Storefront Starter
8-week training, funding & market opportunities
Ready to grow your business? This program will set you up with free business training through the Boot Camp program, funding opportunities up to $10,000 and access to exclusive alumni perks like market opportunities with ILEO up to two years after graduation.
applications open
applications open
What is the storefront starter program?
Together, the Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity Initiative (ILEO) and Business in the Streets (BITS) are helping local businesses access exclusive business opportunities and up to $10,000 in startup funding to reduce gaps in economic prosperity at a local level.
Phase 1
8 weeks of training in the BITS Boot Camp program from January to March 2026 to develop an actionable mission plan and help you grow your business in the right direction.
Phase 2
After graduating from Boot Camp, ILEO will offer access to exclusive vending opportunities until 2027, helping to increase your revenue and introduce your products to local markets.
Ready to apply? Before you get started, make sure you see your postal code below. This special cohort of Boot Camp is reserved for entrepreneurs located in specific Toronto neighbourhoods, including The Greater Golden Mile and Greater Weston Mount Dennis.
Live in one of these areas? Check your eligibility below!
Greater Golden Mile
Serving postal codes: M1J, M1K, M1L, M3C, and M4A
Greater weston mount dennis
Serving postal codes: M6M, M9N, M6N, and M6L
boost your business with these benefits.
8 weeks of training and mentorship through the BITS Boot Camp program to address the biggest issues in your business
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Access to start-up capital up to $10,000
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Exclusive merchandising support and market opportunities in prime locations in Toronto
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Develop your business skills in a diverse community that cares
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hands-on business training to get you to market.
If you’re feeling drained trying to get your products in front of the right people, BITS and ILEO are on a mission to help.
Our program is designed to help you create more ease in your business by teaching you how to refine your operations, supporting you with funding and helping you grow your local customer base.
Access business training, mentorship, financing and local business opportunities all in one program. Let the Storefront Starter program give you the push you need to succeed and see your business bloom in your own neighbourhood.
Spots are limited.
Meet Storefront Starter Alumni
These Storefront Starter vendors were part of the ILEO Community Market section at the 2025 Spring One of a Kind Show. Watch their videos to hear about their experience with the ILEO Storefront Starter program.
- Stacy Irving, Shandina Organic
—Raven Joyce, Organically You
alumni funding and market opportunities
After graduating from the BITS Boot Camp, you’ll become eligible to apply for the following opportunities:
Apply for the BITS Professional Development Fund for a grant of up to $1,000 to access certifications or additional skills training
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Select participants will be invited to participate in a number of curated and pop-up markets in 2026 and 2027
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Apply for a $5,000 Starter Company Grant from the City of Toronto after graduation
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Apply for the BITS Bucks micro finance program for up to $5,000 (half grant, half loan)
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MEET YOUR FACILITATOR
HaMMAD FASIH
Boot Camp Facilitator
Project Manager, ZCOM Systems, prev. Co-founder, Citruslace
Hammad Fasih has spent over 10 years helping young entrepreneurs turn ambition into action through Business in the Streets. His expertise lies in strategy and digital marketing, with multiple ventures built and scaled through his efforts. As the third partner and Head of Sales and Marketing at Flarian Innovations, he helped grow the business into a multi-million dollar company; and he brings that same skill into the classroom at BITS.
As a mentor and facilitator he’s supported over 100 founders, delivered 250+ hours of training annually, and helped shape some of BITS’ most impactful programs. He’s earned a spot in the Canadian Business Magazine’s Top 500 as the 66th Fastest Growing Company in Canada in 2019, BITS’ 5 Year Recognition Award and a reputation for using a mix of sharp strategy and creative thinking to turn complex ideas into practical steps.
is this program right for you?
You are eligible for this program if you…
Have a registered business with a track record of sales
Have been operating your business for less than 5 years
Are interested and able to sell your products/services at in-person markets between 2026 and 2027
Are located in The Greater Golden Mile or Greater Weston Mount Dennis (M1J, M1K, M1L, M3C, M4A, M6M, M9N, M6N, and M6L postal codes)
Are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
important dates
Friday, January 9th 2026
Application Deadline
Saturday, January 17th 2026
Week 1 (10am to 1pm) - Orientation
Saturday, January 24th 2026
Week 2 (10am to 1pm) - Mission Plan Framework
Saturday, January 31st 2026
Week 3 (10am to 1pm) - Unique Value & Customer Personas
Saturday, February 7th 2026
Week 4 (10am to 1pm) - Marketing
Saturday, February 21st 2026
Week 5 (10am to 1pm) - Sales
Saturday, Februrary 28th 2026
Week 6 (10am to 1pm) - Cash Flow & Income Statement
Saturday, March 7th 2026
Week 7 (10am to 1pm) - Business Presentations
Tuesday, March 10th 2026
Ask An Entrepreneur Panel (6pm to 9pm)
Saturday, March 14th 2026
Graduation and Pitch Day (10am to 3pm)
⭐ Your time with ILEO will begin after Boot Camp training, with market and funding opportunities available from March 14th 2026 to two years post-program
case study: Kristiana transformed her business into a reality
No one in Kristiana’s family had ever owned a business, so she wasn’t sure where to begin. That changed when she was referred to Business in the Streets . After completing YCEO, Kristiana was invited to participate in summer vendor markets free-of-charge as part of the Storefront Starter program in 2024. The invaluable experience and real-time feedback was exactly the push her business needed. And, armed with new insights, today her business Laboterra Cosemetics has grown to be featured in several storefronts in Toronto.
Applications open
Applications open
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Ready to take the next step in your business? Apply to the Storefront Starter program by filling out the form below and a BITS team member will reach out to follow up.