BusinessTO Newsletter October 7th, 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

Your City. Your Vote. 

Toronto’s municipal election is Monday, October 26, with advance voting from October 6 to 11. Visit the Toronto Elections webpage to check, add or update your information on the voters’ list, download your digital voter information card, find where to vote and what to bring with you, get accessibility information about your voting place and view the list of candidates in your ward. Learn more.

Small Business Month is here  

Join our free webinar series designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start, grow, and succeed. Learn about social media, taxes, intellectual property, insurance, financial resilience, family business fundamentals and e-commerce. Build practical skills, gain expert insights, and strengthen your business this October. Learn more.

Keep drains — and your business — running smoothly 

Fats, oils and grease poured down the drain can block sewer pipes, cause basement flooding and attract pests. That’s why restaurants, coffee shops, mobile food vendors, cafeterias and other food service businesses must install and maintain grease traps on pipes connected to the sanitary sewer under the City’s Sewers By-law. Protect your business, Toronto’s sewer system and the environment by maintaining your grease traps and training staff on proper disposal practices. Learn more.

Last chance to apply for the Starter Company Plus Grant  

Ready to take your business to the next level? The City of Toronto’s Starter Company Plus Grant is accepting applications until October 9 at 4:29 p.m. The General Business Stream is designed to help Toronto residents with businesses in Toronto scale-up their operations with confidence. Successful applicants receive expert-led business training, one‑on‑one mentorship and hands‑on support to develop a growth‑focused business plan. Best of all, participants who complete the training and business plan are eligible for a $5,000 microgrant to help fund their business expansion. If you’re a Toronto‑based small business owner looking to grow, this is a powerful opportunity to gain skills, guidance and funding — at no cost. Applications are now open and the deadline to apply is Friday, October 9 at 4:29 p.m. Learn more and apply.

Join Team Toronto’s mission to Paris, France to grow your business globally  

Are you a Toronto business ready to scale globally and connect with top business leaders in France, Europe and beyond? From December 16 to 18, the 2026 Team Toronto Mission to Paris will provide Toronto businesses with a valuable platform to explore opportunities in France. This mission is designed for Toronto-based companies, organizations and industry stakeholders to build international connections, identify market expansion opportunities and develop strategic partnerships. The City of Toronto will provide complimentary passes to the International Economic Forum of the Americas (IEFA) Conference of Paris, complemented by business programming and networking opportunities with key stakeholders across the French and European innovation, trade and investment landscape. Interested in joining the delegation and receiving complimentary conference passes? Submit your interest to join by November 6 at 4 p.m. Learn more.

Diversifying trade through the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement  

The City of Toronto invites Toronto business owners to learn more about Diversifying Trade through the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA). This free in-person event provides an all-in-one-stop opportunity for Toronto business leaders to gain insights from expert and industry speakers about exporting to Korean markets and leveraging advantages provided to Canadian businesses through the CKFTA; a chance to network with key connectors and like-minded businesses and experts; and explore a mini-tradeshow of exhibitors including business service providers and trade organizations that specifically support businesses entering Korean markets. Registration is required. Toronto City Hall. November 2, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Learn more and register.

Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy Summit  

The City of Toronto invites you to attend the annual Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS) Summit on Saturday, November 14 at Metro Hall (55 John Street) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The TSNS is the City’s action plan for building partnerships in Toronto’s neighbourhoods so they can succeed and thrive. The strategy supports the engagement and capacity development of community-led groups and leaders across Toronto’s four district areas Etobicoke-York, North York, Toronto-East York and Scarborough. TSNS prioritizes the leadership and participation of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups within Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIA), Emerging Neighbourhoods and other communities of focus. Learn more and register.

Business Community News

Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program

The Backing International Small Restaurants program (supported by American Express) is back, and International Downtown Association Foundation is on the lookout for 20 local gems to support with a $20,000 grant each. Let’s shine a spotlight on the heart of Toronto’s culinary scene. Toronto restaurant owners are invited to apply by November 16. Learn more and apply.

Brazil Week is coming to Toronto – registration now open

Hosted by the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Brazil Week 2026 is a series of events in Toronto dedicated to strengthening commercial, investment and institutional relations between Canada and Brazil. Attendees can expect to engage with investors, industry leaders, government representatives and entrepreneurs to gain access to decisionmakers, forge valuable business connections across both markets and learn practical market insights on investment trends, capital flows, infrastructure and energy, AI, agrifood, industrial development, project financing, private equity, market-entry strategies and more. Registration is required. October 19 to 21. Locations vary by event. Learn more and register.

Your next European customer is one conversation away

GoEU is a government-supported market-expansion program delivered by the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC). It helps export-ready Ontario technology companies assess, prepare for and pursue opportunities in European markets. It combines structured market preparation, curated in-market matchmaking and fractional executive support to help each company assess market fit, reduce market-entry risk and build a practical expansion plan. GoEU will help you identify the right market to enter in Europe and open doors in that market, by sourcing to ensure accurate matchmaking. The first cohort is being selected now. Spots are limited, talk to our experts. Learn more and register.

Access to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs

First Nations, Inuit and Métis entrepreneurs can access up to $99,999 in funding through Indigenous Services Canada’s Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program. Eligible Indigenous community businesses may receive up to $250,000. Learn more and apply.

Access up to $12K to scale your business

Women-led or women-owned businesses can access $5,000 to $12,000 in scale-up support through Boundless Accelerator’s Rhyze Up! program, along with mentorship, leadership coaching and expert guidance. Learn more and apply.

Get up to $10,000 to strengthen your arts organization

Put your next project in motion with year-round micro-grants from the Canada Council for the Arts. Funding is available for activities that support the professional growth and advancement of artistic careers or practices of artists, arts workers, groups and organizations. Learn more and apply.

The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) is currently accepting applications

Receive up to $5,000 through Digital Competence Centre's (DCC) Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) to adopt digital technologies that help your business grow. This Ontario Government program supports eligible brick-and-mortar retailers investing in hardware and software to improve sales, productivity and efficiency. Applications are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more and apply.

Webinars and Events

Service Canada: Government Benefits for Self-Employed and Individuals

Wednesday, October 7, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Register (Free)

Financial Survival for Entrepreneurs

Thursday, October 8, 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)

T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy

Friday, October 9, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Social Media for Your Business

Tuesday, October 13, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Insurance for Small Business

Wednesday, October 14, 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)

The Importance of Paid Advertising in the Digital Space

Tuesday, October 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Accounting for Non-Profits: Understanding Financial Statements

Thursday, October 22, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Family Business Fundamentals: Practical Tools You Can Use

Friday, October 23, 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)

Building the Basics for Small Businesses Online – (In Person North York)

Tuesday, October 27, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Register (Free)

Service Canada: Support Measures for Businesses in Labour Adjustment

Wednesday, October 28, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Register (Free)

T2 Corporation Tax Literacy

Friday, October 30, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Search Engine Optimization: Understanding SEO Basics

Tuesday, November 3, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

How to Do Business with the City of Toronto

Wednesday, November 4, 2 to 3 p.m. – Register (Free)

T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy

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

Other Events and Webinars

Small Business Centres Ontario 

Ongoing Online Events and e-Learning – Register (Free to $35)