GRANTS, REBATES & OTHER PROGRAMS AND SUPPORTS
On this page:
> Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program - 2026 applications open March 2
> Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program
> CaféTO - 2026 CafeTO Grant applications open March 5
> Digital Main Street (DMS)
> Save on Energy
> Canada Summer Jobs
> YES Youth Employment Services
Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program
The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program provides FREE funding to BIA property owners and business tenants to redesign, renovate or restore the facades of their commercial and industrial properties. Improving the appearance of a building’s façade attracts more customers, increases property value, and enhances neighbourhood safety.
50% of the cost of eligible improvements is covered by the City. The minimum grant is $2,500 for $5,000 worth of improvements, with a maximum of $12,500 for $25,000 worth of improvements. Additional funding is available for accessibility improvements.
Applications usually open in March and are first-come-first-serve. (See below for tips to get you prepped in advance and a sample application.)
A minimum of 3 eligible improvements are required for an application. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to:
Masonry, brick cleaning and restoration
New doors, new windows
Outdoor decorative or security lighting
Outdoor security equipment
Outdoor entrance tiling
Installation of canopies or awnings
Repair of cornice, parapets and other architectural features
Outdoor wall mounted signs
Exterior painting
Wheelchair accessibility ramping, accessible railings and accessible door openers that meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards
Getting your application ready for submission / how to apply:
It’s easy to apply for this program but requires some pre-work. First, make sure your proposed improvements fit the eligibility criteria. If you’re unsure or need confirmation, contact Michael Saunders with the City’s BIA Office at 416-392-1005 or Michael.Saunders@toronto.ca.
Get 2 estimates for each of your improvements from different contractors.
You can use this sample application as a template, then simply copy and paste your work when the current application period opens!
Use high-resolution digital photography.
You don’t need professional drawings; you can mark up photos or sketch the proposed facade changes. Just make sure the changes are shown clearly.
For property owners, you will need proof of ownership.
For commercial tenants, you will need a “no-objection” letter from the property owner.
Confirm the heritage status of the property.
Sign “Declaration of a Non-Discrimination Policy”.
Sign “Letter of Application”.
This is a very popular grant. Due to the first-come-first-serve process, funding can sometimes run out within hours of the opening time. It’s recommended that once applications open, you have all your pre-work ready to go by 9am that day.
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.
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 Grant.
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.
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.
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.