Please see the documents below for the Draft Minutes of our previous meeting and the Draft Agenda for our upcoming meeting (available 5 days before the meeting).

Have your say on Toronto’s 2026 Budget, Applications are open for the Outside Mural and Street Art Grant Program and more Have your say on Toronto’s 2026 Budget  The City of Toronto’s 2026 Budget is building a city that works for you. The Budget Committee will launch its Budget review process on Thursday, January 8, following the consultations held last October. We encourage you to participate by joining Mayor Olivia Chow and Budget Chair Shelley Carroll for Telephone Town Halls on January 14 or 15 or speaking to the Committee in person or virtually on January 20 and 21. You can also attend local Councillor town halls or submit written feedback to Council to ensure your priorities are heard.  Learn more.   Applications are open for the Outside Mural and Street Art Grant Program  Business associations and community groups with strong business participation in their community neighbourhoods can receive one-time funding up to $7,500 for  outside mural and street art projects . Eligible expenses include artist fees, materials, installation and equipment rental. Maintenance of the murals and street art is the responsibility of the applicant. Applications close March 26, at 11:59 p.m.  Learn more and apply .  Applications are closing soon for the Starter Company Plus Grant – Trade Accelerator Stream    The City of Toronto’s Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), helps small- and medium-sized businesses expand into international markets with confidence. Participants gain expert-led training, personalized mentorship and a tailored export plan to fast-track global growth. Toronto businesses that complete the program also receive a $5,000 microgrant to support their export journey. With over 85 per cent of graduates entering new markets within a year, TAP Toronto is your gateway to international success. Applications close Monday, January 12, at 4:30 p.m.  Learn more and apply now .  Report business barriers with the Red Tape Hotline  The City of Toronto has extended the deadline for businesses to submit to the Red Tape Hotline. Businesses can share feedback on regulatory challenges such as permitting delays, outdated by-laws or cumbersome municipal processes. This pilot project supports efforts to modernize regulations and streamline services under Toronto’s Economic Action Plan. Submissions are open until Saturday, January 31.  Find details.   Webinars and Events Maximizing Your Business: How to Manage Your Cash  Thursday, January 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register  (Free)  T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy  Friday, January 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register  (Free)  Insurance for Small Business  Wednesday, January 14, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Register  (Free)  Your Numbers...Your Story  Thursday, January 15, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register  (Free)  WSIB: Laws & Regulations for Small Businesses  Friday, January 16, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. – Register  (Free)  T2 Corporation Tax Literacy  Wednesday, January 21, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. –  Register  (Free)  Getting Money: What Lenders & Investors Want  Thursday, January 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. –  Register  (Free) How to Start a Food Business: A General Overview  Wednesday, January 28, from 10 to 11 a.m. –  Register  (Free) Accounting for Non-Profits: Understanding Financial Statements  Thursday, January 29, from 10 to 11 a.m. –  Register  (Free)  Introduction to the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 for Businesses  Friday, January 30, from 10 to 11 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 Communications Team would like to feature Hillcrest Village businesses on our website and social media pages to over 1000 followers and 200 monthly website users between January 2026 and December 2026! Please complete this brief form to participate. Hillcrest Village Spotlight on St.Clair form

