The City of Toronto offers the CaféTO Grant (formerly called CaféTO Property Improvement Program) to owners and tenants of commercial and industrial properties in Toronto to improve the appearance and/or function of their curb lane cafés, commercial patios and sidewalk cafés.

Available Funding and Prizes

The CaféTO Grant’s funding may include

• One-half of the costs of eligible property or site improvements up to a maximum amount of $5,000 (based on a minimum of $10,000 of improvements). Funding can include patio improvements on private property and spaces on public property for which a valid permit has been issued.

• Additional grant funding of up to $2,500 is available for exterior accessibility improvements such as the installation of temporary platforms level to the sidewalk for a curb lane café (rented, leased, or purchased), accessible ramps for patios on private property, handrails and other exterior accessibility devices which meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) design standards.

• Architectural, engineering from a certified Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) specialist and Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) registered designer fees may be covered to a maximum of $1,000 per application.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The grant is available to owners and tenants of street-level commercial and industrial properties in Toronto to improve the appearance and/or function of exterior spaces associated with the property. In addition, places of worship, institutional buildings, and residential buildings are ineligible for the program.

You can view the complete list of eligibility projects here.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit the City of Toronto’s site to apply.

DEADLINE

Applications for the CaféTO Grant program is due for Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

As always, we will keep you posted on relevant grant programs and contests for small businesses and organizations in the Greater Toronto Area.

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