News From City of Toronto's BIA Office
- Hillcrest Village BIA
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF)
Small Business Office (EDC) has launched a grant to advance community and inclusive economic development. Applications are now being accepted for the Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) until April 23. This program provides up to $300,000 in funding for not‑for‑profit organizations and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to deliver or expand community‑driven projects that strengthen local economies and build community wealth. CEDF supports initiatives focused on:
Inclusive economic growth
Main Street business support
Community placemaking and activations
Planning, engagement, and capacity‑building
Equity-focused entrepreneurship and economic empowerment
Learn more and apply: Community Economic Development Fund – City of Toronto
This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the CEDF program manager, Omer Ismail: cedf@toronto.ca.
Province of Ontario’s 2026-2027 Francophone Community Grants Program - Application Guidelines
The Province of Ontario’s 2026-2027 Francophone Community Grants Program is now open for submissions. Please see attached information on this grant and the application forms for both streams. The deadline to apply is April 23, 2026. Learn more and apply.
CaféTO Grant is open for patio and café upgrades
The City of Toronto’s CaféTO Grant provides restaurant, bar and café owners with a matching grant of up to a maximum of $7,500 covering 50 per cent of the cost of eligible improvements to patios in the curb lane, on sidewalks and on private property. Eligible businesses must apply before Thursday, May 7 to be considered. Learn more and apply.
FIFA - Repurposing of 4m High Wayfinding Structures
The City of Toronto’s FIFA Secretariat and Transportation Services invite BIAs to submit a statement of interest for re-use of eight 4.0m high temporary wayfinding signs associated with FIFA 2026. The signs feature a prefabricated concrete block base with an aluminum frame and vinyl wrap surfacing. BIAs can choose to re-use just the structure or the structure and concrete block base. Please bear in mind that the base is quite heavy and requires a large forklift to move.
FIFA 4.0m High Signs
In keeping with the City’s sustainability mandates, these signs will be made available to BIAs after the Games period at no cost to BIAs (transport portion of costs will require further discussion). Your statement should include the number of signs you are interested in and preferred re-use option. Key due dates are as follows:
BIA/TS review (April 21st)
BIA Board decisions (May 19th)
For more information about the opportunity and signage specifications, please contact Chris Ronson (Senior Project Manager, Transportation Services) at chris.ronson@toronto.ca
De-escalation Training
De-escalation Training is designed to build street-front retailers’ skill in using supportive communication and de-escalation methods with individuals who may be displaying agitated behaviours in their business. These free webinars will have two levels. Completion of Level 1 is required before proceeding to level 2. The first Level 1 session will be conducted on Thursday April 23 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. To register, visit the City of Toronto -De-escalation Training for Street-Front Retailers. Sessions are capped to a maximum of 25 attendees. If a session is full, you can sign up through the waitlist function. The online and print versions of De-escalation Training flyer is attached.
Outside Mural and Street Art Grant
The Outside Mural and Street Art Program provides grants of up to $7,500 to business and community organizations for outside mural or outside art projects in commercial or employment areas. The goal of the program is to encourage BIAs, business associations or other non-profit organizations to leverage other funding, develop local commitment and involvements, and to promote and improve their communities. The deadline for applications to the 2026 Outside Mural and Street Art Program is Thursday March 26, at 11:59 pm. Learn more and apply.
2025 Audited Financial Statement and Management Letter
The deadline for the approved and signed 2025 BIAs audited financial statement and management letter is on Friday September 11, 2026. As per municipal code Chapter 19, any audit submitted passed the deadline will affect the BIA final levy installment. The requirements are in the attached 2025 BIA year-end letter.
Dining District Program – Stream 1
Dining District Program – Stream 1 supports small-scale initiatives that enhance summer activations in the public realm. This may include temporary platforms or parklet furniture, streetscape improvements, beautification projects, and similar initiatives. The Project Proposal Guide is attached to help you clearly describe your project goals and outline how you plan to use the funds. The application should clearly define the problem, your proposed solution, the expected impact, and why this approach is appropriate. Application deadline is Wednesday April 22 at 4 p.m. Learn more and apply.
Resolution, Education and Crisis Training (REaCT) for Businesses
Resolution, Education and Crisis Training (REaCT) incorporates de-escalation, situational awareness training and brand protection by enhancing employee preparedness. It is designed to include interactive exercises and presented by current and former police officers. Only 25 participants from all businesses in Toronto can attend this free webinar on Wednesday May 27, 2026, from 2 pm – 4 pm. To register, visit Resolution, Education and Crisis Training (REaCT) for Businesses. If this session is full, you can get your ticket using the waitlist function. REaCT Webinar flyer is attached.
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