Business Resources
Here are the latest resources collected from the City of Toronto, TABIA, OBIAA, Digital Main Street, and from Suppliers. Check back frequently as this page is updated weekly.
Small Business Month Webinars
October 15th, 2020
"In honour of Small Business Week, our Innovation Advisors will be hosting a series of free regionally-focused web events across Canada. We would like to invite you – or the businesses you work with – to sign up. Participants can learn more about how an Innovation Advisor can support Canadian businesses through their journey and ask questions about government support. Space for each session is limited.
Ontario: 10am EDT - October 22, 2020
Registration to these virtual events can be completed online by clicking here."
Additional Links
City of Toronto
Use these printable information cards and posters to help the City share messages about how to stay safe during COVID-19.
New Programs
October 20th, 2020
The City of Toronto is extending its partnership with Ritual to launch Open For Business, a collaboration to help small businesses across Toronto increase online delivery sales.
October 15th, 2020
"As you know, Destination Toronto and the City of Toronto were set to launch DineOutTO to support Toronto’s culinary community. As a result of the significant increases in COVID-19 cases in Toronto and new guidance from public health authorities (including the suspension of indoor dining), we have moved quickly reactivate the ToGoToronto.com website to showcase restaurants that are offering safe takeout, delivery and patio dining."
Free LED Lighting Upgrades
October 8th, 2020
"Don’t miss out on your chance to receive up to $2,000 in free LED interior lighting upgrades to your business. LED lighting upgrades can save you up to 20% on your electricity costs.
Please email Nick Brown, our Energy Manager, if you are interested in participating. He will connect you with a program representative who will schedule a free lighting assessment to determine what lighting upgrades you are eligible for.
This program ends in December so don’t miss this amazing opportunity to conserve energy and save money!"
CaféTO
September 11th, 2020
This morning the City of Toronto announced they will allow for portable heaters to be placed in all outdoor patios, including Café TO curb lane closures.
You can view all of the included Safety Documentation here.
Economic Development & Culture
TABIA (Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas)
Webinar: Understanding Your Energy Bill
October 30th, 2020
This webinar will cover a breakdown of your electricity and natural gas bill and their charges as well as programs that can help support energy costs during the pandemic.
There are two dates available;
November 17th at 10 – 11AM and 6-7PM,
November 18th – 10 – 11AM.
Webinars
October 30th, 2020
Social Media for Small Business / Maximizing Your Online Advertising & Digital Marketing Budget
Digital Main Street is offering two brand new webinars to help small businesses utilize social media and well as digital marketing in two informative webinars.
Click here to register!
Pilot Projects
October 1st, 2020
Invitation to Digital Main Street Community Collaboration Workshop
On the success of COVID-19 response policies like CafeTO for Toronto's restaurants and bars, TABIA plans to host a series of conversations during Small Business Month in collaboration with the Digital Main Street Future Proof Program on the major challenges faced by other major segments of Toronto's main street economy and pilot solutions this Fall and Winter. You can RSVP to the first workshop here, and RSVP to the second workshop here.
Suppliers
The information below has not been vetted by Hillcrest Village BIA, and we make no guarantee of the accuracy of the information provided.
October 22nd, 2020
"Customize your screening site, including your company's brand color and logo and share the solution with your employees, enabling them to self-screen daily before coming to work."
October 22nd, 2020
"In a competitive world, you want your product’s label to stand out. Watt Photo Studio shoots premium photography that helps labels pop right off shelves."
October 19th, 2020
With over 15 years digital marketing experience in changing consumer behaviour, Toronto Common has been bringing people together to try something new for over 7 years by combining digital strategy with in-person engagement and sales.
We have the e-commerce site, SEO solutions, social media and email communication strategy, and public trust already designed for people to explore NEW products and services!
All we need are the listings!"
October 15th, 2020
"Developed by Transition Squad®, a franchisor of online auctions and senior downsizing services, CouponsAndDeals.CLUB leverages the power of incentivizing consumers and cross-promotion to showcase local merchant offers to our auction buyer database, clients of other participating merchants, employees of some of the country’s largest companies, and millions of other local online buyers."
October 1st, 2020
“Based in Toronto and recognized on the Ontario Workplace PPE Supply Directory, our premium-grade shields can be customized and installed immediately for any business within the GTA. Call us at 416-524-3534 or email us at info@covid2020shield.com for more details or to get a quote.”
September 29th, 2020
“You most likely know us for our Vertical Litter TM Anti-stick Wrap and Paint. Our streetscape beautification efforts, however, go well beyond keeping unsightly flyers and stickers out of public notice..."