Toronto is one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the world. From family-owned restaurants and independent bookstores to local artisans, startups, and neighborhood service providers, small businesses form the backbone of the city’s economy and culture. They bring character to local streets, create jobs, foster innovation, and help communities thrive.
However, small businesses in Toronto face constant challenges: rising rents, competition from large corporations and global e-commerce platforms, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty. Supporting local businesses is more important than ever—not just during holidays or economic downturns, but as a long-term commitment to the city’s future.
In this article, we explore practical, meaningful ways individuals, communities, and organizations can support small businesses in Toronto and help ensure they continue to grow and succeed.
Why Supporting Small Businesses Matters
Before diving into the “how,” it’s important to understand why supporting small businesses makes such a difference.
Economic Impact
When you shop at a local business, a larger portion of your money stays within the local economy. Small businesses tend to source locally, hire nearby residents, and reinvest profits into the community. This creates a multiplier effect that strengthens neighborhoods across Toronto.
Community Identity
Independent businesses give Toronto its unique character. Neighborhoods like Kensington Market, Leslieville, The Junction, and Little Italy would not feel the same without their local shops, cafés, and creative spaces.
Innovation and Diversity
Small businesses often take creative risks, introduce niche products, and cater to diverse cultural communities. They play a key role in reflecting Toronto’s multicultural identity and supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Shop Local Whenever Possible
One of the simplest and most impactful ways to support small businesses is to buy from them intentionally.
Choose Independent Stores
Instead of defaulting to big-box retailers or international online marketplaces, look for local alternatives. Toronto has countless independent clothing boutiques, bookstores, gift shops, bakeries, and specialty stores offering high-quality, unique products.
Buy Local for Everyday Needs
Supporting small businesses doesn’t have to mean spending more money—just spending it differently. Buy groceries from neighborhood markets, order coffee from independent cafés, and use local service providers for repairs, fitness, or personal care.
Think Local for Gifts
When buying gifts for birthdays, holidays, or corporate events, consider locally made products. Handmade goods, Toronto-themed items, and artisan products add a personal touch while supporting local creators.
Support Local Restaurants and Food Businesses
Toronto’s food scene is globally celebrated, and much of that reputation comes from small, independently owned restaurants and food businesses.
Dine In or Order Direct
Whenever possible, dine in at local restaurants or order directly from their website or phone line instead of third-party delivery apps that charge high commissions. This allows businesses to keep more of their revenue.
Try New Neighborhood Spots
Make an effort to explore restaurants outside your usual routine. Supporting newer or lesser-known eateries can make a big difference in their early stages.
Leave Reviews and Recommendations
Positive reviews on Google, Yelp, or social media help small food businesses attract new customers. A short review or recommendation can have a lasting impact.
Promote Small Businesses Online
You don’t need to spend money to support local businesses—your voice and online presence are powerful tools.
Share on Social Media
Follow local businesses on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or LinkedIn. Like, comment, and share their posts to increase visibility. Even a single share can help them reach new customers.
Tag and Mention Businesses
When you post about a great meal, product, or experience, tag the business and mention their location. This type of organic promotion builds trust and awareness.
Write Reviews and Testimonials
Online reviews are crucial for small businesses competing with larger brands. Taking a few minutes to leave a thoughtful review can significantly influence future customers.
Attend Local Markets, Fairs, and Events
Toronto hosts countless markets and community events that showcase small businesses and local entrepreneurs.
Farmers’ Markets
Shopping at farmers’ markets supports local growers, food producers, and artisans. Markets like St. Lawrence Market, Evergreen Brick Works, and neighborhood pop-ups are excellent places to start.
Pop-Ups and Craft Fairs
Seasonal markets, holiday fairs, and pop-up events provide exposure and income for small vendors. Attending these events helps sustain Toronto’s creative economy.
Community Events
Street festivals and neighborhood events often rely on local vendors and sponsors. Your attendance helps ensure these events continue year after year.
Support Black-Owned, Indigenous, and Immigrant-Owned Businesses
Toronto’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and supporting businesses owned by underrepresented communities helps build a more inclusive economy.
Seek Out Diverse Businesses
Make a conscious effort to support Black-owned, Indigenous-owned, women-owned, and immigrant-owned businesses. Many Toronto organizations curate directories that make it easier to discover them.
Be a Long-Term Supporter
True support goes beyond one-time purchases. Become a repeat customer, refer friends, and advocate for these businesses in your network.
Use Local Services and Professionals
Small businesses aren’t only shops and restaurants—they also include service providers and professionals.
Hire Local Experts
When you need services like accounting, marketing, photography, home repairs, fitness training, or consulting, consider local independent professionals before large firms.
Recommend Local Providers
Word-of-mouth referrals are vital for service-based businesses. Recommending a trusted local professional can help them grow sustainably.
Buy Gift Cards and Memberships
Gift cards are an excellent way to support small businesses, especially during slower seasons.
Purchase Gift Cards in Advance
Buying gift cards provides immediate cash flow while allowing you (or the recipient) to use the service later.
Support Membership Models
Many local gyms, studios, cultural spaces, and creative hubs offer memberships. Subscribing provides steady income and strengthens long-term sustainability.
Advocate for Small Businesses in Your Community
Support also means standing up for small businesses at a community and policy level.
Engage with Local Initiatives
Participate in Business Improvement Area (BIA) events, community meetings, or neighborhood associations that advocate for small businesses.
Support Fair Policies
Be informed about policies affecting small businesses, such as zoning, rent regulations, and local taxes. Supporting initiatives that protect independent businesses helps maintain vibrant neighborhoods.
Be a Patient and Loyal Customer
Small businesses often operate with limited resources, and challenges can arise.
Show Understanding
Staff shortages, supply delays, or limited hours are common. Patience and kindness go a long way in helping business owners navigate these realities.
Choose Loyalty Over Convenience
Returning to the same local businesses builds stability and trust. Loyal customers are essential to small business survival.
Support Local Businesses Online
Many Toronto small businesses now operate online, making it easier to support them from anywhere.
Shop Local E-Commerce Stores
Look for Toronto-based brands selling online and choose them over global platforms when possible.
Subscribe to Newsletters
Email newsletters keep you informed about promotions, events, and new products while helping businesses build direct relationships with customers.
Conclusion: Building a Stronger Toronto Together
Supporting small businesses in Toronto is not just about shopping—it’s about investing in the city’s people, culture, and future. Every purchase, review, share, and recommendation contributes to a stronger local economy and more vibrant neighborhoods.
By making intentional choices, exploring local options, and advocating for independent businesses, residents and visitors alike can play a role in ensuring Toronto remains a city full of creativity, diversity, and opportunity.
Small actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can make a powerful difference. Supporting small businesses isn’t just good for them—it’s good for Toronto as a whole.