City of Markham announces partnership with My Main Street

Markham.ca
May 4, 2022

Today, the City of Markham in partnership with Destination Markham and the Unionville BIA are pleased to announce that Main Street Unionville, First Markham Place and First Markham Centre will be participating in the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program, providing a total of $115,000 in non-repayable contributions to support local businesses.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced a $23.25-million investment to the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) to establish My Main Street -- a two-year program to support the recovery and revitalization of main streets and local businesses in southern Ontario.

EDCO is delivering the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program stream, which supports the revitalization of 65 main street communities, and provides non-repayable contributions for more than 650 local businesses across southern Ontario. The program focuses on creating and maintaining vibrant and inclusive local downtowns while providing residents, new entrepreneurs, jobs and existing businesses with economic opportunities in our communities.

Main Street Unionville, First Markham Place and First Markham Centre in Markham will be supported with dedicated Main Street Ambassadors, customized market research, data analysis and non-repayable funding contributions for new and existing small businesses.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada understands that Canadian small businesses and local main streets are critical to Canada’s economy and the strength of our communities. Markham and Unionville have historic and vibrant main streets and the My Main Street program support announced today will protect jobs and help our local businesses and communities grow and continue their strong recovery.”

The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“My Main Street programming reinforces the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting our communities, local businesses and entrepreneurs. Markham’s small business community is well known for representing a diverse collection of people and cultures, and I am thrilled that they will benefit from focused support.”

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Markham--Thornhill

“Main street businesses play an important role in helping reflect and serve the needs of their community. The Government of Canada understands how difficult the past two years have been and continues to support initiatives, like My Main Street, to ensure small businesses come back strong.”

Paul Chiang, Member of Parliament, Markham-Unionville

“Small and independent businesses are the backbone of our main street communities. The diversity of products and services they bring to our communities are what make each main street unique. The City of Markham is looking forward to working with My Main Street at First Markham Place and First Markham Centre, and along Main Street Unionville, in supporting these communities and their local businesses to ensure their continued success and growth.”

His Worship Frank Scarpitti, Mayor, City of Markham

“We are very excited and grateful that two of our main street communities in Markham were selected to be a part of the Local Business Accelerator program. This funding will provide extremely valuable assistance for our business community and will provide key data to help us create long-lasting, healthy communities in our city.”

Arvin Prasad, Commissioner of Development Services, City of Markham

“On behalf of the Unionville BIA, I’d like to thank the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for their investment in our main street community. This program will provide necessary resources to our local businesses and allow us to explore opportunities that will benefit the entire Unionville community.”

Sara Sterling, Executive Director of the Unionville BIA

For program details and further information, please visit mymainstreet.ca/accelerator-program