This top list of Toronto-based social businesses are doing things a little differently, especially for the city in which the hybrid model isn't quite on the tip of everyone's tongue. I'm not quite sure what exactly Toronto is "known" for (in the multiverse sense of tourism, travel and icons) but most likely, for cuisine and multicultural, and multicultural cuisine, whatever that means these days. One thing is for sure: social entrepreneurship isn't that thing that comes to mind when you think of Toronto.
Place isn't everything, but when it comes to the tight-knit and ever growing social entrepreneurship community, space and place is often essential to creating a business model that is sustainable. You've got to have the right people, the right network and the right feeling in the air.
20 Toronto-Based Social Businesses
20
Ethically Refurbished Vests
Toronto-Based 'Local Buttons' Partners with Tailors in Haiti
19
Fanatical Foodie Communities
Feast On It is a Toronto-based Collective of Shared Culinary Passion
18
Social Business Sweets
Eat My Words Dedicates Funds to the Stephen Lewis Foundation
17
Experience-Creating Cleaners
The Eco Laundry Room Has a Cafe, Kid's Play Area and Free WiFi
16
Eco Community Centers
Evergreen Brick Works is a Social Enterprise Fostering Nature in Toronto
15
Beneficial Nonprofit Wine Labels
The Little Grape That Could is an Altruistic Toronto Vino Brand
14
Rights-Based Organic Food
Grocerybunny Makes Quality Produce More Accessible and Affordable
13
Personal Development Diners
Ground Level Cafe Offers Training to At-Risk Youth in Toronto
12
Entrepreneurial Non-Profit Practices
'Social Focus Consulting' Fosters Business for Good
11
Stuff-Sharing Social Enterprises
Unstash Fosters Collaborative Consumption for Sustainability
10
Purpose-Driven IT Companies
Better The World is a B Corporation Using Technology for Social Good
9
Digital Divide Connectors
Talk2One is a Social Enterprise Connecting People to Communication
8
Ethical Organic Java Beans
The Stonepound Coffee Company Brings Eco-Friendly Joe to Toronto
7
Youth-Led Coffee Shops
Studio 89, a Social Enterprise Cafe in Mississauga by YTGA
6
Hunger-Fighting Dining Discounts
TangoTab Provides Cheap Meals and Donates to Food Banks
5
Stigma-Ending Bistros
'Out of This World Cafe' in Toronto Engages the Psychiatric Recovery Communi
4
Maintenance Services Co-ops
Self-Reliance Solutions Creates Employment Opportunities in Toronto
3
Opportunity-Spurring Delivery Services
TurnAround Couriers Hires At-Risk Youth in Toronto
2
Social Entrepreneurship Publications
SEE Change Magazine is a First for Canada
1
Diversity-Dedicated Tech Incubators
The Driven Accelerator Group Supports Minority Entrepreneurs
Related Ideas
Themed Celebrity Activations
Sheraton Centre Toronto will Host Numerous Taylor Swift Experiences
Toronto Wellness Boutiques
Trove Wellbeing Offers Wellness Services in Toronto
Educational Sober Alcohol Markets
Sobr Market Flagship Store Reopens
Chic Ballroom Interiors
The Ballroom Bowl Has Made Its Mark in Toronto's Entertainment Landscape
Luxury Lifestyle Venues
Nobu Hospitality is Openning Nobu Toronto in August 2024
Eco Storytelling Workwear Campaigns
Patagonia's We Can Get There From Here Tells is Inspiring
Beautified Community Spaces
Sephora Canada's Beauty at The Bentway Revitalizes Outdoor Space
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Knix Opens Immersive Retail Location at Premium Shopping Centre
Customizable Co-Created Sneakers
Golden Goose Offers a Sneaker Maker Experience in Toronto
DIY Fandom Initiatives
Scotiabank's Make it Merch Launch Promotes Inclusivity & Sustainability
