BusinessTO Newsletter April 14th, 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

Expanded funding through the EDGE Incentive Program

The City of Toronto recently celebrated its first EDGE Incentive Program recipient, reinforcing a commitment to local manufacturing. Under the Mayor’s Economic Action Plan, grants for eligible construction or major renovations have temporarily surged from 60 per cent to 100 per cent of the Municipal Tax Increment. Applications are processed first-come, first-served, so act quickly to fuel your next project and grow Toronto’s industrial future. Learn more.

Join the SBA for the Mayor’s Gala and Business Excellence Awards

Celebrate a decade of the Scarborough Business Association (SBA) as the Business Excellence Awards return for the first time in over 20 years. Taking place Thursday, April 30, this historic event combines the Mayor’s Gala with the awards ceremony to honour the leaders and businesses shaping the community. Learn more and get your tickets.

Secure government funding for your small business 

Unlock the secrets to securing government funding in Canada. This hands-on, in-person workshop, taking place Monday, May 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Toronto Reference Library, guides women entrepreneurs through identifying opportunities, building strong applications and avoiding common mistakes. Participants will receive essential tools, templates and personalized feedback. Learn more and register.  

Two weeks left to register for the Canada and LatAm Business Forum 2026 

Presented by the Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Toronto, Beyond Borders: Canada and Latam Business Forum is now open for registration. On Monday, April 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., this event will convene Latin American entrepreneurs and professionals in the Logistics, Agri-Food, Technology & Innovation, Mining and Retail industries to gain critical insights on the Canadian and LatAm markets. Learn more and register. 

Business Community News

Elevate your Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business 

Join the eCommerce North Innovator Challenge to elevate your direct-to-consumer (D2C) e-commerce business, including beauty, wellness, apparel, home goods, food and beyond. In collaboration with Elevate and Moneris, this six-week program is your gateway to transforming your business with the support of industry experts and a vibrant entrepreneurial community. This program is offered at no cost, and accepted companies will have the chance to win a $1500 grant from Moneris. Applications close Monday, April 27. Learn more and apply.  

New funding opportunity open to food and beverage entrepreneurs 

Register to attend a free virtual info session on the Access to Innovation (A2I) program at George Brown Polytechnic's Food Innovation and Research Studio (FIRSt). FIRSt provides expert food scientists and chefs for technical projects, and the A2I program makes these partnerships more accessible by covering 50 per cent of eligible research costs. Whether you’re developing a new product or solving a shelf-life issue, this session taking place tomorrow, April 15, at 12 p.m. will clarify your next steps. Learn more and register. 

Accelerate your growth with SOFII 

Ready to scale your innovation? The Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) provides strategic, flexible, non-dilutive financing to high-growth small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) driving innovation across Southern Ontario. With loans ranging from $150K to $1M, SOFII supports product and technology development, market expansion, and late-stage commercialization. Focused on sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean technology, digital industries, health and biosciences and agri-food, SOFII is built for innovators ready to grow. Learn more.

Expand beyond Canada’s border with The Trade Expansion Lending Program 

The Trade Expansion Lending Program (TELP) helps Canadian businesses secure more working capital. By guaranteeing your loan, EDC reduces the risk for your bank, unlocking the credit conditions you need to compete globally. Learn more.  

Webinars and Events

The Top 5 Common Mistakes Startups Make 

Thursday, April 16, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) 

T2 Corporation Tax Literacy 

Friday, April 17, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) 

Your Digital Storefront: Growing Your Business Online

Tuesday, April 21, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Social Media for Your Business

Tuesday, April 28, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Service Canada: Free Hiring Platform & Other Supports for Small Businesses

Wednesday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Register (Free)

The Importance of Paid Advertising in the Digital Space

Tuesday, May 5, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

Understanding Financial Statements for Small Business Owners

Thursday, May 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)       

T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy 

Friday, May 8, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) 

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)