News From City of Toronto's BIA Office - October 22, 2026
Updated: 3 hours ago
Rules of Engagement at BIA Meetings (a reminder)
Hello BIA Chairs and Staff,
Please make sure to read out or include the following rules of engagement at your Annual General Meetings. For BIAs that did not submit their 2026 AGM notices yet please include Rules of Engagement at BIA AGMs as a 2nd or 3rd (in the case of virtual AGMs) agenda item. Moving forward, this will be a standing agenda item for all BIA AGMs.
For In Person Meetings:
At the BIA Annual General Meeting we ask that all attendees be respectful of other meeting participants. Offensive and disrespectful language will not be tolerated in a presentation (or by the public attending). Please, do not display signs or placards, applaud debating participants, or engage in conversation or other behaviour that may disrupt the meeting. You may be asked to leave the meeting, at the discretion of the Chair.
For Virtual Meetings:
At the BIA Annual General Meeting we ask that all attendees be respectful of other meeting participants. Offensive and disrespectful language will not be tolerated in a presentation (or by the public attending). Please, do not display signs or placards, applaud debating participants, or engage in conversation or other behaviour that may disrupt the meeting. You may be exited the meeting or muted, at the discretion of the Chair.
Free TABIA Webinar on BIA Annual General Meetings, Elections and How to Set Up a Virtual AGM on Zoom
Open to BIA Board Members, BIA staff, or hired third-party technical staff. All are welcome to attend. Webinar will be recorded. Q&A reserved for live participants.
When: October 22, 2026 from 1 to 3pm (Call TABIA for Zoom credentials)
City of Toronto’s Annual Small Business Forum
Toronto Means Business: Building Resilient Small Businesses
Experience the City of Toronto’s free signature event in support of small businesses at St. Lawrence Market North . 2026 has been a year of rapid economic, technological and market changes. The year’s forum equips business owners with the knowledge, connections and practical tools needed to build resilient, adaptable and growth-oriented businesses. It features:
· Main stage program including keynote speaker
· Small group speed mentoring sessions
· Roundtable discussions
· Tradeshow and marketplace.
Date: November 17, 2026
Location: St. Lawrence Market North
Registration Information: FREE registration here: Small Business Forum – City of Toronto
BIA Recognition Awards Night: SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday December 1, 2026 at Palais Royale
MLS Survey: City is seeking additional feedback to help identify challenges and potential improvements to the A-Frame sign permit application/renewal process and Temporary Signs By-law.
Deadline to complete: September 25 at 5:00pm
SafeTO BIA: Youth Skill Building and Business Needs survey
To better understand how schools, businesses, and community organizations can strengthen opportunities for youth employment, experiential learning, mentorship, and career exploration.
Can be completed by BIAs and shared to your member networks.
Deadline to complete: Submit by Sept 30 to enter for a chance to win one of six $150 Visa or Mastercard gift cards.
Help Shape Future Youth Employment Opportunities: The City of Toronto (SafeTO), WoodGreen Community Services, and the Toronto District School Board are working together to better understand how schools, businesses, and community organizations can strengthen opportunities for youth employment, experiential learning, mentorship, and career exploration.
By sharing your input, you can help identify the skills, experiences, and career pathways that matter to your industry, highlight potential opportunities for youth to gain meaningful workplace experience, and ensure future initiatives are designed with the needs and capacity of businesses in mind.
The survey is open to business owners, business organizations, and BIA staff and takes approximately 5–8 minutes to complete.
Deadline to complete: by Wednesday, September 30, 2026 to enter for a chance to win one of six $150 Visa or Mastercard gift cards.
BIA Office Updates: Sadly, we say goodbye to Belen Sheleme, who has been administrative support to the BIA Office. Belen has accomplished so much since joining the team. Belen has been keeping us organized and ensuring that we operate smoothly and effectively. Her professionalism, dedication, and willingness to step in wherever needed have made a meaningful impact on our work and on the broader support we provide to Toronto's BIAs and small businesses.
Article(s) from Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) (you may want to share with your members)
Retail theft and violence: 6 ways to keep your staff and business safe - A sharp rise in retail theft and associated violence is affecting the profitability of retail stores, and the health and safety of workers and customers. Get tips to protect your business and workers.
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