Luxurious Asian-Inspired Steakhouses
Chambers Presents Itself as Toronto's Premier Supper Club
Box-Office-Themed Travel Pop-Ups
Intrepid x TIFF Host an Experiential Travel Activation
Entertainment Industry Expansions
Starbucks Enters the Entertainment Industry as Starbucks Studio
Culturally Rich Sports Stores
adidas' New 'Home of Sport' Flagship Features Unique Digital Tools
QSR-Inspired Interactive Metaverses
McDonald's Singapore Launched the My Happy Place Metaverse
Collaborative Streetwear Retailers
Better Gift Shop in Toronto is a Bustling Hub for Hip Fashion
Experiential Chocolate Events
Ghirardelli's Sampling Experience in Toronto Offers Indulgent Treats
Tourist Destination Predictions
BonusFinder Canada Used Technology to Predict the Future
Immersive Entertainment Venues
Netflix Houses Feature Eateries, Experiential Activities & More
Premium-Quality VR Experiences
'Sandbox VR' in Toronto Offers Fully Immersive Journeys through VR
Spaciously Modern City Cafes
BRANDOR COFFEE Opens a Minimalist Coffee Shop in Toronto
Immersive Textile Boutiques
100% Silk Shop in Toronto's Downtown Core is Sustainable
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Localized Retail Experiences
UNIQLO Sherway Blends Japanese Tradition with Toronto Culture
Lifestyle Brand Expansions
MINISO's IP Collection Store in Toronto is Vibrant and Thematic
Sophisticated Hospitality Establishments
The Revery Toronto Downtown Recently Opened Its Doors
Rebranded Food Delivery Apps
Skip Revamps Its Brand Identity to 'Skip to the Good Part'
Immersive Coffee Boutiques
Nespresso Canada Has Launched a New Boutique in Montreal
Immersive Hotel Sound Suites
'W Toronto Hotel's Sound Suite' is Reimagined
Modern Private Event Venues
Toronto's Third Place Emerges as a Prime Venue for Events in 2024/2025
Green China-Based Coffee Chains
Tim Hortons Debuts its First Sustainable Store Concept in Shenzhen
Refined Hand Roll Bars
Hello Nori Presents a Curated Approach to Japanese Cuisine in Toronto
Virtual Pub Museums
Heineken Pub Museums Spotlight Important Cultural Locations
Iconic Toronto Flagship Restaurants
JOEY Unveils Grand Toronto Flagship with Artistic Vision
Scandinavian-Inspired Yurt Pop-Ups
ABSOLUT will Host NORDIC by BarChef in Toronto
Branded Smoothie Collabs
Greenhouse Juice and Biossance Merge Health and Beauty
Luxury Rooftop Restaurants
W Toronto's SKYLIGHT Features Mediterranean Fare and Lush Interiors
Eco-Friendly Pop-Up Restaurants
The Green Vic is End-to-End Sustainable in London
Coffee-Wine Bar Hybrids
'Equal Parts' Opens Down the Road From its Sister Restaurant
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Luxury Chinese Cuisine Experiences
Mott 32 Will Open Its Door at the Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto
Pop Culture Bars
Basic is Building a Sports Bar for Pop Culture Fans
Bookstore Wine Shops
New York's Bibliotheque Offers Rare Books and Great Wine
Homemade Food Delivery Partnerships
Grocer Sobeys Partners with Homemade Food Marketplace Cookin
Hyper-Local Dining Establishments
Hotel Belmar Stands Out with Its Sustainable Cuisine
Comfort-Focused Wellness Experiences
Hotel X Toronto Now Offers Spa Services Inside Guest Rooms
Film Festival Retail Events
The TIFF Pop-Up Shop Features Exclusive 2024 Merch and Apparel
Modern Fashion Retail Expansions
Simons Expands with Two New Urban Stores in Toronto
Experiential Giveaway Pop-Ups
The Moment Shop Helps AIR MILES Members Bring Experiences to Life
Mom-Centric Hospitality Experiences
The St. Regis Hotel Toronto Offers a Luxurious Experience
Intimate Customized Denim Events
