Rules of Engagement at BIA Meetings (a reminder) Hello BIA Chairs and Staff, Please make sure to read out or include the following rules of engagement at your Annual General Meetings. For BIAs that did not submit their 2026 AGM notices yet please include Rules of Engagement at BIA AGMs as a 2nd or 3rd (in the case of virtual AGMs) agenda item. Moving forward, this will be a standing agenda item for all BIA AGMs. For In Person Meetings: At the BIA Annual General Meeting we ask that all attendees be respectful of other meeting participants. Offensive and disrespectful language will not be tolerated in a presentation (or by the public attending). Please, do not display signs or placards, applaud debating participants, or engage in conversation or other behaviour that may disrupt the meeting. You may be asked to leave the meeting, at the discretion of the Chair. For Virtual Meetings:  At the BIA Annual General Meeting we ask that all attendees be respectful of other meeting participants. Offensive and disrespectful language will not be tolerated in a presentation (or by the public attending). Please, do not display signs or placards, applaud debating participants, or engage in conversation or other behaviour that may disrupt the meeting. You may be exited the meeting or muted, at the discretion of the Chair. Free TABIA Webinar on BIA Annual General Meetings, Elections and How to Set Up a Virtual AGM on Zoom Open to BIA Board Members, BIA staff, or hired third-party technical staff. All are welcome to attend. Webinar will be recorded. Q&A reserved for live participants. When: October 22, 2026 from 1 to 3pm (Call TABIA for Zoom credentials) City of Toronto’s Annual Small Business Forum Toronto Means Business: Building Resilient Small Businesses Experience the City of Toronto’s free signature event in support of small businesses at St. Lawrence Market North . 2026 has been a year of rapid economic, technological and market changes. The year’s forum equips business owners with the knowledge, connections and practical tools needed to build resilient, adaptable and growth-oriented businesses. It features: · Main stage program including keynote speaker · Small group speed mentoring sessions · Roundtable discussions · Tradeshow and marketplace. Date: November 17, 2026 Location: St. Lawrence Market North Registration Information: FREE registration here: Small Business Forum – City of Toronto BIA Recognition Awards Night: SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday December 1, 2026 at Palais Royale MLS Survey: City is seeking additional feedback to help identify challenges and potential improvements to the A-Frame sign permit application/renewal process and Temporary Signs By-law. Survey: https://ca.mar.medallia.com/s/90019285?d=l&h=7EC3E8883FE73ED&l=en Deadline to complete: September 25 at 5:00pm SafeTO BIA: Youth Skill Building and Business Needs survey To better understand how schools, businesses, and community organizations can strengthen opportunities for youth employment, experiential learning, mentorship, and career exploration. Can be completed by BIAs and shared to your member networks. Survey: Youth Skill Building & Business Needs Survey Deadline to complete: Submit by Sept 30 to enter for a chance to win one of six $150 Visa or Mastercard gift cards. Help Shape Future Youth Employment Opportunities: The City of Toronto (SafeTO), WoodGreen Community Services, and the Toronto District School Board are working together to better understand how schools, businesses, and community organizations can strengthen opportunities for youth employment, experiential learning, mentorship, and career exploration. By sharing your input, you can help identify the skills, experiences, and career pathways that matter to your industry, highlight potential opportunities for youth to gain meaningful workplace experience, and ensure future initiatives are designed with the needs and capacity of businesses in mind. The survey is open to business owners, business organizations, and BIA staff and takes approximately 5–8 minutes to complete. Survey: Youth Skill Building & Business Needs Survey Deadline to complete: by Wednesday, September 30, 2026 to enter for a chance to win one of six $150 Visa or Mastercard gift cards. BIA Office Updates: Sadly, we say goodbye to Belen Sheleme, who has been administrative support to the BIA Office. Belen has accomplished so much since joining the team. Belen has been keeping us organized and ensuring that we operate smoothly and effectively. Her professionalism, dedication, and willingness to step in wherever needed have made a meaningful impact on our work and on the broader support we provide to Toronto's BIAs and small businesses. Article(s) from Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) (you may want to share with your members) Retail theft and violence: 6 ways to keep your staff and business safe - A sharp rise in retail theft and associated violence is affecting the profitability of retail stores, and the health and safety of workers and customers. Get tips to protect your business and workers.

