BusinessTO Newsletter March 4th, 2026

Hillcrest Village BIA
Mar 10, 2022
4 min read

Updated: 6 hours ago

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

Final call to submit your Expression of Interest for Hannover Messe 2026

Toronto-based companies in advanced manufacturing, industrial technology and innovation are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to join the Team Toronto Trade Mission to Hannover Messe 2026, taking place April 20 to 24, in Hannover, Germany. Participating companies will gain international visibility, connect with global industry leaders and explore new market opportunities. Space is limited, and interested companies are encouraged to complete the Expression of Interest form by this Sunday, March 8.

Register for the free How to Write a Business Plan Workshop webinar

Turn your business idea into a solid strategy with this free two-hour workshop. On Friday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., learn how to use the Business Model Canvas to define what makes your business unique, understand your customers, map key activities and partnerships and outline the financial foundations of your business. Register today.

EDGE Incentive Program offering increased grants for a limited time

The City’s EDGE Incentive Program provides support for new construction or major renovations in targeted employment sectors by refunding a portion of the municipal tax increase resulting from new developments or redevelopments. As part of the Mayor’s Economic Action Plan in Response to US Tariffs, the grant amount has been increased from 60 to 100 per cent of the municipal tax increase over five years for applications received before December 31, 2027. To learn more, join an information session from 10 to 11 a.m. this Thursday, March 5 or Thursday, April 2.

Last chance to provide feedback on the City’s proposed Waste Strategy Update

Help shape Toronto’s waste future by sharing what matters to you. Provide your feedback on the City’s proposed 2026-2036 Waste Reduction and Diversion Plan, which includes actions the City is considering to increase waste diversion, reduction and reuse through implementation of policies, programs and education. Take the online survey by March 8.

Business Community News

Registrations are now open for the Women Innovation Summit

DMZ's Women Innovation Summit returns on Thursday, March 19, in partnership with Elevate. This year’s theme, All In, brings together founders, funders and allies to drive systemic change. Enjoy live pitches from top women founders competing for $200K in investments and a fireside chat with the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Isabelle Hudon and Elevate’s Lisa Zarzeczny. Register today.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Siakam EdTech Engine

Co-founded by NBA Champion Pascal Siakam’s PS43 Foundation and powered by DMZ, the 2026 Siakam EdTech Engine is now accepting applications. This 12-week accelerator offers North American startups direct access to educators, school board pilots and $50,000 in Demo Day grants. Don’t miss this chance to validate your AI or youth-focused solution alongside industry leaders. Applications close Friday, March 13. Learn more and apply.

The 2026 ELLA Ascend program is currently accepting applications

YSpace is seeking women-led ventures for ELLA Ascend, a four-month intensive designed for scaling. Gain custom Marketing and Operations playbooks, plus 50 per cent matching support for a fractional executive to provide senior-level expertise. This cohort runs from April through August. The application deadline is Saturday, March 14. Apply today to accelerate your growth.

Navigate the future of food innovation

Presented by the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN), Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario is a 12-week mentorship and peer cohort program designed to support early-stage foodtech entrepreneurs as they prepare to scale and commercialize their innovations. This is a non-competitive, collaborative experience. Applications close April 2. Learn more.

Apply for the Community Economic Development Fund

The Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) is now accepting applications for community‑driven projects that strengthen local economies and build community wealth across Toronto. Not‑for‑profit organizations and BIAs can apply for up to $300,000 to deliver or scale initiatives that support inclusive economic growth and main street businesses. This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Applications close April 23. Learn more and apply.

Webinars and Events

T2 Corporation Tax Literacy

Wednesday, March 4, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Introduction to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Wednesday, March 4, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Register (Free)

Understanding Financial Statements for Small Business Owners

Thursday, March 5, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)

How to Do Business with the City of Toronto

Thursday, March 5, from 2 to 3 p.m. – Register (Free)

T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy

Friday, March 6, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Your Digital Storefront: Growing Your Business Online

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

First Steps in Exporting 101

Tuesday, March 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Register (Free)

Insurance for Small Business

Wednesday, March 11, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Financial Survival for Entrepreneurs

Thursday, March 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)

Social Media for Your Business

Tuesday, March 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Barcodes and Beyond: What You Need to Be Market-Ready for Importing & Exporting

Resources