Small businesses are at the heart of our neighbourhoods.
Vibrant retail main streets – like the Danforth and Queen Street – are at the heart of our safe, walkable and prosperous neighbourhoods. These local restaurants and shops are woven into our lives like old friends. Yet many of our local businesses are still feeling the crushing impacts of the pandemic.
Our local small businesses need support – remember to shop local!
Scroll down for the latest updates on my work fighting for small businesses.
Resources for Business Owners
Here are some key City of Toronto resources and supports for Toronto's business owners and operators:
- Business Regulations, Licences & Permits
- Business Supports
- Business Grants, Incentives & Rebates
- Funding for Small Businesses
- How to Start a Business
- Business Expansion and Location Assistance
More information for businesses can be found online on the city's website.
Ward 14 Business Improvement Areas
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area who work in partnership with the city to create thriving, competitive, and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life in their local neighbourhood and the city as a whole.
There are seven BIAs in Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth.
Learn more about BIAs on the city's webpage or by visiting the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas' website.
Broadview Danforth BIA
Contact: Susan Puff, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Website: thedanforth.ca
Phone: 416-423-4373
The Broadview Danforth BIA is comprised of more than 350 shops, restaurants and services along Danforth Ave from Broadview Ave to Hampton Ave, along Broadview Ave north to Pretoria Ave, and south to Dearborne Ave. The Broadview Danforth BIA works to promote and provide an exciting destination neighbourhood for delicious food, entertaining theatre, lively pubs and cafés, and distinctive shops and services.
Follow the Broadview Danforth BIA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Danforth Mosaic BIA
Contact: [email protected]
Office: 1432 Danforth Ave
The Danforth Mosaic BIA (“The Danny”) stretches along Danforth Ave between Jones Ave and Westlake Ave. Celebrating a rich and diverse community, The Danforth Mosaic BIA boasts vast selection of family-owned restaurants, shops, and services from various parts of the world. With more than 500 shops and services, residents and visitors have a wide array of choices to make their visit to The Danforth Mosaic BIA memorable.
Follow the Danforth Mosaic BIA on Instagram and Facebook.
Gerrard India Bazaar BIA
Contact: Tasneem Bandukwala, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Website: gerrardindiabazaar.com
Phone: 416-465-8513
Office: 1426 Gerrard St. East
Located on Gerrard Street between Coxwell and Greenwood, the Gerrard India Bazaar BIA is the largest marketing place of South Asian goods and services in North America. With over 100 shops and restaurants which represent regional diversities of South Asian culture, food, music and products, this slice of the Indian subcontinent offers a wide selection of services and products exhibited in an exotic display of sights, sounds, tastes and aromas.
Follow the Gerrard India Bazaar BIA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
GreekTown on the Danforth BIA
Contact: Mary Fragedakis, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Website: greektowntoronto.com
Phone: 416-469-5634
Office: 452A Danforth Ave
One of Toronto’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, Greektown is also one of the city’s best known Business Improvement Associations with over 400 members. Located along Danforth Ave between Hampton Ave and Dewhurst Blvd, the Greektown BIA’s clean and safe community offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the tantalizing culture of the Greektown BIA by visiting one of the many restaurants, lounges, cafes, or bakeries that feature traditional Greek cuisine, along with other fantastic multi-ethnic establishments in the area.
Follow the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Leslieville BIA
Contact: Cathy Quinton, BIA Office & Project Manager
Email: [email protected]
Website: visitleslieville.ca
Located on Queen St E between Empire and Vancouver Avenues, the Leslieville BIA is a part of one of the city’s most socially connected and engaged neighbourhoods. With Leslieville having played a key role in the city’s rich history in the East End, the Leslieville BIA now offers a vibrant community for Toronto’s art and culture scene. With a wide selection of restaurants, shops, and services, the Leslieville BIA creates a fun, family-friendly, and trendy space for residents and visitors alike.
Follow the Leslieville BIA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Pape Village BIA
Contact: Carolyn Wong, Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.papevillage.ca
Established in 1986, the Pape Village BIA represents over 80 businesses along Pape from Mortimer to Gamble. Strolling along Pape Avenue you can find all your day to day needs including shopping, dining, grocery, health care, fashion, bakeries and financial institutions.
Follow Pape Village BIA on Facebook and Instagram.
Riverside BIA
Contact: Jennifer Lay, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Website: riverside-to.com
Phone: 416-466-8167
Dubbed the SOHO of Toronto by the New York Post, Riverside has made a commitment to art and design, which is evident by the several murals decorating the neighbourhood, to the public art installations and annual signature event, the Riverdale Art Walk. Located along Queen St E, from the Don Valley Parkway to the east and Empire Ave to the west, the Riverside BIA is just minutes from the downtown core and easily accessible by streetcar. Encompassing a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and services, the Riverside BIA offers a trendy atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Follow Riverside BIA on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
