Toronto Economic Resiliency Initiative (TERI)
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Up to $4 million federal investment supporting Toronto small businesses with space improvements, BIA support during transit construction, outdoor dining expansion, and equity-deserving business development.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be based in the City of Toronto
- Eligible entity types: small businesses, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), and not-for-profit organizations
- Project must relate to space improvements, transit construction impact mitigation, outdoor dining, or equity-deserving business development
- Must operate in the retail, hospitality, or community-facing sector
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $24,000 per business (Commercial Space Renovation Grant: $20,000 base + $4,000 AODA bonus)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Co-Funding
- Up to 50% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Check City of Toronto website
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
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How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipTERI is not one grant — it is an umbrella with four sub-programs. The only one currently open to individual for-profit businesses is the Commercial Space Renovation Grant (up to $24,000 for interior renovations, 50% match). To qualify, your property must be vacant, at risk of vacancy, have received CERS, or be on a transit construction corridor. If you are near the Ontario Line or Eglinton Crosstown, you likely qualify.
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Rejection Pitfalls 5
- Property does not meet vacancy, CERS, or transit-corridor eligibility threshold
- Proposed renovations are exterior (covered by different program — Façade grant)
- Applicant cannot demonstrate 50% matching co-investment
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Success Profile
Vacant or transit-impacted storefront operator in Toronto with at least $40,000 in planned interior renovation costs, ability to contribute 50% co-funding, and a clear business plan for occupying/reopening the space
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Evaluation Criteria
Eligibility-based matching grant — not a scored competition. Primary criteria: property is vacant, at risk of vacancy, received CERS, or is in a designated transit construction corridor. Applications that meet the vacancy/transit threshold and 50% co-funding commitment are generally approved.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 7
Eligible Expenses 9
- Interior structural upgrades
- Electrical work and interior lighting
- HVAC system installation and upgrades
- Plumbing and fixture installation
- Interior painting
- Flooring, ceiling, and wall finishes
- Permanently affixed counters and merchandise displays
- AODA accessibility improvements (ramps, accessible washrooms, door openers)
- Architectural and engineering design fees (up to $2,000)
Ineligible Expenses 6
- Exterior façade improvements (covered by separate Façade grant)
- Moveable furniture, equipment, and appliances
- Computers and IT infrastructure
- Window coverings
- Routine maintenance and repairs to existing elements
- Work already completed or underway before approval
Intake Periods
Applications are currently closed. Subscribe to BusinessTO newsletter at toronto.ca for reopening announcements. Program funded by FedDev Ontario with a $4 million total TERI umbrella budget.
Deadline Notes
The Commercial Space Renovation Grant is the only TERI sub-program currently accepting applications from for-profit businesses. Transit Mitigation, Dining Districts, and Community Economic Development funds are all closed. Subscribe to BusinessTO newsletter for reopening notices.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Places of worship
- Public institutional buildings
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Residential-only properties
- Franchise chains (one application per chain only)
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Low RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How TERI Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Economic Resiliency Initiativ... | Up to $24,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Check City of Toronto... |
| Ontario Innovation Tax Credit | Up to 8% tax credit | Moderate | Tax Credit Offset | Ongoing |
| Commercial Façade Improvement Grant P... | Up to $12,500 (50% of costs) | Easy | Reimbursement | Annual Intake |
| Creative Industries Funding | Varies | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing (multiple... |
| FedDev Ontario Funding | Varies | Hard | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
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