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The Weekly

POSTED ON February 23, 2024 BY Justine Smith

Applications Open for ‘My Main Street’ Funding

Applications are now open until March 31, 2024, for the My Main Street funding opportunity. It will provide up to $6.5 million of non-repayable contributions up to $20,000 in direct-to-business funding to support productivity enhancements for brick-and-mortar businesses located on main streets.

Funding will be made available to businesses that employ between 1 and 50 staff, have demonstrated revenue growth, and provide a business case on how the funding will strengthen their existing capacity and support their growth.

Thinking about applying? Join this virtual information session on February 26, 27, March 4, or 5 to learn more about My Main Street eligibility criteria and how to apply.


Summit on Stopping Small Business Break-Ins

On behalf of Deputy Mayor Mike Colle, the City would like to invite you to a Summit on Stopping Small Business Break-Ins.

This meeting will be an opportunity to bring together stakeholders and partners such as Toronto Police Services (TPS), Crime Stoppers, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), small and local business owners, Industry groups and City officials to discuss how everyone can work together on crime prevention.

Date: Friday, March 1, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: City Hall – Council Chambers – 100 Queen Street West

If you would like to attend, please RSVP by February 26.


City’s SafeTO Survey

Downtown Yonge BIA and SafeTO, the City of Toronto’s community safety & well-being plan, are working together to better understand the concerns around safety and well-being across all our BIAs in the City of Toronto.  They are requesting input about important issues to better advocate for improved support in our communities. Businesses in our BIA and commercial property owners have been asked to participate. 

The survey should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete and can be done anonymously. All respondents who submit their answers before Monday, March 11, 2024, can enter for a chance to win one of:

  • Three $250 Cadillac Fairview gift cards.
  • Three $250 Visa or Mastercard gift cards.

SafeTO Survey.


Metrolinx King/Bathurst Virtual Information Session

Metrolinx is hosting a virtual public information session about King/Bathurst Station and what to expect for this area as construction proceeds on the Ontario Line. In advance of this session, community members can submit questions in advance for discussion during the meeting. Questions can be submitted anonymously at this link. Signing up for the website is not required.

Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

If you have any questions or concerns about this event or how to register, please contact Bradley.Naismith@Metrolinx.com.

Register Here.


Upcoming Lunch & Learn: Promotional Opportunities for BIA Members

The BIA invites you to a virtual lunch and learn that provides an overview of 2024 initiatives and promotional opportunities for members. We have partnered with NowPlayingToronto.com to incorporate a new comprehensive and robust calendar on our website. This calendar reaches a wider audience through syndication of data feeds to a broader network resulting in a more streamlined process for promoters. Nancy Hall from Destination Toronto will introduce this calendar and provide information on how members can register and promote events.

Who should attend: All BIA members, particularly those interested in exploring promotional opportunities to showcase their business and events.

Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Location: Zoom link provided to those who RSVP.

If you would like to attend this virtual session or have any questions, please contact Hayley James.


Road Closures & Event Notices

Canadian International Auto Show

Spring 2024: Gardiner Expressway Lane Closures Begin

See All Road Closures.


Conferences & Conventions

Auto Show 2024

  • Date: February 16 – 25
  • Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
  • Attendance: 350,000

RealCapital

  • Date: February 27
  • Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
  • Attendance: 1000+

Career Fair Canada

  • Date: February 29
  • Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
  • Attendance: 1000+

Learn More.