City of Toronto - Invest Toronto

City of Toronto Signature Sites Collection 2013 Edition
City of Toronto Signature Sites Collection 2013 Edition
Services to support business and the property development industry
The City of Toronto is committed to creating an environment for business to thrive. The City’s Economic Development
and Culture Division is the business community’s link to City Hall, helping business navigate municipal programs and
processes and providing consultation services and hands-on solutions to assist business at every stage of development
from start-up to growth and expansion.
Facilitating business operation and expansion
Our team leverages their experience and depth of knowledge of Toronto’s business landscape to help pave the way for
business development and expansion, location and relocation within Toronto.
The team helps businesses meet everyday business challenges and maximize opportunities through the following
programs and consultation services:
• Assistance with addressing operational needs and resolving municipal issues
• Information about valuable incentives and support programs
• Guidance on directing and expediting proposals through the development process
• Access to hiring and wage assistance programs
• Guidance on expanding into international markets
• Assistance navigating export regulations, policies, processes and challenges
• Connections with business representatives from Toronto’s international economic development partnerships in
China, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, Ecuador, Vietnam, Poland and the Ukraine
• Access to a range of research and data to help with business investment and expansion decisions
• Site location information including a listing of more than 50 signature sites currently on the market
• Access to the Toronto Business Opportunities Bulletin Board, an online directory of business investment
opportunities
• Industry specific consultation and advocacy services by dedicated specialists with expertise in the following
key sectors: business and professional services, culture, design, education services, fashion, film and television
production, financial services, food and beverage, green industry, information and communication technology, life
sciences and tourism
• Access to free customer service training for the hospitality, tourism and service sectors
• A dedicated corporate calling program to connect with businesses one-on-one and help respond to challenges and
opportunities.
Working behind the scenes to promote business success and growth
In addition to delivering programs and services to support business, the City’s Economic Development team also works
behind the scenes to promote the health and growth of Toronto’s key sectors and the business community as a whole by
advocating for businesses on city-wide policy issues and working with industry stakeholders to grow sectors, assist with
workforce training and development and advise on industry trends and regulatory issues.
Financial incentives
The Imagination, Manufacturing, Innovation, Technology (IMIT) financial incentive program supports the renovation or
construction of buildings in Toronto. Sixty per cent of the increased property municipal tax revenue created by eligible
new development in targeted sectors is granted back from the City to the property owner over the course of 10 years. As
part of the IMIT program, the Brownfields Remediation Tax Assistance program also provides property tax relief to help
companies clean up contaminated sites that are developed for non-retail employment use.
In addition, the City has a range of other tax incentives that promote and reward both environmental and energy
efficiency.
Partnering to create vibrant commercial communities
The City’s Business Improvement Area (BIA) Office provides Toronto’s network of over 70 BIAs with assistance to help
create prosperous, competitive and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses
through:
• Advice and consultation from dedicated specialists on new BIA creation, operation and expansion
• Matching funding for streetscape beautification projects and financial assistance for mural projects and commercial
façade improvements
• Information about valuable incentives and support programs such as festivals, events, grants, graffiti removal and
various capital programs.
Supporting business start-up and growth
Transforming an idea into a business and fostering its growth is not a straightforward process. To make it easier,
Enterprise Toronto – the City’s one-stop source to start and grow a business – provides free assistance to entrepreneurs
and small businesses through the following services and programs:
• One-on-one business plan consultations
• Business registration, name searches and incorporation
• Business research assistance
• Consultation regarding government programs, financing and incubation services
• Business Forums, weekly seminars and unique training/networking opportunities
Supporting small business success through incubation
Business incubators play a key role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering private office/studio space, shared
industrial equipment, business advisory support, seminars, workshops, and so much more. The City supports
community partners to deliver incubation programs focused on fashion, food, digital media, mobile, and other business
activities.
Economic Research
The City maintains up-to-date and comprehensive economic information and business-related statistics to assist
businesses in making well-informed decisions.
toronto.ca/business
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