The City of Toronto is pleased to invite you to a free Trade Diversification Webinar Series , running from  September to November 2025 .   This nine-part series offers practical advice and valuable insights from industry experts to help small businesses expand and diversify their trade strategies. Whether you are new to exporting or looking to refine your approach, these webinars provide actionable tools to support growth in your business.   Topics include: Diversifying to Export Markets 101   – Sept 11 @ 2 p.m. or Sept 18 @ 10 a.m. Leveraging Government Support & Other Sources of Assistance for Exporters   – Sept 24 @ 10 a.m. or Sept 30 @ 2 p.m. Understanding Rules of Origin & Duty Drawback Programs   – Oct 2 @ 2 p.m. Financial Assistance for Importers and Exporters   – Oct 8 @ 2 p.m. Strategic Pricing & Competitive Advantage in a Tariff Environment   – Oct 16 @ 2 p.m. Digital Trade & E-commerce: Selling Online to International Customers   – Oct 22 @ 2 p.m. Legal Considerations & Trade Compliance for Exporters   – Oct 30 @ 2 p.m. Marketing Strategies in Diverse Export Markets   – Nov 6 @ 2 p.m. Case Studies & Success Stories   – Nov 13 @ 2 p.m.   Note:  Attendance at all nine webinars is not required — participants can register for the sessions most relevant to their business.   Learn more and register here: https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-support/responding-to-united-states-economic-policy/?accordion=trade-diversification-webinars

The City of Toronto’s FIFA World Cup 26™ Toronto Community Activation Toolkit is now available The City of Toronto has released the first edition of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Toronto Community Activation Toolkit previewed in last month’s virtual industry briefing. This new resource is designed to help local businesses and community partners prepare for 2026 by providing guidance and tools to support planning and activation. The toolkit highlights how to align with Toronto’s role as a Host City, engage visitors, and be part of the activations for this global event. For additional questions, please contact FWC2026Toronto@toronto.ca. For Destination Toronto inquiries, reach out to community@destinationtoronto.com.

We've been made aware of a fraudulent email being sent from BIAHillcrest@gmail.com — this is NOT a legitimate BIA email.  Do NOT click on any links or respond to the message. If you have received the email shown in the photo please delete it. If you’ve received a suspicious message, please report it immediately through the contact form on our website.

Click the link Below to download the Hillcrest Village BIA Board of Management Contact List.

Phase one of our graffiti clean-up launched in April and the difference is already clear! A huge THANK YOU to the amazing team at Goodbye Graffiti for their hard work and dedication! Business owners, let’s work together to keep Hillcrest Village beautiful. It’s your responsibility to stay alert and report any graffiti to Toronto Police Services. If you see something, say something, Bylaw officers will issue tickets to offenders.

Welcome to our online event 'Tips to overcome the impacts of tariffs for small business' ! Join us for a discussion on strategies and insights to help your small business navigate the challenges posed by tariffs. Our speaker will share practical advice and actionable tips to mitigate the effects of tariffs on your business. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to protect your bottom line and stay competitive in today's market. Register now to secure your spot!

The trade relationship between Canada and the U.S. is shifting, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are feeling the impact. To help businesses navigate these challenges, the Toronto Region Board of Trade & World Trade Centre Toronto have published the SME Tariff Survival Playbook—a practical guide with immediate, low-cost strategies to protect cash flow, pricing, and supply chains. Now more than ever, supporting local businesses is essential. Hillcrest Village BIA is the perfect place to shop local and keep our community strong! 📥 Click below to get your copy today!

The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) is proud to announce the launch of a nationwide campaign:  Shop Main Street Canada. Support Local . This movement urges Canadians to embrace a local-first mindset, recognizing the essential role Main Street businesses play in driving economic prosperity, job creation, and vibrant communities. At OBIAA, we believe that thriving Main Streets are the backbone of strong, resilient towns and cities. Every dollar spent at a local business fuels job creation, sustains entrepreneurs, and enhances the unique character of our communities. As businesses navigate ongoing economic challenges, investing in locally owned and Canadian-made products is an investment in the future of our neighbourhoods.

The Hillcrest Village Board of Management invites all members (business owners) of the Hillcrest Village BIA to submit their promotions and specials to be featured on our website's promotions page! If you would like to participate please click this link to complete the brief form: https://forms.gle/dADX6obWiNj4mxFz8 Here are a few things that you can promote: Discounts Free items with a purchase Seasonal Sales Holiday Specials And more!

Artificial Intelligence: What it is and how it’s transforming business Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is progressing rapidly – with generative AI like ChatGPT making headlines – but AI technology has had a foothold in business for some time. In 2017, McKinsey found that 20% of organizations had adopted AI in at least one business area. By 2022, the figure stood at 50%. As AI development continues, artificial intelligence will play a greater role in business systems and processes, with humans and machines increasingly working together. Included in this article from Square is what to know about artificial intelligence in business, the different types of AI we commonly see in business operations and what the future of AI means for companies and staff.

OBIAA is proud to release 'What is a BIA'

You can view the Hillcrest Village BIA Newsletter Archive here to catch up on any you might have missed.