GRANTS, REBATES & OTHER PROGRAMS AND SUPPORTS
On this page:
> Canada Summer Jobs (Deadline to apply: Dec 19, 2024)
> CaféTO Property Improvement Program
> Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program
> Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program
> Digital Main Street (DMS)
> Save on Energy
> CaféTO
> YES Youth Employment Services
Canada Summer Jobs
You can apply to receive funding that could cover up to 50% of salary costs for summer jobs created for youth between the ages of 15 and 30.
Deadline to apply: December 19, 2024
Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program
Improving the appearance of a building’s façade enhances neighbourhood streetscapes and provides a more welcoming environment for the public to work, shop and live.
The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program provides FREE funding to commercial and industrial property owners to redesign, renovate or restore commercial or industrial building façades. Half of the cost of eligible improvements to commercial or industrial building façades is covered and will be based on the lowest contractor estimate submitted with the application. The minimum grant is $2,500 for $5,000 worth of improvements, with a maximum of $12,500 for $25,000 worth of improvements.
Applications are accepted until the annual deadline, or when annual funds are expended, whichever comes first.
Eligibility improvements include, but are not limited to, masonry, brick cleaning and restoration, new doors, new windows, outdoor decorative or security lighting, outdoor entrance tiling, installation of canopies or awnings, repair of cornice, parapets and other architectural features, outdoor wall mounted signs, and exterior painting as part of the eligible improvements. Wheelchair accessibility ramping, accessible railings and accessible door openers that meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards are also eligible. Note: a minimum of 3 eligible improvements are required for an application.
Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program
The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is a cost-share grant that will cover 50% of the costs of interior improvements to vacant commercial properties at street level, up to $20,000 (based on a minimum of $40,000 of improvements). Additional funding may be available for AODA upgrades and multi-unit commercial properties.
Digital Main Street (DMS)
Digital Main Street is a program and service that helps main street businesses achieve digital transformation. The program is built around an online learning platform, structured training programs, and Digital Service Squad, a team of highly trained recent graduates who help main street businesses grow and manage their business through the adoption of digital tools and technology.
Digital Main Street was created by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) with direct support from the City of Toronto. DMS is also supported by a group of strategic business partners, including Google, Mastercard, Shopify, Microsoft, Facebook, Intuit QuickBooks, Square, Yellow Pages and Lightspeed.
There is absolutely no cost to join Digital Main Street and receive your free Digital Assessment. If you choose to activate a tool or service from one of their partners or vendors, then there may be a cost associated with this activation. But often there is a special price or free trial period for businesses using Digital Main Street.
Save on Energy
The Save on Energy Small Business program is designed to help small businesses across Ontario, with 50 or fewer employees, make equipment improvements to reduce their energy consumption at no cost. Your business could receive incentives of up to $3,000 for eligible lighting equipment and up to $2,500 for eligible non-lighting equipment.
CaféTO
CaféTO is a City of Toronto program that provides space for expanded outdoor dining areas. Businesses can apply for sidewalk café permits or register for curb lane cafés by visiting the CaféTO website. Café operators are also eligible for grants to help cover the cost of eligible property or site improvements related to curb lane café installations, sidewalk cafés or patios on private property, through the CaféTO Property Improvement Program.
YES Youth Employment Services
YES is a not-for-profit agency that has been providing youth with employment support since 1968. It is an Employment Ontario program that is funded by the Ontario Government. There are many benefits to using YES Employer Services, such as:
Free job posting service
Free applicant interviews and onsite job fairs
Pre-screening of candidates
Wage subsidy
Employment Consultants to assist the process
Visit www.yes.on.ca/employers to learn about programs such as the Youth Job Connection (YJC) program at www.yes.on.ca/youth-job-connection.