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 Reminder about water MTU replacements The City’s program to replace all 470,000 water Meter Transmission Units (MTUs) across Toronto is underway. The City’s contractor Neptune Technology Group (Canada) will contact businesses by mail with instructions on how to book your MTU replacement appointment. It’s important for business owners or operators to book an appointment as soon as you are contacted. Learn more about what to expect and when. Support local at St. Lawrence Market Soak up summer while supporting local! Enjoy fresh eats, live music and vibrant street vibes as Market Street turns into a pedestrian-friendly hub. From handmade goods to savoury bites, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and show love to the city’s local vendors—all in one unforgettable spot. Plan your visit. Business Community News Expand your business at FrancoTech 2026 The Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario (FGA) is recruiting Ontario-based Francophone businesses for a trade delegation to FrancoTech 2026 to be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from November 14 to 16. Franco-Ontarian and bilingual businesses that are export-ready and wishing to explore international development opportunities, particularly in Southeast Asia, are encouraged to apply. This mission represents a strategic opportunity to position your business within a growing economic environment, develop business relationships and gain a deeper understanding of international market dynamics. Registrations close this Friday, August 14. Register your expression of interest. Register to attend the Student Entrepreneurship Competition Are you passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship? Don’t miss the chance to connect with experts and entrepreneurs from various industries across the GTA at our annual bilingual Entrepreneurship Competition, organized by the Glendon GENIAL Incubator and proudly sponsored by Desjardins Financial Group. This event is a fantastic opportunity to network, share ideas and explore potential collaborations. The event will take place on Thursday September 24, at 5:30 p.m. at the York University Glendon Campus, 2275 Bayview Avenue, York Hall, Centre of Excellence Toronto-A100. Learn more and register now. Applications are open for the DELIA Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund DELIA is Nventure‘s dedicated Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, offering financing up to $50,000 to help women-owned and women-operated businesses move forward with confidence. Learn more and apply now. Women entrepreneurs can access StrikeUp Canada to explore available events and resources StrikeUP Canada was created to bring women entrepreneurs together from across the country for accessible learning, meaningful connection and practical business support. Explore and learn more. Applications are open for the Investment Bootcamp for black tech founders The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance is accepting applications for its fully funded, four-month Investment Bootcamp, designed to help Black-led tech founders prepare to raise capital. The program includes one-on-one mentorship, expert-led workshops, growth services, three months of YSpace membership and investor connections through Investor Hours and Demo Day. Open to pre-revenue startups with a validated MVP and post-revenue startups with at least $1,000 in monthly recurring revenue, only 10 ventures will be selected. Applications close Sunday, August 30. Learn more and apply. Webinars and Events Understanding Financial Statements for Small Business Owners Thursday, August 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) Email Marketing for Small Businesses Tuesday, August 18, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Your Digital Storefront: Growing Your Business Online Tuesday, August 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Service Canada: Free Hiring Platform & Other Supports for Small Businesses Wednesday, August 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) Building the Basics for Small Businesses Online – Scarborough (in person event) Monday, August 31, from 9 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) Social Media for Your Business Tuesday, September 1, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Getting Money: What Lenders & Investors Want Thursday, September 3, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy Friday, September 4, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) The Importance of Paid Advertising in the Digital Space Tuesday, September 8, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) How to Safely Build a Food Business in Toronto Wednesday, September 9, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) WSIB: Laws & Regulations for Small Businesses Thursday, September 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) T2 Corporation Tax Literacy Friday, September 4, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)

The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) is a network representing and supporting BIAs across Ontario. They encourage and guide BIAs to increase their effectiveness, contribution to the economic, cultural and social well-being of communities. The OBIAA is a leader in the development and sharing of information, tools, training, resources and best practices. Click the button below to read the newsletter.

The Hillcrest Village BIA recognizes that the events of July 11, 2026 have had a profound impact on our business community, residents, employees, and visitors. ​ If you, a member of your team, or someone you know has been affected by this incident, support is available through the City of Toronto's Violence Intervention & Support Unit (VISU). VISU works alongside community organizations, the Toronto Police Service, and local partners to provide immediate support, connect individuals with resources, and assist communities in their recovery and healing following violent incidents. ​ VISU Community Development Officer Segun Akinsanya📧 Segun.Akinsanya@toronto.ca📞 437-676-9313 ​ To learn more about VISU and the supports available, view the document below: ​ ​ ​ The Hillcrest Village BIA remains committed to supporting our businesses and community as we move forward together.

