New initiative aims to support small businesses recovering from COVID-19

Local business owners who have faced financial struggles due to the pandemic are now eligible to apply for a grant from the City of Toronto.

The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program (CSRGP) offers matching funding of 50 per cent to commercial business operators and owners of vacant storefronts.

Owners of storefronts at risk of becoming vacant are also eligible to apply for the program.

The grant is one of six programs that make up the Toronto Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative (MRRI).

The initiative is funded by the federal government, which is providing up to $18 million for all six programs.

CSRGP is expected to support structural upgrades, interior light fixtures, plumbing, accessibility improvements and more.

City opens applications for Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program to support recovery and long-term success of local small businesses.

News release: https://t.co/LLd0fkUV9E pic.twitter.com/u70YFiPtJO

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) November 29, 2021

The maximum grant available is $20,000. Further funding of up to $4,000 is available for upgrades to meet accessibility standards, for a total maximum grant of $24,000.

Additional funding of $20,000 ($4,000 per additional unit, for up to five units) is available for multi-unit properties.

The initial application period for CSRGP runs until February 28, 2022, or until the grant funds are expended. Additional applications will be accepted in the second half of 2022 and again in 2023.

CaféTO, which has given hundreds of restaurants outdoor dining opportunities, is another pandemic-response program that was recently made permanent by Council. 

Meanwhile, many local businesses along Queen West have voiced concerns after construction began to repair streetcar tracks.

Crews have been working to replace TTC streetcar tracks between Spadina Avenue and Niagara Street, creating a road closure along Queen Street.

Following a plea from business owners, the City said they would shorten the scheduled construction time from Dec. 15 to Dec. 6

However, owners were initially asking for the construction to be delayed until at least after Boxing Day or early 2023.

City staff said a delay until the new year was not possible as it would create more traffic impacts and push back other construction projects planned for next year.

The City also said they would be partnering with local BIAs to promote shopping during the construction in the Queen West area.

Grants, training and resources provided through Toronto MRRI programs are available until March 31, 2024.