BusinessTO NewsletterJuly 14, 2020
Announcements

New zoning order allows restaurants to use more space for outdoor diningAs part of CaféTO, the City of Toronto received a new Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) from the Province of Ontario that eases zoning restrictions on outdoor patios while allowing for expanded patios on private property, including parking areas. The MZO will expire on November 16 in conjunction with the CaféTO program.

City of Toronto Programs and Resources

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

 Digital Main Street: Support for businesses interested in going digital through resources, connections to trusted digital vendors, online learning and one-on-one virtual assistance.

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

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

Reopening Guidelines and Resources

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 ProgramCanada 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) 
Business Resilience Service

For one-on-one assistance with applications for any of these programs visit 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

**Webinars were developed leveraging guidelines that had been published and available up to and including the following dates – Retail Sector: June 11, Restaurant Sector: June 12, Manufacturing Sector: June 16 and Personal Care Service SectorJune 19

Why You Need An Online Store For Your Business – ShopHERE Powered by Google(Free)
Thursdays, July to October, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Register

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

Business AdviceTO Event Series (Free)Business AdviceTO with Partners SheEO World – Women Entrepreneurs | Wednesdays at 9 a.m. – Register
Business AdviceTO with Partners Retail Insider | Wednesday, July 15, 11 a.m. to noon – Register 
Business AdviceTO with Partners TechTO | Wednesday, July 15, noon to 1 p.m. – Register
Business AdviceTO SisterTalk (BIWOC) Black Indigenous Women of Colour Biz Mentorship Circle | Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Register

Business Community News 
How venture capitalists are adapting to a post-pandemic climate2019 was one of the best venture capital years on record, and though a similar trend was expected this year, the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 has had an impact on the industry. Managing director of the MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund, Lance Laking, explores how investors and startups will navigate these times of uncertainty.

Businesses support City of Toronto COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts

As the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt, companies such as Greenrock Real Estate Advisors are stepping up to support relief and recovery efforts by donating $900,000 to charitable organizations across Canada. Working with the City of Toronto, Greenrock directed over $500,000 of support to the areas of greatest need within the community. In addition, Greenrock has actively supported its residents by delivering $600,000 worth of grocery gift cards to help offset living expenses during this difficult time. Learn how you can make a difference.