The post-holiday power play: 5 shopper insights for boosting your ‘Q5’ sales   As the holiday lights come down, it’s tempting for marketers to power off their campaigns and shift focus to the new year. But the data shows this is a costly mistake. The period from December 26 to mid-January, often called “Q5,” isn’t a cool down. It’s a distinct shopping season, when shoppers are more decisive, engaged, and ready to spend than at almost any other time of the year. If you’re winding down, you may be leaving money on the table. Here are five holiday shopper insights that prove why you need to stay engaged during the post-holiday rush — and how you can respond to demand. 1. Purchase intent is at its peak During Q5, shoppers are in “buy mode” and browsing with a high intent to convert. In fact, shoppers are most likely to buy after the holidays: 87% of their shopping occasions end in a purchase. 1 And post-holiday shoppers are even more likely to make a purchase than those shopping in the peak holiday window. 2 How to respond Run always-on campaigns to capture intent across the extended season, so your brand is present with offers to meet shoppers wherever they are in their most decisive moments. Ensure discoverability on Search, Discover, and AI Overviews by keeping Merchant Center feeds and structured data accurate. Source: Google-commissioned Ipsos Holiday Shopping Study, AU, BR, CA, FR, DE, MX, U.K., U.S., online survey, consumers 18+ who conducted holiday shopping activities in the past two days, n=21,463 holiday purchases, Oct. 10, 2024–Jan. 8, 2025. 2. Q5 shoppers are spending more on bigger carts When shoppers buy during Q5, they aren’t just picking up one small item. They are actively spending more and filling their carts. Consider this: Shoppers report their holiday spending peaks after December 25. 3 And after December 25, shoppers buy more items across more categories than at any other time during the holidays. 4 How to respond Make your marketing direct with strong calls to action, specific product ads, clear pricing, and a frictionless checkout process to capture demand and increase the average order value. Use new loyalty features to reward and reconnect with your most valuable customers by offering members-only pricing and services. 3. The path to purchase is highly engaged and more complex During Q5, shoppers are using more resources and taking more actions than at any other point in the season. 5 This marks the seasonal peak for omnichannel behavior, and the complexity is staggering. Half of consumers are navigating between at least 10 different online and offline touchpoints in any given 48-hour window. 6 How to respond Multichannel presence is critical, so ensure your brand is visible and consistent across platforms. Connect your online and in-store experiences with features like local inventory ads and “buy online, pick up in store” to serve these sophisticated shoppers. 4. Q5 shoppers are self-gifting and gift-giving While the post-holiday Q5 period may be famous for “treat yourself” shopping, gifting to others doesn’t stop. Even after the holidays, buying for others is the top reason to shop; 74% of post-holiday shopping occasions are for someone else. 7 Meanwhile, self-gifting continues as 60% of shoppers say they’ll browse online for things they’re interested in buying during the post-holiday period. 8 How to respond Create campaigns for shoppers using new gift cards or holiday money to “treat themselves.” Your messaging can cater to multiple intents. Run ads in parallel that focus on “belated gifts” or “finding the perfect something” for those still buying for others. 5. Google and YouTube usage spikes When it’s time to make a final decision, shoppers turn to trusted sources to research, review, and validate their choices. This is where Search and YouTube play a crucial role. Search is the no. 1 way shoppers confirm facts like quality and durability, good reviews and ratings, and brand reputation. 9 And, according to a 2024 Traackr survey in the U.S., YouTube was ranked as the no. 1 choice for product reviews and product information by all consumers, including millennials and Gen Zs. 10 When it’s time to make a purchase, shopping on Google and YouTube is strong all season but surges to a peak after December 25, when 84% of holiday shoppers are using Google or YouTube to shop. 11 How to respond Sync your Merchant Center product feed to eligible YouTube campaigns, and feature your in-stock products to maximize promotional impact. Tap into the content that your customers are already watching by extending your creator partnerships into Q5 or leveraging the cultural moments of the season like sports . Source: Google-commissioned Ipsos Holiday Shopping Study, AU, BR, CA, FR, DE, MX, U.K., U.S., online survey, consumers 18+ who conducted holiday shopping activities in the past two days, n=37,15 holiday purchases, Oct. 10, 2024–Jan. 8, 2025. The post-holiday rush isn’t an afterthought; it’s a distinct, high-value season when shoppers are actively looking to buy. By understanding these behaviors, you can tailor your holiday strategy to meet them where they are, capture their high intent, and start 2026 with strong sales performance.

Please join us for our Virtual Board Meetings on the second Wednesday (unless specified) of every month at 11am. Wednesday, January 14 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476 Wednesday, February 11 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, March 11 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, April 8 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, May 13th https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, June 10 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, July 8 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, August 12   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, September 9   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476 Wednesday, October 14 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476    November Annual General Meeting: Tuesday November 12th 7pm Wednesday, December 9   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   November Annual General Meeting If you are having technical issues, Please call Zariah at 905-460-5775. Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYpd-uhrjsuHdIHyiium2Ra3OMHY9PFXbKw/ics?icsToken=DLj8dkd9ynJwk3YoRAAALAAAABLok6zjNb2Gq-HdThtVPB_n7HJfc6SuE_yC0HYj-odQWcJ2jfej8iVYFicxE3UG_hfCnux24tD-k6unUTAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=lOzn5fZVSvOCNz5oGVVbcg