Future-proofing businesses with practical AI skills Transform everyday productivity, marketing and operations, growth into new export markets, protection from fraud, and cyber threats, all with practical AI skills. This Employment Ontario program is funded by the Government of Ontario.

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 Your City. Your Vote. Toronto’s municipal election is Monday, October 26, with advance voting from October 6 to 11. Visit the Toronto Elections webpage to check, add or update your information on the voters’ list, download your digital voter information card, find where to vote and what to bring with you, get accessibility information about your voting place and view the list of candidates in your ward. Learn more. Small Business Month is here Join our free webinar series designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start, grow, and succeed. Learn about social media, taxes, intellectual property, insurance, financial resilience, family business fundamentals and e-commerce. Build practical skills, gain expert insights, and strengthen your business this October. Learn more. Keep drains — and your business — running smoothly Fats, oils and grease poured down the drain can block sewer pipes, cause basement flooding and attract pests. That’s why restaurants, coffee shops, mobile food vendors, cafeterias and other food service businesses must install and maintain grease traps on pipes connected to the sanitary sewer under the City’s Sewers By-law. Protect your business, Toronto’s sewer system and the environment by maintaining your grease traps and training staff on proper disposal practices. Learn more. Last chance to apply for the Starter Company Plus Grant Ready to take your business to the next level? The City of Toronto’s Starter Company Plus Grant is accepting applications until October 9 at 4:29 p.m. The General Business Stream is designed to help Toronto residents with businesses in Toronto scale-up their operations with confidence. Successful applicants receive expert-led business training, one‑on‑one mentorship and hands‑on support to develop a growth‑focused business plan. Best of all, participants who complete the training and business plan are eligible for a $5,000 microgrant to help fund their business expansion. If you’re a Toronto‑based small business owner looking to grow, this is a powerful opportunity to gain skills, guidance and funding — at no cost. Applications are now open and the deadline to apply is Friday, October 9 at 4:29 p.m. Learn more and apply. Join Team Toronto’s mission to Paris, France to grow your business globally Are you a Toronto business ready to scale globally and connect with top business leaders in France, Europe and beyond? From December 16 to 18, the 2026 Team Toronto Mission to Paris will provide Toronto businesses with a valuable platform to explore opportunities in France. This mission is designed for Toronto-based companies, organizations and industry stakeholders to build international connections, identify market expansion opportunities and develop strategic partnerships. The City of Toronto will provide complimentary passes to the International Economic Forum of the Americas (IEFA) Conference of Paris, complemented by business programming and networking opportunities with key stakeholders across the French and European innovation, trade and investment landscape. Interested in joining the delegation and receiving complimentary conference passes? Submit your interest to join by November 6 at 4 p.m. Learn more. Diversifying trade through the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement The City of Toronto invites Toronto business owners to learn more about Diversifying Trade through the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA). This free in-person event provides an all-in-one-stop opportunity for Toronto business leaders to gain insights from expert and industry speakers about exporting to Korean markets and leveraging advantages provided to Canadian businesses through the CKFTA; a chance to network with key connectors and like-minded businesses and experts; and explore a mini-tradeshow of exhibitors including business service providers and trade organizations that specifically support businesses entering Korean markets. Registration is required. Toronto City Hall. November 2, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Learn more and register. Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy Summit The City of Toronto invites you to attend the annual Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS) Summit on Saturday, November 14 at Metro Hall (55 John Street) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The TSNS is the City’s action plan for building partnerships in Toronto’s neighbourhoods so they can succeed and thrive. The strategy supports the engagement and capacity development of community-led groups and leaders across Toronto’s four district areas Etobicoke-York, North York, Toronto-East York and Scarborough. TSNS prioritizes the leadership and participation of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups within Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIA), Emerging Neighbourhoods and other communities of focus. Learn more and register. Business Community News Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program The Backing International Small Restaurants program (supported by American Express) is back, and International Downtown Association Foundation is on the lookout for 20 local gems to support with a $20,000 grant each. Let’s shine a spotlight on the heart of Toronto’s culinary scene. Toronto restaurant owners are invited to apply by November 16. Learn more and apply. Brazil Week is coming to Toronto – registration now open Hosted by the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Brazil Week 2026 is a series of events in Toronto dedicated to strengthening commercial, investment and institutional relations between Canada and Brazil. Attendees can expect to engage with investors, industry leaders, government representatives and entrepreneurs to gain access to decisionmakers, forge valuable business connections across both markets and learn practical market insights on investment trends, capital flows, infrastructure and energy, AI, agrifood, industrial development, project financing, private equity, market-entry strategies and more. Registration is required. October 19 to 21. Locations vary by event. Learn more and register. Your next European customer is one conversation away GoEU is a government-supported market-expansion program delivered by the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC). It helps export-ready Ontario technology companies assess, prepare for and pursue opportunities in European markets. It combines structured market preparation, curated in-market matchmaking and fractional executive support to help each company assess market fit, reduce market-entry risk and build a practical expansion plan. GoEU will help you identify the right market to enter in Europe and open doors in that market, by sourcing to ensure accurate matchmaking. The first cohort is being selected now. Spots are limited, talk to our experts. Learn more and register. Access to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs First Nations, Inuit and Métis entrepreneurs can access up to $99,999 in funding through Indigenous Services Canada’s Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program. Eligible Indigenous community businesses may receive up to $250,000. Learn more and apply. Access up to $12K to scale your business Women-led or women-owned businesses can access $5,000 to $12,000 in scale-up support through Boundless Accelerator’s Rhyze Up! program, along with mentorship, leadership coaching and expert guidance. Learn more and apply. Get up to $10,000 to strengthen your arts organization Put your next project in motion with year-round micro-grants from the Canada Council for the Arts. Funding is available for activities that support the professional growth and advancement of artistic careers or practices of artists, arts workers, groups and organizations. Learn more and apply. The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) is currently accepting applications Receive up to $5,000 through Digital Competence Centre's (DCC) Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) to adopt digital technologies that help your business grow. This Ontario Government program supports eligible brick-and-mortar retailers investing in hardware and software to improve sales, productivity and efficiency. Applications are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more and apply. Webinars and Events Service Canada: Government Benefits for Self-Employed and Individuals Wednesday, October 7, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Register (Free) Financial Survival for Entrepreneurs Thursday, October 8, 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy Friday, October 9, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Social Media for Your Business Tuesday, October 13, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Insurance for Small Business Wednesday, October 14, 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) The Importance of Paid Advertising in the Digital Space Tuesday, October 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Accounting for Non-Profits: Understanding Financial Statements Thursday, October 22, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Family Business Fundamentals: Practical Tools You Can Use Friday, October 23, 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) Building the Basics for Small Businesses Online – (In Person North York) Tuesday, October 27, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Register (Free) Service Canada: Support Measures for Businesses in Labour Adjustment Wednesday, October 28, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Register (Free) T2 Corporation Tax Literacy Friday, October 30, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Search Engine Optimization: Understanding SEO Basics Tuesday, November 3, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) How to Do Business with the City of Toronto Wednesday, November 4, 2 to 3 p.m. – Register (Free) T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy Friday, November 6, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Other Events and Webinars Small Business Centres Ontario Ongoing Online Events and e-Learning – Register (Free to $35)

