Applications are now being accepted until 4 p.m. on Monday, October 26.
Overview
The Main Street Innovation Fund provides funding for innovative and creative solutions to Toronto’s main street business challenges.
This year, the Main Street Innovation Fund is focused on Little Jamaica. Eligible organizations in the Little Jamaica community can submit proposals to help strengthen neighborhood businesses and keep with the objectives of the . Projects must support increasing commercial vibrancy, business engagement and economic activity within Toronto’s Little Jamaica community.
Objective
This grant provides funding to Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and not-for-profit organizations with ties to the business community to bring innovative and creative solutions to local challenges in the Little Jamaica community. The Little Jamaica focus aims to:
- Support Black-owned and operated businesses in Little Jamaica to prevent vacancy, build resiliency and grow the local economy
- Support new projects within Toronto’s Little Jamaica main street business community
- Expand the range of community improvement strategies that are available to Toronto’s main street business communities
- Showcase innovative, scalable solutions to challenges faced by Toronto’s main street neighbourhoods
- Pilot highly creative and exceptional projects in Toronto.
Funding Available
Eligible organizations in the Little Jamaica community may apply for grants of up to $25,000.
Eligibility
To be eligible, organizations must be:
- One of the following types of organizations:
- Able to demonstrate established relationships with, and a strong connection to, the local business community within Little Jamaica — generally located along Eglinton Avenue West between the Allen Expressway, Keele Street and Oakwood-Vaughan.
- In good standing with the City of Toronto
- Able to provide audited financial statements.
For-profit businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnership and corporations, are not eligible.
Eligible Projects
To be eligible, all project activities must take place between May 3, 2027 to September 10, 2027. Projects within a wide scope of parameters are encouraged, such as:
- Main street activations
- Community placemaking
- Community planning and policy making
- Technology improvements.
Ineligible Projects
The following types of projects do not qualify for funding under this program:
How to Apply
Solicit Feedback on Proposal
All applicants must solicit feedback on their proposal from the Program Manager prior to applying. Email mif@toronto.ca to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation or share a draft proposal for feedback.
Gather Required Information
Be ready to provide the following information in the application form:
- Organization Information
- Organization legal name and operating name, if different
- Organization address, contact name, phone number and email address
- Canada Revenue Agency Business (CRA) Number
- Project Proposal (10 to 15 page slide deck)
- Description of the proposed project
- Challenges the project seeks to address and demonstrated need
- How the project will drive people and/or businesses to main streets
- How the project will increase main street vibrancy
- How the project advances equity and inclusion
- How the project addresses issues relevant to other main street neighbourhoods
- Project Feasibility
- Strategic plan for executing the project
- Description of work involved
- Required staffing resources
- Required financial resources
- Strategic partnerships and/or collaborators
- Required permits, licences or approvals
- Project benchmarks and contingencies
- Realistic project timeline and ability to meet deadlines
- Confirmation that the project can meet the required final reporting deadline, as no extensions will be provided
- Project Details
- Project phases, tasks and timelines
- Parties involved and their roles, including consultants, vendors and partners
- Project deliverables
- Approach to measuring and evaluating project success
- Evidence of Projected Impact
- Expected outcomes and impacts
- Measures and indicators of success
- Description of project deliverables
- How project results will be documented and shared
- Potential for the project to be replicated or adapted by other organizations and main streets
- Itemized Project Budget
- High-level budget outlining estimated costs by general expense category
- Letters of support from other funders and/or partners, if applicable
Additional information, including copies of governance policies and audited financial statements, may be requested prior to funding being committed.
Submit Application
Complete the online application below. The deadline is Monday, October 26 at 4 p.m.
Apply Now
Contact
For any questions about this application including accessibility supports, accommodation and/or a different format, please email the Main Street Innovation Fund project manager at mif@toronto.ca.