Mars the Label Brings its Friends with Mars Event to London
Cheery Holiday-Themed Cocktail Bars
Miracle Toronto Returns to Toronto with an Expanded Lineup
Midwest Kombucha Rebranding Initiatives
Island City Kombucha Elevates Its Branding Aesthetic
Inclusive Eco Salons
Chatters’ New Location Actively Diverts Salon-Generated Beauty Waste
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Co-Branded Digital Travel Hubs
The Corona Global Hub Spotlights Experiences Rooted in Nature
Counter-Loneliness Social Spaces
Flash Pack Launches the 'Friendship Corner' in New York
Caribbean Cultural Celebrations
Carnival Oasis 2024 Transforms Toronto into a Caribbean Haven
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
Itinerated Travel Experiences
Shangri-La Toronto Offers Concierge-Led Walking Tours
Toronto-Based Arabic Cafes
Hailed Coffee Fuses Middle Eastern and European Coffee Traditions
Curated Office Essentials Collections
Staples Canada Offers Office Essentials for Springtime
Whisky Culture Private Clubs
Craft Irish Whiskey Announces Exclusive Soho Whisky Club Partnership
Personality-Focused Dating Apps
The Bokay App Expands Its Services Across Canada
Sporty Solo Travel Platforms
SurfYogaBeer is a New York City-based Active & Social Travel Company
Multi-Vendor Food Marketplaces
Chef's Hall Offers Multiple High Quality Restaurants Under One Roof
Toronto HIIT Workout Studios
Barry's Bootcamp is the Perfect Spot for a High-Intensity Workout
Soft-Pink Wellness Bars
Yorkville Village’s BetterBar Offers Healthy Dining in Toronto
Whimsical Bright Creative Workspaces
Publicis Groupe's New Workspace is in New York's SoHo
Beauty-Incentive Programs
Sephora's Beauty at the Bentway Will Offer Free Beauty Samples
Environmental Sustainability Business Initiatives
Butterfly Pavilion Organized a Special Coalition
Community-Oriented Cookbook Stores
Foodies Cookbook Shop Acts as a Culinary Hub in Stratford
In-Arena Content Spaces
TikTok and MLSE Introduced the Creator Zone and a Live Content Series
Collaborative Bright Office Spaces
Bespoke Only Designs Her New Spring Office Loft Space
Highly Sought-After Restaurant Features
OpenTable Announces Its Icons Program for Major Cities
Italian Rooftop Restaurants
Public Gardens in Toronto Offers a NYC-Inspired Oasis
Summer Patio Pop-Ups
The Sol Patio+ Provides a Comfortable Place to Wait for a Table
Social Connection Campaigns
Beavertown Brewery's Is This Seat Taken? Campaign Unites Strangers
Toronto Culture Festivals
Big on Bloor Festival is Back for Its 17th Year
Apartment-Concept Boutique Hotels
Sonder at The Liberty Offers Modern Comfort in Toronto
Award-Winning Toronto Hotels
Forbes Travel Guide Recognizes the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
Indigenous-Owned Holiday Events
Aaniin Pop-Up Showcases Indigenous Entrepreneurship
Content Creator News Sources
Creative Brew Offers Daily Insight and News for Content Creators
Personified Wine Campaigns
Wines of Ontario’s Pleasure to Meet You Spotlights Locally Grown Wine
Sustainable Finance Accelerators
Commerzbank Taps Tenity for a New Sustainable Finance Accelerator
Accelerated Pickleball Expansions
Inclusive Place of Pickleball is Set to Open in British Columbia
Digital Nomad Communities
Sorted Nomad is a Community for Insights While Traveling the World
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Legendary Stylist Salons
John Steinberg and Associates Opens a New Salon on Dundas West in Toronto
Friend-Finding Dinners
Timeleft Fights Big-City Loneliness by Matching Strangers for Dinner
Laid-Back Australian-Inspired Bars
Electric Bill Recently Opened Its Doors on Toronto's Bloor St.