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 Board of Management cordially invites you to our 2026AGM (Annual General Meeting) Date: Tuesday, November 10th, 2026 Time: 7PM Location: St. Matthews Bracondale House, 707 St Clair Ave W, Toronto ( Lower Level) Pre-registration is required to attend! Please contact the BIA Coordinator, Elaine C. Smith: elaine.biahillcrest@gmail.com or 437- 452- 0234 Click the files below to view and download the AGM Notice, 2025 Financial Statements and Budget :

The City regulates A-Frame signs to support safe and accessible pedestrian clearways, while providing opportunities for small businesses and BIAs to advertise and promote their goods and services. The Temporary Signs By-law, Chapter 693, sets the rules for all temporary and election signs including posters, A-frames, mobile signs and advocacy signs (last reviewed and amended in 2023, came into effect in 2024 - see 2023.EC4.6). The current requirements to apply for an A-frame permit and how to renewal an A-frame permit, can be found on the City’s webpage here. Recently, permit holders, providers, and the small business industry have identified opportunities for the City to streamline the permit application process and permit renewal process. In response, on August 18, 2026, City staff attended a TABIA meeting to gather feedback from BIAs on potential improvements. Staff are actively reviewing these processes by gathering information from BIAs and businesses on issues and improvements. Your feedback to this survey will be used for consideration of improvements to the permitting process and by-law. This survey is anonymous. Please do not include any personal information (such as your name, address, telephone number, email, etc.) about yourself or other individuals in your responses. You can withdraw from the survey at any point. Responding to this survey or withdrawing will not affect services provided by the City. The closing date for this survey is September 25th, 2026. If you have any questions about the survey or would like accessibility supports or an alternative format of the survey, please email Aravind Joseph, Stakeholder Engagement Lead at Aravind.Joseph@toronto.ca. This survey will take up to 15 minutes to complete.

