Deadline: 28-November-2025
Its main objective is to support the development of entrepreneurship and incubation activities in a way that is fully accessible, transparent and accountable. The program aligns closely with the City of Toronto’s commitment to access, equity and inclusion, ensuring that opportunities for business creation and growth are open to all residents.
This grant program provides financial assistance through two main funding streams. The first stream focuses on programs and events, offering up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses. Organizations can receive up to $20,000 for program-related initiatives or up to $10,000 for events. For programs, 75 per cent of the grant is provided upfront with the remaining 25 per cent disbursed upon completion, while event grants are provided as a one-time payment. The second stream is the multi-year operating grant, which supports organizations over a three-year cycle, subject to the availability of funds. It offers up to 20 per cent of eligible expenses to a maximum of $100,000, with funding similarly divided between an upfront payment and a final installment after completion. However, it is important to note that receiving funding in one year does not guarantee future grants.
Eligibility for the program is limited to not-for-profit organizations that deliver incubation-type programming to entrepreneurs. This includes pre-incubators, incubators, accelerators, post-secondary institutions and industry associations. Pre-incubators help entrepreneurs refine business ideas through mentoring, networking and advisory support. Incubators focus on transforming ideas into operational businesses by offering workspace, prototyping assistance and continued guidance. Accelerators emphasize scaling and market readiness, often involving strategic financing and investment support. Post-secondary institutions may apply through their entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives but are limited to four grants per institution under the programs and events stream. Industry associations that support entrepreneurship and sector development are also eligible.
To qualify, organizations must prove that their programming is focused on Toronto-based entrepreneurs and startups. They must demonstrate strong business incubation or acceleration programming, provide detailed applications with all required documents and show proof of their not-for-profit or charitable status through appropriate incorporation or registration documentation. Eligible organizations can confirm their incorporation or charitable registration through official provincial or federal databases.
Certain organizations and activities are not eligible for this grant. For-profit incubators and individual businesses cannot apply. Additionally, eligible organizations must not take equity from the startups they support, cannot apply to more than one funding stream in a single year and may not receive new grants while under an active multi-year funding agreement.
Through this initiative, Toronto continues to foster an inclusive and vibrant environment for entrepreneurs. The Business Incubation and Commercialization Grant Program not only strengthens organizational capacity but also contributes to a more diverse, innovative and sustainable economy that benefits the entire city.
For more information, visit City of Toronto.
