Bloor West Village BIA
Bloor West Village
Toronto, Ontario M6S 3R1
647-729-6963 | phone
Hours of Operation
Please make an appointment.
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TEMPORARY COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS ANNOUNCED, NEW ONTARIO BUSINESS COSTS REBATE PROGRAM, ONGOING FEDERAL AND CITY OF TORONTO SUPPORTS FOR BUSINESSES
Ontario government announces new temporary COVID-19 restrictions
The Government of Ontario announced that the province will return to a modified version of Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen effective Wednesday, January 5 for at least 21 days (until January 26). The new temporary measures include:
- Closing indoor dining at restaurants and bars.
- Closing indoor sport and recreational fitness facilities including gyms.
- Closing indoor meeting and event spaces.
- Requiring 50 per cent capacity in retail settings, including shopping malls; and requiring food courts to close.
- Limiting personal care services to 50 per cent capacity.
- Requiring businesses and organizations to ensure employees work remotely unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site.
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Ontario government launches new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program
The Government of Ontario is introducing new supports for businesses most impacted by Omicron-related public health measures, including a new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program. Eligible businesses will receive rebate payments equivalent to 50 per cent of the property tax and energy costs they incur while they are subject to the current capacity limits—with payments retroactive to December 19, 2021. Eligible businesses include restaurants, smaller retail stores and gyms. A full list of eligible business types will be available in mid-January 2022 when online applications open.
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Federal government supports available for businesses facing hardship
The Government of Canada continues to offer targeted supports for businesses and self-employed individuals facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include rent and property expenses support; wage and hiring support; Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility; Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit and more. See the supports available for businesses, self-employed individuals and sectors.
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Outdoor Mural & Street Art Program applications open
The City of Toronto's Outdoor Mural & Street Art Program is now accepting applications for the 2022 funding year. The program provides one-time funding for outdoor mural projects that help promote a local theme and facilitate commercial or industrial neighbourhood identity. It is open to business associations and community groups with strong business participation. Learn more and apply by March 31.
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Retail Accelerator Program offers training, mentoring and a micro grant of $10,000
Applications are being accepted for the City of Toronto's Retail Accelerator Program. Part of the Toronto Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative, the new program provides access to retail training, advisory services and mentoring opportunities, as well as a micro grant of $10,000 to help retail businesses develop and expand. Apply by March 31, 2022.
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Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program to help operators and owners of vacant storefronts
The City of Toronto's new Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is offering matching funding of 50 per cent to commercial business operators and owners of vacant storefronts (or, in certain limited circumstances, at risk of becoming vacant) to undertake interior improvements. The program is a key part of the Toronto Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative. Applications will be accepted until February 28, 2022 or when funds are expended, whichever comes first, and are considered on a first received, first reviewed basis. Apply today.
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Ontario government requesting eligible businesses to host employer-led vaccine clinics
The Government of Ontario has extended its request for businesses to host employer-led clinics that meet established criteria to vaccinate their employees aged 18 and over, their families and retirees, as well as members of the local and neighbouring communities as capacity allows. If your business meets the criteria, call the Ontario Together Contact Centre at 1-888-777-0554 to learn more.
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Entrepreneur Mentoring Program looking for experienced volunteer mentors
January is National Mentoring Month and the City of Toronto's Small Business Enterprise Centre (Enterprise Toronto) is looking for experienced entrepreneurs who want to share their expertise. If you're an entrepreneur who can provide advice on starting and growing a small business, consider becoming a volunteer mentor. Complete an online form to get started.
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Resurgence of office leasing activity in Toronto in second half of 2021
Toronto saw a resurgence in office leasing activity in the second half of 2021, with the amount of space taken up in central Toronto (which includes midtown) surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to CBRE research. While broader return-to-office plans have been delayed by rising COVID-19 case numbers and shifting public-health guidance, the occupancy space uptake shows confidence among businesses over the longer-term outlook for the economy and the demand for office space.
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DMZ's incubator and bootcamp programs accepting applications
The DMZ is accepting applications for its February 2022 pre-incubator Bootcamp program and March 2022 Incubator program. The DMZ supports founders on their journeys to launch and scale world-class companies by providing one-on-one guidance, customized support and access to coaching, customers, capital and talent. The DMZ also offers Launchpad, two unique community platforms that support Black founders and women founders at all stages. Learn more.
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De-escalation training available for street-front retailers
The City of Toronto continues to offer de-escalation training sessions for street-front retailers. The sessions are geared to managers or employees who interact with the general public regularly and would like to learn strategies and skills for communicating with individuals who may be street involved or displaying agitated behaviours. Training is facilitated by the Downtown Yonge BIA and a mental health educator. Learn more and register for free.
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Webinars and Online Events
A full list of webinars and learning opportunities is available online.
Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program: Information Session
January 10, 9 to 10 a.m. – Register (Free)
T2 Corporation Tax Literacy Seminar
January 10, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)
Legal Bootcamp: How to Start & Grow Your Business
January 12, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)
WSIB Laws & Regulations for Small Businesses
January 13, 9:30 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)
T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy Seminar
January 14, 9:30 a.m. to noon – Register (Free)
Retail Accelerator Program Information Session
January 17, 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)
Web Presence 101: Ensuring Your Foundation is Set
January 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)
Service Canada Programs and Services for Employers
January 20, 11 a.m. to noon – Register (Free)
Business Learning Hub Courses
Register (Pay what you can)
Small Business Centres Ontario
On-going Online Events and e-Learning – Register (Free to $35)
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City of Toronto Programs and Resources
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Financial Support and Resources
Federal and provincial government financial supports:
For one-on-one help with applications for any of these programs contact the BusinessTO Support Centre.
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