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 CaféTO Grant now 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.   Register for the City of Toronto’s free Incubators webinar  Discover how Business in the Streets (BITS) can provide the training, funding and mentorship needed to launch your startup. If you are an entrepreneur aged 18 to 34 looking for specialized support to overcome barriers, register today to learn about high-impact programs like YCEO and Storefront Starter. Learn more and register. Final call for local artisans for St. Lawrence Market  Arts at the Market is returning to St. Lawrence Market, and we are looking for talented local makers and artists to join our upcoming season. This outdoor program offers a prime opportunity to showcase and sell your handmade goods in a vibrant, high‑traffic setting. If you create unique, handcrafted products and want to be part of one of the world’s top market destinations, we invite you to apply. Applications close this Friday, March 13.  Learn more and apply.   Register for the City of Toronto’s Energy and Water Reporting By-law webinar Toronto's  Energy and Water Reporting Bylaw  requires owners of large buildings in Toronto to report their energy and water use to the City of Toronto annually. On Thursday, March 19, from 12 to 12:45 p.m., the City’s Better Buildings Partnership group will share key updates for the 2026 reporting cycle and provide guidance and tips for reporters. This webinar is geared towards building owners and consultants who reported to the City of Toronto in previous years and will be reporting again in 2026 but is not exclusive.  Register for the webinar today.    Business Community News Applications are open now for the Business Inc. sessions at Toronto Public Library  Ready to launch or expand your small business? Toronto Public Library is now accepting applications for four different Business Inc. streams taking place at various branches across the city. Offered in partnership with the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC), this eight-week program gives entrepreneurs the skills, mentorship, and confidence to thrive and make their business dreams a reality. The application deadlines vary by library branch.  Learn more and apply.   Register for the International Collaboration on Emerging Technologies virtual matchmaking event    On Tuesday, March 24, researchers and innovators from Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK will come together to explore new funding and partnership opportunities under the 2027 Horizon Europe sensitive calls (i.e., calls that are only accessible to EU Member states and select countries like Canada) relating to artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and space.  Learn more and register.  For any questions regarding the event, please contact the Canadian Horizon Europe Secretariat at  horizoneurope@ised-isde.gc.ca .  Last chance to apply for the 2026 Siakam EdTech Engine  Co-founded by NBA Champion Pascal Siakam’s PS43 Foundation and powered by DMZ, the 2026 Siakam EdTech Engine is accepting applications. This 12-week accelerator offers North American startups direct access to educators, school board pilots and $50,000 in Demo Day grants. Don’t miss this chance to validate your AI or youth-focused solution alongside industry leaders. Applications close this Friday, March 13 .  Learn more and apply.      Last chance to apply for the 2026 ELLA Ascend program  YSpace is seeking women-led ventures for ELLA Ascend, a four-month intensive designed for scaling. Gain custom Marketing and Operations playbooks, plus 50 per cent matching support for a fractional executive to provide senior-level expertise. This cohort runs from April through August. The application deadline is Saturday, March 14. Apply today to accelerate your growth.  Navigate the future of food innovation  Presented by the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN), Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario is a 12-week mentorship and peer cohort program designed to support early-stage foodtech  entrepreneurs  as they prepare to scale and commercialize their innovations.  This is a non-competitive, collaborative experience. Applications close April 2.  Learn more.   Webinars and Events Insurance for Small Business   Wednesday, March 11, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. –  Register  (Free)  Financial Survival for Entrepreneurs   Thursday, March 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. –  Register  (Free)   Social Media for Your Business  Tuesday, March 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. –  Register  (Free) Barcodes and Beyond: What You Need to Be Market-Ready for Importing & Exporting  Wednesday, March 18, from 10 to 11 a.m. –  Register  (Free)  Balancing Your Balance Sheet  Thursday, March 19, from 10 to 11 a.m. –  Register  (Free)   Incubators: How Business in the Streets Can Help Your Business   Friday, March 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. –  Register  (Free)    The Importance of Paid Advertising in the Digital Space  Tuesday, March 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. –  Register  (Free)   Introduction to AI for Small Businesses   Wednesday, March 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. –  Register  (Free)  The Money Side of Business: Tools & Techniques for Managing Your Financials   Thursday, March 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. –  Register  (Free)   Incubators: How CQCC Can Help Your Business  Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11 a.m. –  Register  (Free)    Search Engine Optimization: Understanding SEO Basics  Tuesday, April 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. –  Register  (Free) T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy Friday, April 10, from 9:30 to 11:30a.m. –  Register  (Free)  Email Marketing for Small Businesses  Tuesday, April 14, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. –  Register  (Free)  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)

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.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Toronto Community Activation Toolkit 2.0 The City of Toronto has updated the Community Activation Toolkit with new resources. Planning an event, promotion, or community activity during FIFA World Cup 2026™? The toolkit offers simple guidance on what you can and can’t do, plus ideas to help you activate responsibly and confidently. Summer 2026 Co-op Marketing Program Information Session The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will bring increased attention to Toronto. Our Summer Regional Co-op Marketing Program focuses on converting that interest into visitation during the peak summer months.

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! Pi Co. 687 St Clair Ave W Visit Website Pi Co brings Pizza to Hillcrest Village BIA... but not as you know it. Pi Co. is redefining pizza with a fresh, innovative twist! Pi Co. lets you craft your own authentic Neapolitan pizza, fired in a 1000° oven and ready in just 90 seconds. Choose your dough, sauce, cheeses, and toppings (and yes, crazy combos are encouraged). Fresh, fast, and completely customizable, because pizza should be exactly how you want it. Ready to craft your perfect pie? Stop by Pi Co. on 687 St Clair Ave W and taste the difference!

Here are the latest offers and promotions from stores and restaurants in the Hillcrest Village BIA.  o Offers & Promotions Here are the latest offers and promotions from stores and restaurants in the Hillcrest Village BIA. Please show this discount page in-store to redeem the offers. Are you a Hillcrest Village BIA business owner with an offer you'd like to share? Click here to submit a promotion. School 2.0 $550/ Month Summer Promo After-School Program | Now Enrolling 2025-26 Summer Promo: Book by June 30 to lock in $550/month Valid for all grade levels - rate secured for the entire school year Mon–Fri | 3:30 PM –6:00 PM Call to register: (416) 342-4304 Eyeglass World $100 Off $100 off any pair of prescription glasses if you mention this ad in store. *Redeem in-store. New Paramount Studios FREE In-Studio Family Photography Session Includes 1-8x10 Custom Print valued @ $180. Appointments are necessary- Please call 416-653-5103 to redeem. Limited to 1 per family.

The Businesses of Hillcrest Village invite you to join us on July 8th and 9th at Salsa on St. Clair!💃 St. Clair Ave West – between Winona Rd and Christie St Saturday: noon to 10:30 pm / Sunday: noon to 8:30 pm T D Salsa on St. Clair is the only festival where people do more than just eat and watch entertainment – they take part in non-stop dancing in the streets! The street festival is Canada’s hottest salsa party featuring an international caliber of Latin music, authentic cuisine, and a fiesta for lovers of all Latino culture. Festival Map How To Get There