BusinessTO Newsletter November 4th , 2025

Hillcrest Village BIA
Mar 10, 2022
7 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Share your feedback on the Small Business Forum 2025, The Women4Climate Toronto Mentorship Program and more

Share your feedback on the Small Business Forum 2025

Thank you for joining us at the City of Toronto’s Small Business Forum at Meridian Hall. The event was a resounding success, and we hope you enjoyed connecting with industry leaders, exploring resources and gaining insights to help your business grow. This year’s theme, Small Business, Big World, focused on the changing global trade landscape and what it means for Toronto entrepreneurs. We hope that our speakers and speed mentors inspired you to think beyond borders and explore opportunities to take your business global. Your feedback is important to us – please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help us make future events even better.

The Women4Climate Toronto Mentorship Program is now open for applicants

The Women4Climate Toronto Mentorship Program empowers female climate leaders who are working to develop and implement innovative solutions to address the climate emergency in Toronto. Through mentoring, training and networking opportunities, participants will be provided with the resources necessary to take their climate-related project, product or business start-up to the next level. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a $500 honorarium, and following the program, the City of Toronto and its partners will host a pitch competition that will recognize the top three climate-related projects with the greatest potential to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable and resilient urban future in Toronto. The winner will receive $15,000 and three runners-up will each receive $5,000. Mentee applications close on November 20, and the Mentor Applications close on December 4. Learn more and apply.

Applications are now open for the Starter Company Plus Grant – General Business Stream

The City of Toronto’s Starter Company Plus – General Business Stream program helps small business owners grow their businesses with confidence. Selected participants gain training from business professionals, personalized mentorship and support in developing a growth-focused business plan. Toronto businesses that complete the program will receive a $5,000 microgrant to support their expansion journey. Applications close Friday, November 21, at 5 p.m. Learn more and apply .

Expand and strengthen your business with free trade diversification sessions

The City of Toronto continues its Trade Diversification webinar series this week with Marketing Strategies in Diverse Export Markets, led by Emiliano Introcaso, Advisory and Senior Product Operations Manager at Export Development Canada. This session will focus on the role of global marketing strategies when exploring trade diversification and how to properly market your business in diverse international export markets. Offered online this Thursday, November 6, at 2 p.m. Learn more and register.

Expanding global opportunities for Toronto entrepreneurs

Looking to grow your business internationally? The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) opens doors to some of the world’s most dynamic markets across the Indo-Pacific region. This half-day, in-person session will bring together government officials, trade experts and industry leaders to explore how Toronto businesses can access new opportunities, partnerships and customers through the CPTPP. Gain practical insights, connect with trade professionals, and discover how global diversification can help future-proof your business. Join us on Thursday December 4 at the Scarborough Civic Centre - Council Chambers from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more and register today.

Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’s Business Incubation and Commercialization grant

The City of Toronto is now accepting applications for the 2026 Business Incubation and Commercialization (BIC) Grant Program. The BIC Grant Program provides financial support to not-for-profit incubators and entrepreneurship organizations interested in creating business formation, innovation and job creation in Toronto and who provide robust programming to entrepreneurs, businesses and start-ups. Private, for-profit businesses are ineligible for this program. Information sessions will be held for interested applicants on Monday, November 10 and Friday, November 14 at 10 a.m. Deadline to apply is Friday, November 28, at 5 p.m. Learn more and apply.

Red Tape Hotline open for Toronto businesses

The City of Toronto invites local businesses to share feedback on regulatory challenges such as permitting delays, outdated by-laws or cumbersome municipal processes through Red Tape Hotline. This four-month pilot supports efforts to modernize regulations and streamline services under Toronto’s Economic Action Plan. Submissions are open until Sunday, November 30. Find details.

Business Community News

Applications are now open for the Artist Entrepreneur program at Canada’s Music Incubator

Canada’s Music Incubator celebrates its 30th session of the Artist Entrepreneur (AE) program in 2026, working with artists from across the country, representing a wide range of musical genres. Based in Toronto, the Artist Entrepreneur (AE) professional development program helps emerging artists of all genres strengthen their businesses, refine their craft and expand their professional networks through comprehensive and customized development training. This six-week program takes place Tuesdays to Fridays from March 17 to April 24. Early application is encouraged. Apply before January 6. Learn more and apply.

Feature your business, festival or event this holiday season at Toronto’s downtown airport for free

Are you a local Toronto BIA, business, event or festival interested in being a part of an innovative pop-up program at Toronto’s downtown airport? Through the Love Local program, you can book a pop-up kiosk space – available year-round – within the Billy Bishop airport atrium, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., for one to seven-day bookings. From products and services to events and experiences, we’re looking to support local Toronto businesses like yours. Learn more and apply.

Free health and safety services for WSIB-registered businesses in select sectors

If you're a WSIB-registered business in the agriculture, manufacturing or service sectors including restaurants, hospitality, office, retail, finance, beauty, etc., you are entitled to a suite of health and safety services from Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS). These sector-specific solutions can help small business owners meet their legal obligations without additional costs and ensure their team stays safe on the job. Find out more about your member benefits.

Help shape the future of Toronto’s Strip Plazas

The City of Toronto’s PlazaPOV Study is exploring the role of strip plazas in Toronto’s communities and economy. A new survey is now open to hear directly from business owners and employees about their experiences, challenges and opportunities in these spaces. Feedback will help inform future policies, programs and supports for strip plaza businesses. Business owners and employees located in strip plazas across Toronto are encouraged to participate and share their insights. Survey is available in English, Filipino, Spanish, Tamil and Chinese. Take the survey.

Modernize your retail business with up to $5,000 in grant funding 

The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) is part of a broader Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) initiative. RMPG is designed to support retail businesses to advance their digital transformation with the purchase of effective digital equipment and software to help them grow and thrive in the High Street economy. Retail businesses can receive up to $5,000 in matched funding from the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). The grant contributes to the cost of hardware, software and the direct external costs to implement. Applications open on a first-come-first-serve basis, up to $5,000 in non-repayable funding to cover eligible hardware and software costs. Learn more and register now.

Discover the City’s EDGE Incentive Program

Thinking about a major renovation or new construction project? The City’s EDGE Incentive Program could support your plans by refunding a portion of municipal tax increases for developments in targeted employment sectors. Join an upcoming info session on Thursday, November 20, from 10 to 11 a.m., to learn how the program works, who’s eligible and how to apply. Find out if EDGE is the right fit for your next development.

Webinars and Events

Marketing Strategies in Diverse Export Markets

Thursday, November 6, from 2 to 3 p.m. – Register (Free)

T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy

Friday, November 7, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

How to Write a Business Plan Workshop Series, Part 1 of 3

Wednesday, November 12, from 10 to 12 p.m. – Register (Free)

Accounting for Non-Profits: Understanding Financial Statements

Thursday, November 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)

Case Studies & Success Stories: Why and How Toronto Businesses Diversified their Trade Strategy

Thursday, November 13, from 2 to 3 p.m. – Register (Free)

WSIB: Laws & Regulations for Small Businesses

Friday, November 14, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Web Presence 101: Ensuring Your Foundation Is Set

Tuesday, November 18, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Service Canada: Employment Insurance: Types of leaves and benefits for individuals

Resources