Toronto Business Grants

Last updated:
Filter:
Showing 12 of 45+ grants available to Toronto businesses
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)

Organization: National Research Council Canada

Amount: Up to $1,000,000

Canada's premier innovation funding program. Provides advice, connections, and funding for Toronto tech companies developing innovative products.

Eligibility: Canadian SMEs with 500 or fewer employees

Federal technology R&D
Learn More →
SR&ED Tax Credit

Organization: Canada Revenue Agency

Amount: Up to 68% tax refund

Refundable tax credits for research and development activities. Toronto's tech ecosystem makes this particularly valuable for local companies.

Eligibility: Canadian businesses conducting eligible R&D in Canada

Federal tax credit R&D
Learn More →
CanExport SMEs

Organization: Global Affairs Canada

Amount: Up to $99,999

Funding to help Toronto businesses expand into international markets. Covers market research, trade shows, and export development activities.

Eligibility: Canadian SMEs seeking new export opportunities

Federal export international
Learn More →
Canada Digital Adoption Program

Organization: ISED Canada

Amount: Up to $15,000

Grants to help Toronto businesses adopt digital technologies, e-commerce platforms, and online tools for growth.

Eligibility: Small and medium-sized businesses with 1-499 employees

Federal digital technology
Learn More →
Futurpreneur Canada

Organization: Futurpreneur Canada

Amount: Up to $60,000

Financing, mentoring, and support for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18-39. Combines loans with expert mentorship.

Eligibility: Canadian residents aged 18-39 starting a business

Federal youth startup
Learn More →
DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University

Organization: TMU / DMZ

Amount: Varies (accelerator)

Top-ranked university incubator offering workspace, mentorship, investor connections, and support programs for Toronto startups.

Eligibility: Tech startups at various stages

accelerator technology startup
Learn More →
MaRS Discovery District

Organization: MaRS

Amount: Varies (programs)

Toronto's innovation hub offering programs across health, cleantech, fintech, and enterprise. Mentorship, workspace, and investor connections.

Eligibility: Startups in health, cleantech, fintech, enterprise sectors

accelerator health cleantech
Learn More →

Showing 12 of 45+ grants available to Toronto businesses

Use Grant Finder for All Matches

Toronto Grant Programs Comparison (2026)

Program Amount Best For Repayment Timeline
Starter Company Plus $5,000 New entrepreneurs None 4-6 weeks
Commercial Façade Up to $12,500 Retail, storefronts None 6-8 weeks
Main Street Innovation Up to $50,000 BIAs, non-profits None 8-12 weeks
IRAP Up to $1M Tech R&D None 2-3 months
SR&ED Up to 68% R&D activities Tax credit Annual
Futurpreneur Up to $60K Ages 18-39 Partial 6-8 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions About Toronto Business Grants

What grants are available for small businesses in Toronto? +
Toronto businesses can access City of Toronto grants including Starter Company Plus ($5,000), Commercial Façade Improvement (up to $12,500), Main Street Innovation Fund (up to $50,000), and Creative Industries Funding. Plus 80+ federal grants like IRAP (up to $1M), SR&ED tax credits (up to 68% refund), and CanExport ($99,999 for export activities).
How do I apply for Starter Company Plus in Toronto? +
Apply through Toronto's Small Business Enterprise Centre. You must be 18+, own at least 51% of the business, and complete mandatory business training workshops. After training, you'll present your business plan to a panel. Approved applicants receive $5,000 in non-repayable funding plus ongoing mentorship support.
Are Toronto business grants repayable? +
Most City of Toronto grants are non-repayable, including Starter Company Plus, Commercial Façade grants, and Creative Industries funding. Federal grants like IRAP and CanExport are also non-repayable. Some programs like Futurpreneur combine grants with low-interest loans. Tax credits like SR&ED are refunds, not loans.
What is the Commercial Façade Improvement Grant? +
The City of Toronto Commercial Façade Improvement Grant provides up to $12,500 (50% of eligible costs) to commercial property owners for exterior improvements to street-facing buildings. Eligible improvements include signage, windows, doors, awnings, lighting, and structural repairs. Available in designated improvement areas across Toronto.
Can Toronto startups access federal grants? +
Yes, Toronto startups can access all federal grants including IRAP (up to $1M for tech R&D), CanExport ($99,999 for export), Canada Digital Adoption Program ($15,000), and SR&ED tax credits (up to 68% refund). Being in Toronto also provides access to world-class accelerators like DMZ and MaRS.

Summary: Small Business Grants in Toronto (2026)

Toronto small businesses can access 45+ grant programs in 2026, combining City of Toronto funding with federal programs. The most accessible local program is Starter Company Plus, providing $5,000 non-repayable grants to new entrepreneurs through Toronto's Small Business Enterprise Centres. The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant offers up to $12,500 (50% matching) for storefront improvements. For larger projects, the Main Street Innovation Fund provides up to $50,000 for BIAs and non-profits. Federal programs available to Toronto businesses include IRAP (up to $1 million for tech R&D), SR&ED tax credits (up to 68% refund), and CanExport (up to $99,999 for export activities). Toronto's innovation ecosystem includes world-class accelerators like DMZ and MaRS Discovery District. Most grants require no repayment. Application processing typically takes 4-12 weeks. Source: GrantCompass.ca, updated February 2026.

Need Help With Your Grant Application?

Grant applications can be complex. Professional grant writers can significantly increase your approval chances, especially for grants over $50K.

Grant writers typically charge $200-800 depending on complexity