT Canada, Global Startups, Collège Boréal, Northeastern University Toronto and the U of T: Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus. Tours take place throughout the day, and space is limited for each session. Browse and register for tours. 

Learn how to build a strong business plan in two hours   

Learn how to turn your idea into a clear, shareable business plan. In this focused two-hour webinar, entrepreneurs will get a practical roadmap for thinking through every part of their small business and translating those insights into a plan you can present to partners, investors, lenders and clients. The next webinar will take place on Wednesday, May 20 at 10 a.m. Learn more and register. 

Business Community News

Apply to gain access to the Entrepreneurs’ Suite at the at North York Central Library  

Are you an entrepreneur in need of space? The Entrepreneurs’ Suite is a dedicated co-working space where entrepreneurs can work, connect with other entrepreneurs and social innovators, and access expert staff assistance, resources, collections and training that will allow them to start and grow their ventures. Please submit an application by Tuesday, June 9. Learn more and apply.  

Applications are open for the Backing Canadian Small Businesses grant program  

American Express Canada is excited to announce applications are now open for Backing Canadian Small Businesses, a grant program aimed at empowering locally significant small businesses to grow and drive community impact. Funded by Amex Canada and administered by DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, 100 Canadian small businesses will be selected to each receive a $10,000 grant and mentoring support from DMZ. Applications close next Tuesday, May 19, at 11:59 p.m. Learn more and apply.  

Find wage subsidies to help hire post-secondary students 

Hire top post-secondary talent while saving up to $5,000 per placement. Tap into the Student Work Placement Program and its delivery organizations across Canada to boost your team, gain fresh skills and grow your business. Learn more and apply.

Building business success for women across the GTA 

The Silver Mettle StartUp program empowers women 55+ across the GTA envisioning a bold new chapter—one centered on entrepreneurship. Whether launching a modest side hustle to bolster retirement or building a large-scale venture, this initiative supports every sector. Enjoy free entry to this $1600+ value, strictly limited to 25 participants. Phase I runs from May 27 to June 27, and Phase II begins this fall. Learn more and apply.  

Nobellum's Growth Stream is accepting applications 

Nobellum's Growth Stream Accelerator Program is here, built specifically for Black-led STEM companies in Canada who are ready to commercialize. If your company is majority Black-owned/led, incorporated in Canada and has generated over $100K in revenue, this program is right for you. Applications are now open and will close Sunday, May 31. Learn more and apply.  

The Project Zero Incubator is accepting applications  

Synergy Foundation is calling on Canada-based innovators and start-ups operating within the circular economy to apply for its Project Zero Incubator. This free, six-month program offers a foundation of entrepreneurial skills, circular economy expertise, ongoing mentorship and access to a network of like-minded organizations and industry leaders. Learn more and apply by Friday, June 19. This program is supported by the City of Toronto and Alberta Ecotrust Foundation.

Webinars and Events

How to Safely Build a Food Business in Toronto 

Wednesday, May 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) 

Insurance for Small Business 

Thursday, May 14, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)    

Search Engine Optimization: Understanding SEO Basics 

Tuesday, May 19, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) 

How to Write a Business Plan Workshop 

Wednesday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Register (Free) 

Getting Money: What Lenders & Investors Want 

Tuesday, May 21, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) 

Email Marketing for Small Businesses

Tuesday, May 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Service Canada: Government Benefits for Self-Employed and Individuals

Wednesday, May 27, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)

WSIB: Laws & Regulations for Small Businesses

Thursday, May 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)      

T2 Corporation Tax Literacy

Friday, May 29, from 9:30 to 11:30a.m. – Register (Free)

Your Digital Storefront: Growing Your Business Online

Tuesday, June 2, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Getting Started with Intellectual Property (IP): Why is IP Important?

Wednesday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Register (Free)

T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy

Friday, June 5, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Social Media for Your Business 

Tuesday, June 9 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

How to Start a Food Business: A General Overview 

Wednesday, June 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register Free)

Balancing Your Balance Sheet

Thursday, June 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)     

The Importance of Paid Advertising in the Digital Space 

Tuesday, June 16, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) 

Incubators: How CQCC Can Help Your Business 

Thursday, June 18, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)

Service Canada: Support Measures for Businesses in Labour Adjustment

Wednesday, June 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)

Financial Survival for Entrepreneurs

Thursday, June 25, from 10 to 11 a.m.– Register (Free)