BusinessTO Newsletter

BusinessTO News is a weekly newsletter that focuses on available resources and supports to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Toronto businesses. Learn about the current health situation, service changes, as well as resources to support reopening and economic support at toronto.ca/covid19.

Announcements

City of Toronto accepting applications for COVID-19 indoor capacity limit exemptions

In response to requests from restaurants, bars and other food service premises to increase their capacity limits, the City of Toronto established a process to apply for exemptions to the limits outlined in the by-law. Owners or operators of venues can complete a survey to be considered for an exemption from the capacity limit.

City of Toronto Programs and Resources

• Reopening Guidelines

  • Mandatory mask wearing guidelines

  • Printable posters 

• BusinessTO Support Centre: One-on-one virtual support to help businesses complete government assistance applications and navigate reopening 

• Digital Main Street: Provides support for businesses interested in adopting technologies to help their businesses

• ShopHERE powered by Google: Help with setting up and launching a Shopify online store quickly, easily and at no cost 

• Digital Transformation Grant: $2,500 grants available to businesses to help implement new technologies 

• Business AdviceTO: Free online events to help entrepreneurs and leaders connect

• Business licensing and permit application portal

• Webinars

• DonateTO: Make a difference in your community by donating or partnering with the City of Toronto

Financial Support and Resources

Federal and provincial government financial supports: 

• Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program

• Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program

• Support for Indigenous Businesses

• Business Credit Availability Program 

• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) 

For one-on-one help with applications for any of these programs contact the BusinessTO Support Centre.

Webinars and Online Events

Guidelines for Mandatory Mask Usage in Enclosed Public Places (Free) - Watch On Demand

Reopening Guidance (Free)

• Retail Sector - Watch On Demand* 
• Restaurant Sector - Watch On Demand*
• Manufacturing Sector - Watch On Demand*
• Personal Care Service Sector - Watch on Demand*
• Events and Festivals - Watch on Demand*

*Webinars were developed based on guidelines that had been published and available up to and including the following dates - Retail Sector: June 11, Food Service Sector: August 7, Manufacturing Sector: June 16, Personal Care Service Sector: August 7 and Events and Festivals: July 27.  Effective July 7, the use of non-medical masks or face coverings are now required in all indoor public spaces. 

Why Your Business Needs An Online Store – ShopHERE powered by Google Webinar Series (Free)
Thursday, August 20 at 11:30 a.m. - Register

Ask an Accountant - Applying for Government COVID-19 Support Programs (Free)
Watch on Demand

Scarborough Business Association Cyber Breakfast

• Scarborough East Storefront | Wednesday, August 19 at 9:15 a.m. - Register
• Agincourt Community Services | Wednesday, August 26 at 9:15 a.m. - Register

CreativeBoost

• Branching Out – Advice for art workers looking to transition to becoming self-employed | August 24, noon to 1 p.m. - Register
• Countdown to Business – Workshop for artists and cultural workers thinking about starting a creative business (free) | August 25, 26 and 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. - Register

• Business AdviceTO with Partners Retail Insider – Retail Sector | August 19 at 11 a.m. – Register

• Business AdviceTO SisterTalk (BIWOC) Black Indigenous Women of Colour Biz Mentorship Circle | Thursdays at 10 a.m. - Register

Business Community News 

Applications open for Recovery Cohort incubator and accelerator program 

The Recovery Cohort is a new program for startups and innovators focused on rebuilding the creative industries after COVID-19 and imagining the creative landscape of the future. This virtual program starts in September and runs for 14 weeks, supporting early- to mid-stage startups, experimental projects and innovative creators in Canada. Applications are open until August 21.

Tracking small business recovery

In its latest weekly survey of small businesses, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business estimates that as of August 5, 58 per cent of Ontario small businesses are now fully open, 38 per cent are back to normal staffing levels, and 23 per cent are experiencing normal sales for this time of year.