Applications are open for an additional round of support through My Main Street to support main street businesses and communities in southern Ontario.
The program offers streamlined, direct-to-business and community supports that will help attract visitors and locals to main streets. Advanced market research tools are used to address localized needs and identify opportunities for participating main streets to support business recovery, sustainability and growth strategies, according to a media release.
Eligible communities in southern Ontario are listed here.
The program is funded by the Government of Canada, through Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), and is delivered through two streams, according to a media release. Applications opened Feb. 22.
- Business Sustainability Stream will support brick-and-mortar businesses on main streets across southern Ontario. Funding will support productivity enhancements through direct-to-business non-repayable contributions of up to $20,000. Funding is available to businesses that employ between one and 50 staff and provide a solid business case on how the funding will strengthen their existing capacity and support their growth.
- Community Activator Stream will support community not-for-profit projects focused on high impact placemaking activities. Support will be provided through non-repayable contributions of up to $250,000. Funded projects include events and festivals, community enhancements and streetscape improvements.
“Small businesses in communities across southern Ontario offer exciting experiences and opportunities that draw both local and international visitors to their vibrant main streets,” said Filomena Tassi, minister, federal economic development agency for southern Ontario.
“The My Main Street program will work with retail and main street businesses and organizations across southern Ontario by providing the support they need to expand their business and make main streets vibrant while creating jobs in growing communities.”
My Main Street is built on the principle of supporting community economic development and creating vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods where residents from all backgrounds can benefit, enjoy and feel safe in their communities and on their main streets.
The program will take an inclusive approach, supporting areas that have commercial and community importance, and will provide targeted support to reduce barriers in traditionally underrepresented and equity-deserving groups and neighbourhoods.
“Main streets work at every level across southern Ontario – from large, metropolitan cities to rural townships. A community's resilience is anchored in its main street businesses, and investing in them fosters economic prosperity and growth,” said Mary W. Rowe, CEO and president, Canadian Urban Institute.
“My Main Street provides an opportunity to build healthy, robust main street business communities supported by placemaking to drive social cohesion and economic recovery where it’s needed most.”
What’s new to the program:
- Both streams are being offered across rural and urban southern Ontario, now including the city of Toronto.
- The business sustainability stream offers direct-to-business non-repayable contributions of up to $20,000 (previously $10,000).
- A simplified application process streamlines how businesses access funds.
- Businesses will receive industry-specific market research reports tailored to their businesses.
Applications close March 31. Businesses, municipalities, BIAs and community organizations can receive more information and apply at mymainstreet.ca.