Drive your business forward with Save on Energy incentives of up to $3,000 for eligible lighting equipment and up to $2,500 for eligible non-lighting equipment. The Save on Energy Small Business Program is designed to help small businesses across Ontario make equipment improvements to reduce their energy consumption, at no cost to their business. Leveraging the success of the former Small Business Lighting program, this new and improved program offers small businesses direct-install incentives on an expanded range of equipment – both lighting and non-lighting. An investment in energy-efficient equipment upgrades is an investment in enhancing your customers’ experience, employee satisfaction and your bottom line. Save time and money when you participate in the Small Business program. Eligibility Businesses with an operating capacity of 50 or fewer employees. Participants in the former Save on Energy Small Business Lighting program, Refrigeration Efficiency program, Business Refrigeration Incentive program, and RTUsaver program may be eligible for certain upgrades. Businesses that have previously participated and received funding may qualify to receive additional upgrades at no cost. Learn more in the eligibility section of the FAQs . Businesses that participated in a Save on Energy program before April 1, 2019 are still eligible to apply to the Small Business Program and may receive the full $3,000 in incentives for lighting and $2,500 for non-lighting equipment. Note: Certain upgrades that exceed $3,000 for lighting measures and $2,500 for non-lighting measures may qualify for additional incentives (refer to the Eligible Measures List for all upgrades available)

he Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) is committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs and the organizations that help them grow their businesses.   The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund is now open in southern Ontario. Originally launched in 2021, the BEP Ecosystem Fund aims to strengthen Black-led not-for-profit organizations across Canada that provide essential business advisory services to Black entrepreneurs.   The Government of Canada’s Ecosystem Fund is a core component of the BEP, a national initiative that will invest nearly $190 million over the next five years, which aims to break down barriers and create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. It also strengthens the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem by supporting Black-led not-for-profit organizations to deliver high-impact business services from mentorship, networking, financial planning, business training, outreach and capacity building.   With funding through 2030, we will support Black-led not-for-profit organizations in empowering Black entrepreneurs and business owners across southern Ontario and support their long-term success – helping to contribute to a stronger Canadian economy.   Since its launch in 2020, the BEP Ecosystem Fund has helped more than 16,000 Black entrepreneurs across Canada.   FedDev Ontario is  hosting 2 upcoming technical briefings via Microsoft Teams. The briefings will provide you, your stakeholders and network partners with information about the Fund and will review the program objectives and the application process. To attend a live technical briefing, please register via one of the following links:   November 4, 2025, 2:00-3:00pm:  Register November 12, 2025, 2:00-3:00pm:  Register   For more information on the program guidelines and how to apply, please visit the FedDev Ontario website: BEP Ecosystem Fund . We encourage you to share this information with your networks. You are also welcome to use our promotion kit to publish content of your own to help spread the word.   Kind regards, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario   ******   Good morning,   The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) is committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs and Black-led organizations that help them grow their businesses.   Applications to the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund are now being accepted in Southern Ontario. Originally launched in 2021, the BEP Ecosystem Fund aims to strengthen Black-led non-profit organizations across Canada that provide critical advisory services to Black entrepreneurs.   The Government of Canada’s Ecosystem Fund is a key component of the National Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Program (NEEP), a national initiative that will invest nearly $190 million over the next five years to remove barriers and create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. It also strengthens the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem and supports Black-led non-profit organizations in providing high-impact business services, including mentorship, networking, training, financial planning, business education, outreach, and capacity building.   With funding through 2030, we will support Black-led non-profit organizations to support entrepreneurs and business owners in these communities throughout Southern Ontario and foster their long-term success, thereby helping to strengthen the Canadian economy.   Since its launch in 2020, the PECN Ecosystem Fund has helped more than 16,000 Black entrepreneurs across Canada.   FedDev Ontario is hosting two technical briefing sessions on Microsoft Teams, which will provide you, your stakeholders, and your network partners with information about the Fund and will outline the program objectives and application process. To attend a live technical briefing, please register by clicking on one of the following links:   November 4, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Registration November 12, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Registration   For more information on program guidelines and how to apply, please visit the FedDev Ontario website: PECN Ecosystem Fund .   We encourage you to share this information with your networks. You can also use our promotional kit to publish your own content to help spread the word.

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.

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