BusinessTO Newsletter July 14th, 2026

Hillcrest Village BIA
Mar 10, 2022
5 min read

Updated: Jul 15

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

Last chance to apply for the City of Toronto’s Trade Accelerator Program

Do not miss your chance to apply for the City of Toronto’s TradeTO Trade Accelerator Program, a training and grant program that supports export-ready small and medium-sized Toronto-based businesses looking to expand into international markets. This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. Applications close this Thursday, July 16, at 4 p.m. for eligible businesses seeking training and up to $5,000 in grant opportunities to support their international business expansion and/or trade diversification. Learn more and apply.

Elevate your business launch with Summerlicious

Make the most of Summerlicious, from now until Sunday, July 19, by turning lunch into an experience. With more than 230 Toronto restaurants offering three-course prix fixe menus, it’s the ultimate way to taste the world in a city while boosting summer sales and supporting our diverse dining scene. Ideal for team outings or client meetings, Summerlicious brings people together to connect, celebrate and enjoy great food. Browse participating restaurants and reserve now.

Business Community News

Applications are open for Toronto women business leaders looking to explore and expand into Brazil

The Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) is leading the Women in Business Mission to Brazil, bringing a delegation of Canadian women business leaders to Florianópolis and São Paulo from November 22 to 27. The mission has been designed for Toronto companies interested in exploring opportunities in one of Latin America's largest economies while connecting industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers shaping its business landscape. With executive meetings, site visits, networking opportunities and market briefings, participants can expect to gain valuable insights into Brazil's economy, innovation landscape and business culture. Those interested in fostering partnerships, growth and bilateral collaboration with Brazil for their business are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply.

Applications open for Toronto-based 2SLGBTQI+ and other equity-deserving entrepreneurs to explore international markets

The Canadian Queen Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) is hosting a series of international trade missions running through the end of March 2027. These missions include various markets, such as Mexico, the Netherlands, Japan and more. Delegates will enjoy a mix of curated B2B matchmaking, market briefings, trade fair-style showcases, conferences and high-value networking with companies and corporate buyers in their desired target international market. Eligible participants may qualify for 50 per cent reimbursement for airfare, per diems for meals and accommodation, reduced registration costs and more. Learn more and apply.

Access up to $75,000 to launch your business with Futurpreneur’s Core Startup Program

If you’re between the ages of 18 and 39 and ready to start or buy a business, you could get up to $75,000 in financing through Futurpreneur’s Core Startup Program, plus up to two years of mentorship, access to business planning tools and networking opportunities to help you succeed. Learn more.

Canadian Business in the audiovisual sector can access funding support from Telefilm Canada

Bring your industry initiative to life with support from Telefilm Canada. Funding is available for activities such as industry conferences, professional development, awards programs and other initiatives that showcase Canadian content and talent and strengthen Canada's audiovisual sector. Learn more.

Gain access to free economic data from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Looking for reliable business intelligence? The Business Data Lab offers free tools, economic data and expert insights to help organizations track trends, understand market conditions and navigate Canada's evolving economy. Learn more.

Applications close tomorrow for the Business and Leadership Essentials Certificate Program

The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance is now accepting applications for the Business and Leadership Essentials Certificate Program, designed in partnership with Schulich Executive Education at York University Schulich School of Business and supported by TD Ready Commitment. This 10-week hybrid leadership development experience equips Black professionals and entrepreneurs with practical business and leadership tools to thrive in today's economy. Selected participants will receive a fully funded seat valued at $5,500 and earn both a certificate and a blockchain-secured digital credential from Schulich ExecEd upon successful completion. Applications close tomorrow, July 15. Learn more and apply now.

The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) is open for applications

Receive up to $5,000 through the 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 about eligibility and how to apply.

Attend the Toronto Public Library’s Summer Entrepreneurs in Residence program series

Join the Toronto Public Library for their Summer 2026 Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) program series with entrepreneurs Melanie Cruickshank and Vivan Kaye until August 29. During their eight-week residencies, Melanie and Vivian will deliver weekly small business seminars and workshops and provide one-on-one consultations for selected applicants to discuss and evaluate their business ideas and plans. Registration for workshops is encouraged but drop-ins are welcome until capacity is reached. Register today.

Apply now for the Fall 2026 Entrepreneur in Residence with a focus on supporting Black Entrepreneurs

Toronto Public Library is seeking experienced entrepreneurs to join us as one of our entrepreneurs in residence in Fall 2026. These eight-week residencies offer a unique opportunity to share your expertise with the community, help aspiring entrepreneurs succeed in small business ventures, and lead impactful programming. This time around, we’re looking for candidates with a track record of successfully developing small- to medium-sized businesses in Canada, along with a strong background in community engagement and supporting Black entrepreneurs. Learn more and submit your Expression of Interest.

The Smart Mobility Technology Accelerator is open for applications

YSpace's Smart Mobility Technology Accelerator, powered by SmartTO (Technologies of Ontario) at York University, is built for market-ready automotive and smart mobility tech startups ready to accelerate their growth, from executing go-to-market strategies and acquiring customers to preparing for fundraising. With the guidance of experienced mentors, program advisors, and ecosystem partners, you'll sharpen your go-to-market strategy, build a capital roadmap, and develop a scaling plan built for the realities of the mobility industry. Application deadline is Monday, July 20. The program runs from October to February. Learn more and apply now.

Resources