The CaféTO Property Improvement Program is for businesses that want to improve both the look of their patio installations, or make them compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Through a federal grant, up to $8,500 is available in grants; applications are open until July 17 or when funding runs out.
The CaféTO Dining District Grant Program is for BIAs and non-profits that wish to create something special in their neighbourhood to support local main street businesses. Two streams of funding are available up to a maximum of $25,000, with a May 3 deadline for applications.
CaféTO Property Improvement Program
Do you have a CaféTO installation being installed this year? A new grant to help with costs and accessibility is now accepting applications!
Small retail businesses are essential to the vitality and success of Toronto’s main streets and neighbourhoods, and key drivers of economic prosperity for residents, families, communities and the city as a whole. The CaféTO Property Improvement Program was developed in support of the recovery and long-term success of local small businesses.
The CaféTO Property Improvement Program is available to owners and tenants of commercial and industrial properties in Toronto to improve the appearance and/or function of their curb lane cafes, commercial patios and sidewalk cafes. This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Grants cover one-half of the costs of eligible property or site improvements up to a maximum amount of $5,000 (based on a minimum of $10,000 of improvements). Funding can include patio improvements on private property and spaces on public property for which a valid permit has been issued. An additional $3,500 may be available for projects that improve accessibility as per AODA design standards.
For more information about eligibility and to apply, please visit the City’s website. The deadline to apply to these grants is either June 17, or when funding runs out, so apply early!
For any questions about the CaféTO Property Improvement Program, please contact Mohamed Ibrahim at 416-392-4173 or [email protected]
CaféTO Dining District Grant Program
Attention Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and non-profits! A new grant program is offering you an opportunity to help beautify your local main street!
Toronto is a great city for outdoor dining. This grant supports Toronto’s diverse culinary and restaurant scene, particularly in areas where outdoor dining is not as common (although not exclusively). This grant is available to non-profits and BIAs to support their local restaurants and food service providers through outdoor dining programs or enhancements. The CafeTO Dining District Grant can be used in a variety of ways, whether it is creating new patios in public spaces, enhancing a public parklet, or launching a creative campaign to bring in new diners.
The program has two streams of funding:
- Stream One: Grants for BIAs to cover one-half of the costs of eligible projects up to a maximum amount of $5,000 (based on a minimum of $10,000 of improvements); and
- Stream Two: Grants for BIAs and non-profit organizations to cover the costs of eligible projects up to a maximum amount of $25,000.
These funds, where applicable, will help BIAs and non-profits beautify streetscapes and help support local businesses.
For more information about eligibility and to apply, please visit the City’s website. The deadline to apply to these grants is May 3, so apply now!
To schedule a consultation, share a draft proposal or for any questions about an application including accessibility supports, accommodation and/or a different format please contact [email protected] using your business email.
