Markham joins federal program My Main Street to accelerate local businesses

$115,000 provided to support Main Street Unionville, First Markham Place and First Markham Centre

Yorkregion.com
May 11, 2022
Yoyo Yan

The City of Markham, in partnership with Destination Markham and the Unionville BIA, announced May 3 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 federal government announced in August 2021 a $23.25-million investment to establish My Main Street -- a two-year program to support the recovery and revitalization of main streets and local businesses in southern Ontario.

The Economic Developers Council of 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.

"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," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

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