Trade Accelerator Program

The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) supports export-ready small and medium-sized businesses looking to expand into international markets. Through expert-led training, mentorship and customized export planning, program participants gain the knowledge, tools and connections needed to successfully pursue global growth opportunities. TAP helps businesses develop practical export strategies, navigate international markets and build long-term competitiveness in the global economy. This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Funding Available

Micro-grants of $5,000 are available to businesses implementing their export growth strategies and pursuing international market opportunities.

Eligibility

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be operating a small or medium-sized business within Toronto
• Be full-time self-employed and majority owner of the business
• Provide proof of a current lease agreement or ownership documentation for the business location, if applicable
• Commit to all in-person and/or online training and workshop components of the program
• Provide proof of expenses upon request by the City of Toronto
• Complete a post-program evaluation survey.

Business Eligibility

Applicants’ businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Be incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-44) or the Province of Ontario’s Business Corporations Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. B.16)
• Be a for-profit company
• Be located in Toronto with ability to demonstrate proof of physical address
• Have an active Business Number (BN) at the time of application (The nine-digit BN is a unique account identifier associated only with your business. It streamlines how your business deals with the federal government of Canada and gives entrepreneurs access to important Canada Revenue Agency accounts. It is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency.)
• Have a commercial business bank account at the time of application which corresponds with Business Registration documentation,
• Have majority ownership and the ability to demonstrate proof of ownership and/or shareholder agreement
• Have been in operation for minimum two years and be able to demonstrate financial activity statements for this period
• Have generated more than $50,000 in annual revenue
• Not be a past recipient of the Retail Accelerator Program, any stream of the Starter Company Plus Grant or other funding from a Small Business Enterprise Centre within Ontario
• Have a current certification and/or licence at the time of application, if applicable
• Must have already invested at least 25 per cent of the grant amount ($1,250) into the business at the time of application on eligible business expenses, such as marketing, equipment, commercial rent, etc.
• Operate year-round, i.e. not seasonal businesses, with consistent revenues month over month.

Ineligible Businesses

Ineligible entities include:

• Individuals
• Not-for-profits, social enterprises, co-operatives or charitable enterprises
• Entities or subsidiaries of a parent company
• Other financial support programs or funds, either public or private
• Public relations agencies or marketing agencies
• Franchises and distributorships
• Past recipients of the Retail Accelerator Program, any stream of the Starter Company Plus Grant or other funding from a Small Business Enterprise Centre within Ontario.

Information Sessions

To learn more about the program, register for an online information session on one of the following dates:

• Thursday, June 25, 2:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 7, 1 p.m.
• Thursday, July 9, 11 a.m.

Select Date & Register

How to Apply

Eligible applicants with eligible businesses can apply online below. The deadline is July 16 at 4 p.m.

Be prepared to upload the following documents, which must display your business name:

• Business Registration Documents (all pages of Articles of Incorporation for Provincial or Federal Corporations)
• Proof of Business Address (copy of property tax or water/hydro utility bill).

Apply Now

For questions about the program, please email the program manager at TAP@toronto.ca.

Please note that only successful applicants will be contacted.