Have you signed up yet? Registration is still open for our upcoming webinar, and we'd love to have you join us. We invite you to register here for our latest webinar: Direct Tips and a Deep Dive into Building a Tip Committee, on Wednesday, September 30th 2026, at 2pm, EST. Managing tips and gratuities continues to be a complex area for hospitality operators, with important implications for compliance, payroll and how tipping practices are structured within your business. Following the strong response to our previous session, Restaurants Canada and Actual is bringing back this topic with a deeper, more practical look at what operators need to know — and what they need to have in place. Join Afshin Mousavian, Co-Founder of Actual, and James Rhodes, Taxation Lawyer at Taxation Lawyers, for a focused, practical session on building and governing a Tip Committee the right way, alongside the latest Direct Tips requirements and provincial tipping rules operators need to stay on top of. Afshin and James will go deeper than last time on the mechanics: who to put on your committee, how to set governance rules that hold up to a CRA audit, how to structure your gratuity pool, and how to keep it all compliant year over year. Attendees will leave with templates covering committee formation, governance rules, and gratuity pool agreements they can put to use right away. Whether you're joining for the first time or you're back for round two, this webinar delivers hands-on guidance and ready-to-use resources for restaurants, hotels, bars, golf courses and other hospitality operators. To make the best use of our time together, we're inviting operators to submit questions ahead of the session so we can be sure to address the most common themes. Submit Questions Here. Can't make it, but still interested? Register now and we will send you the webinar recording afterwards so you can catch up on your own time. We look forward to having you join us! Restaurants Canada webinars@restaurantscanada.org

See chart below to register for upcoming info sessions. Next session is Sept 16 from 10-11am. Register Federal Supports for SMEs, Indigenous-led enterprises, and not-for-profits that support SMEs.are available through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). FedDev Ontario is hosting virtual info sessions on the RTRI for businesses and organizations interested in learning more about the program. Register for a session Language Date Time (Eastern Time) Link to register Bilingual September 14, 2026 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Register Bilingual September 16, 2026 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Register Bilingual September 21, 2026 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Register Bilingual September 24, 2026 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Register For information on the broader suite of tariff supports for businesses and workers, you can also contact 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) or visit http://www.canada.ca/canadastrong.

Keep Rats Under Control! Managing rats is a shared responsibility. While the City is responsible for maintaining public property and enforcing bylaws, property owners and businesses play an important role in preventing rat activity. You can help prevent rats from entering your business or property by taking the following steps: Secure garbage and food waste. Seal cracks and holes in your building. Ensure employees are trained on pest management and report rat sightings to management. Remove unused equipment, construction debris, garbage and wood piles from your property as these provide shelter for rats. If you operate restaurants or food premises, implement a proactive pest control plan Get more information on preventing and controlling rats at toronto.ca/Rats

Hillcrest Village BIA has joined a new initiative, developed by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) in partnership with the Ontario Bar Association, that makes free legal advice available to eligible business owners in our community. What's Available The Legal Access Program connects small business owners with qualified volunteer lawyers for help in five areas: 1. Business formation -- choosing the right structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation) and understanding what's involved in each 2. Founder and partnership agreements – putting a co-ownership arrangement in writing so everyone is protected 3. Commercial lease review -- understanding key terms, risks, and potential negotiation points before you sign 4. Employment and contractor documentation -- offer letters, independent contractor agreements, and a basic understanding of your obligations under Ontario employment law 5. Licensing and regulatory compliance – finding out what permits and licenses you need before you open, or confirming you've covered all the bases Each engagement is limited in scope (typically three to eight hours of volunteer lawyer time) with clear deliverables. You'll receive a concrete work product: a memo, a drafted agreement, a reviewed document, or a compliance roadmap you can act on. Who Can Apply The program is for entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, micro-businesses, and small business owners who cannot reasonably afford to pay market-rate legal fees for the matter without financial hardship or risk to their business. There is no fixed income cutoff. If the cost of legal advice would strain your finances, affect your household, or put your business at risk, you are encouraged to apply. How to Apply Visit www.toronto-bia.com/LegalAccess to find out more.