Honorary Toronto Capsules
OVO Unveils its 'Hometown Heroes Collection'
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Broken Bike Lock Furniture
Design Students Showcase the People and Places Exhibition
Luxe Culinary Experiences
W Toronto's Limited-Time Tasting Menu Boasts a Blend of Flavors
Inflatable Entertainment Complex Expansions
The Bubble Has Opened Its Second Location in the GTA
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Artist Loft-Resembling Stores
Tutto Bene Took on a New Retail Design Project in Angel, London
Skate Culture Initiatives
The Bunt Jam Hosted By Vans Celebrates Toronto's Skateboard Community
Modern Greek Restaurants
Estiatorio Milos Has Recently Inaugurated Its Second Location in Toronto
Company Culture-Enhancing Communication Tools
Motivosity Has Unveiled a New Feature Called Spaces
Human Connection Design Exhibitions
VERSO Presents the No Discipline Solo Exhibition
Niche Community Builders
Socially is the Community Builder Platform for Niche Creators Everywhere
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
Beginner Business Wisdom
Beginner Maps Uses Insights From Experts to Help New Businesses Thrive
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Filipino-Perspective City Campaigns
'Of Course, Hong Kong' Features Four Local Filipino Creators
Cultural Social Media Documentaries
Hulu Unveils the Black Lives Matter: A People's History Doc
Charitable Recreational Cannabis Dispensaries
Theory Wellness Opens a Store in Trenton, New Jersey
Luxurious Wine Pop-Ups
Kim Crawford will Host a Golden Wine Lounge at The Well Toronto
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Curated Vintage Decor Retailers
Vintage Beyond is Toronto's Newest Preloved Design Destination
Women-Led Toronto Florists
May Flowers Flourishes with a Captivating Approach to Floral Design
Occasion-Driven Apparel Retailers
Windsor Fashions Llc Expands into the Canadian Market
Residence-Transformed Workspaces
Bespoke Only Introduces a Clinton Hill Office Transformation
Casual Refined Dining Destinations
Aloette Has Announced Its Expansion with Aloette Bay
Virtual Entrepreneurial Workshops
autonom.me is Bridging the Gap Between Entrepreneurs and Makers
Interactive Parisian Neighbourhood Apps
NotezParis Let's users Rate Their Experiences in Paris
Collaborative Women's Basketball Initiatives
The WNBA Toronto Franchise Launched NameYourTeam.ca
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Tranquil Old-Charm Boutique Hotels
Somewhere Inn Expands with a 10-Room Location in Collingwood
Corporate Team Building Parties
It's Game Night Revolutionizes Corporate Team Building in Toronto
Startup Promotion Platforms
Spacehunt Offers an Open-Source Directory to Like-Minded People
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Real-Time Social Maps
Mapin is a Social Map That Connects the Community Through Content
Route-to-Market Beverage Brands
TOPIKOS is a New Canadian-Owned Spirit and Beverage Company
Shared Kitchen Initatives
Metro & Food Banks of Quebec Address Food Insecurity
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
Founder Folks Teaches You How Founders Launched Their Business
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
In-Person Community Builders
Spon Empowers People to Build Up Their Communities
Sustainable Public Festivals
Ontario's 'Cloud 9 Festival' Promotes Eco-Friendly Futures
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Toronto Oyster Shop Concepts
Sand and Pearl Will Soon Open Doors to a New Concept in Toronto
Music-Forward Wine Partnerships
The Grange of Prince Edward Winery Expands Its Network
Large Passive House Buildings
Handel Architects Builds the Harmony Commons at UofT
In-Neighbourhood Service Maps
TROT KIT Helps Nomads Find Services Where They Are