Spotlight on St. Clair showcases one Hillcrest Village business and its products and services each week to promote our vibrant and diverse neighbourhood. Spotlight on St.Clair Spotlight on St.Clair celebrates the vibrant and diverse businesses in Hillcrest Village by showcasing one business each week! Would you like your business featured? Sign up by clicking here! Dragon Delight 825 St Clair Ave W Visit Website Craving Chinese food? Dragon Delight is serving up plenty of delicious reasons to skip cooking tonight! 🥢 From spare ribs and BBQ pork to Thai spicy noodles and family dinners made for sharing, there’s something for everyone at the table. Stop by for pickup or order online for delivery and enjoy authentic Chinese food from right here in Hillcrest Village! 📍 825 St. Clair Ave. W. 📞 416-657-1448

Come and join us at Hillcrest Village BIA located in the heart of Midtown Toronto, running along St. Clair Avenue West between Christie Street and Winona Drive. Hillcrest Village Accommodations Think Local. Shop Local. Where to find us Hillcrest Village BIA is located in the heart of midtown Toronto running along St. Clair Avenue West between Christie St. to the East and Winona Dr. to the West. We have three Green P Parking spots located at: 785—791 St. Clair Ave West 287 Rushton Road 700 St. Clair Ave West Come Visit Us Our vibrant neighbourhood is home to a wide variety of retail shops, professional services, specialty restaurants and cozy ethnic eateries, all reflecting the diverse ethnicity of St.Clair West. Our Businesses > Save BiG! Discover exclusive deals and limited-time offers from your favourite local spots! Coupons > Stronger Together: Shop Local, Support Canadian Businesses 🍁 Now more than ever, supporting local businesses is about more than just shopping—it’s about strengthening our community. With ongoing trade challenges impacting Canadian businesses, every dollar spent at a neighbourhood shop makes a meaningful difference. By choosing to shop local, you’re helping small businesses thrive, preserving local jobs, and investing in the future of Hillcrest Village. Whether you’re picking up fresh produce, grabbing a coffee, or shopping for unique finds, your support keeps our community vibrant and resilient. Let’s stand together and show that Hillcrest Village has everything we need, right here at home. 🍁 What's Happening In Hillcrest Village BIA Ongoing Course AI for Small Business / Online: Link in Description Learn More Ongoing Course Google is offering a FREE course: AI for SMBs, designed to help entrepreneurs like you understand the basics of AI and discover how Google tools can make your business more efficient, improve customer experience, and spark growth. Share Follow Us On Social Media

Public Consultation Meeting Hillcrest Village Business Improvement Area Public Consultation For Redevelopment Of City Property In Front Of #803-#815 St.Clair Ave.W. Friday, December 6th, at 3pm. Hillcrest Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) and City of Toronto staff have been working with a Design Consultant, PLANT ARCHITECT Inc, to prepare a proposal redesigning the right-of-way in front of #803 to #815 St. Clair Avenue West. The objective of this project is to create an accessible path to the retail businesses and residences. The design proposal will include a sloped sidewalk, wider path, stairs, seating, planting and preservation of the existing trees in front of the storefronts. For further information contact: Elaine the BIA Coordinator:elaine.biahillcrest@gmail.com C.#437-252-0234 or Heather Hannah, DVM, BIA Chair: stclairvets@bellnet.ca C.#416-895-1452 Click Here to Join Meeting Expected Start Date: Summer 2025* *Timeline is weather-pending and subject to change. Meeting Details We invite you to attend a Zoom meeting to see the design prepared by PLANT Architect, to ask questions and to give any feedback. The meeting will be on Friday, December 6th, at 3pm. Topic: Hillcrest Village BIA #803-815 Project Update Time: Dec 6, 2024 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85964819123 Meeting ID: 859 6481 9123 One tap mobile +17806660144,,85964819123# Canada +12042727920,,85964819123# Canada Dial by your location • +1 780 666 0144 Canada • +1 204 272 7920 Canada • +1 438 809 7799 Canada • +1 587 328 1099 Canada • +1 647 374 4685 Canada • +1 647 558 0588 Canada • +1 778 907 2071 Canada