Up to $44,000 in Renovation Grants for Toronto Storefronts: CCCA Member Guide
Application Window
The City of Toronto's Commercial Space Renovation Grant Program is opening a new round of applications. The window is brief, and we encourage interested members to take note of the timeline:
- Opens: 9:00 AM, Monday, June 1, 2026
- Closes: 12:00 noon on Friday, June 5, 2026
Applications will be reviewed and assessed in the order received. Should additional funding become available in 2026, a waitlist will be activated.
Given the five-day window and first-come, first-served review process, we recommend that interested applicants begin preparing materials immediately to ensure they can submit on the opening day.
Detailed information from the official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-incentives/commercial-space-renovation-grant-program/
Program Background
The Commercial Space Renovation Grant Program is administered by the City of Toronto and funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Its purpose is to help revitalize vacant storefronts along Toronto's main streets and to support the recovery and long-term sustainability of local small businesses.
The program operates as a 50% Matching Grant once qualifying renovation work is completed, the City reimburses 50% of eligible expenses, up to the program ceiling.
Funding Available
| Category | Maximum Grant | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Renovation Grant | $20,000 | Requires at least $40,000 in eligible improvements (50% match) |
| AODA Accessibility Upgrade | Add $4,000 | Improvements must meet AODA design standards |
| Multi-Unit Property Bonus | Add $4,000 per unit(Maximum 5 units) | Multiple commercial units within a single property |
| Total Maximum per Application | $44,000 and above | Depending on project scope and unit count |
Example: An applicant who owns a property with two commercial units and completes $50,000 in renovations, including accessibility improvements, would qualify for $20,000 (base) + $4,000 (AODA) + $4,000 (multi-unit) = $28,000 in total grant funding. Total $28,000。
Eligibility
Applicants meeting the following criteria may apply:
- The property must be locatedToronto city administrative area(note: Markham, Richmond Hill, and other 905 municipalities are not covered)
- The property must be used forcommercial purposes at street levelor provide direct street access from another floor
- Both property owners and tenantsare eligible; tenants must obtain written authorization from the property owner
- The project must include at least threeeligible improvements
- Total project cost must be no less than $5,000
- Businesses located in areas affected by major municipal construction projects (transit work, road reconstruction, etc.) are particularly encouraged to apply
Eligible Improvements
The following categories of renovation work qualify for grant funding:
- Structural upgrades, electrical work, and interior lighting
- HVAC systems, plumbing, and plumbing fixtures
- Interior painting, flooring, ceiling, and wall finishes
- Permanently affixedcounters and merchandise displays
- Accessibility improvements
- Design fees (architect, engineer, AODA consultant, BCIN-registered designer),up to $2,000 per application
Ineligible Items
The following are excluded from grant coverage:
- Projects totaling less than $5,000
- Routine maintenance (replacing broken windows, unclogging plumbing, patching ceiling panels, etc.)
- Places of worship, institutional buildings, not-for-profit commercial buildings, and residential buildings
- Moveable items (furniture, window coverings, equipment, appliances, computers, and IT-related expenses)
- Exterior work (such as tiling outside the front entrance)
- Chains and franchises: only one application is permitted per organization
Recommended Documentation
While the City has not published a mandatory checklist, based on standard practice for grant programs of this type, applicants should prepare the following in advance:
- Renovation plans and drawings(floor plans, renderings, or construction notes)
- Itemized budget(with each cost component clearly listed)
- Contractor quotes(ideally two to three for comparison)
- Landlord authorization letter(required for tenant applications)
- Proof of property address and business license
- Photographs of the space prior to renovation
The completeness of submitted materials directly affects review efficiency and queue position.
Official Contact
For direct inquiries to the City's program lead:
- Contact Person: Michael Saunders
- Telephone: 416-392-1005
- Email: Michael.Saunders@toronto.ca
Official program page (where future updates will be published first): https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-incentives/commercial-space-renovation-grant-program/
A Note from CCCA
Government grant programs tend to rewardapplicants who are well-informed and well-prepared. Those who act early and submit complete materials consistently benefit; those who delay often miss out.We would like to draw members' attention to three points:
1. Act early. With a five-day application window and a first-come, first-served review process, any delay risks losing access to funding.
2. Ensure your project is substantively eligible. Renovations must include at least three qualifying improvements with a total cost of no less than $5,000. The grant is intended to support necessary work that genuinely improves the commercial space, not projects manufactured solely to qualify.
3. CCCA offers professional referral services. The Canadian Chinese Construction Association (CCCA) maintains a network of member professionals who meet the qualifications required by this grant program, including licensed contractors, interior designers, engineers, AODA accessibility consultants, and BCIN-registered designers. If you intend to apply, we can assist with:
- Connecting you with qualified contractors and designers for renovation planning and quotations
- Providing professional consultation on AODA accessibility improvements
- Helping you assess project eligibility and organize application materials
Chinese-Canadian businesses are an integral part of Toronto's commercial landscape. CCCA is committed to helping members access government resources and pursue business growth in a compliant and well-supported manner.
For further information or to be connected with qualified professionals, please contact CCCA.
