Retail Accelerator Program

Retail Accelerator Program is sponsored by City of Toronto. This program provides access to retail training, advisory services, mentoring opportunities, and a micro-grant to help small retail businesses, which can include certain food businesses, develop and expand.

Trade Accelerator Program – City of Toronto Trade Accelerator Program The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) supports export-ready small and medium-sized businesses looking to expand into international markets. Through expert-led training, mentorship and customized export planning, program participants gain the knowledge, tools and connections needed to successfully pursue global growth opportunities.

TAP helps businesses develop practical export strategies, navigate international markets and build long-term competitiveness in the global economy. This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Micro-grants of $5,000 are available to businesses implementing their export growth strategies and pursuing international market opportunities.

Applicants must meet the following criteria: Be 18 years of age or older Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident Be operating a small or medium-sized business within Toronto Be full-time self-employed and majority owner of the business Provide proof of a current lease agreement or ownership documentation for the business location, if applicable Commit to all in-person and/or online training and workshop components of the program Provide proof of expenses upon request by the City of Toronto Complete a post-program evaluation survey.

Applicants’ businesses must meet the following criteria: Be incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act (R. S. C.

, 1985, c. C-44) or the Province of Ontario’s Business Corporations Act (R. S.

O. 1990, c. B.

16) Be located in Toronto with ability to demonstrate proof of physical address Have an active Business Number (BN) at the time of application (The nine-digit BN is a unique account identifier associated only with your business. It streamlines how your business deals with the federal government of Canada and gives entrepreneurs access to important Canada Revenue Agency accounts. It is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency.

) Have a commercial business bank account at the time of application which corresponds with Business Registration documentation, Have majority ownership and the ability to demonstrate proof of ownership and/or shareholder agreement Have been in operation for minimum two years and be able to demonstrate financial activity statements for this period Have generated more than $50,000 in annual revenue Not be a past recipient of the Retail Accelerator Program, any stream of the Starter Company Plus Grant or other funding from a Small Business Enterprise Centre within Ontario Have a current certification and/or licence at the time of application, if applicable Must have already invested at least 25 per cent of the grant amount ($1,250) into the business at the time of application on eligible business expenses, such as marketing, equipment, commercial rent, etc. Operate year-round, i.e. not seasonal businesses, with consistent revenues month over month.

Ineligible entities include: Not-for-profits, social enterprises, co-operatives or charitable enterprises Entities or subsidiaries of a parent company Other financial support programs or funds, either public or private Public relations agencies or marketing agencies Franchises and distributorships Past recipients of the Retail Accelerator Program, any stream of the Starter Company Plus Grant or other funding from a Small Business Enterprise Centre within Ontario.

Applications are now closed. For questions about the program, please email the program manager at TAP@toronto. ca .

Date modified: July 28, 2026