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
Empowering Remote Workspaces
LAUFT Bridges the Gap Between Work and Life
Woman-Owned Eco Totes
Digital Avenue is a Woman-Founded Spunky Tote Bag Brand Based in Toronto
Biodegradable 3D-Printed Pop-Up Cafes
The Nescafé Dolce Gusto Neo Store is Eco-Focused
Streaming Service Restaurants
The Netflix Bites Pop-Up Serves Dishes from Netflix Series
Hybrid Fitness Boutiques
Safe Sweat™ Offers Private Fitsuites™ for a High-End Workout Experience
Redesigned Hybrid Offices
Mason Studio Redesigned Its Toronto Office For "The Greater Good"
Educational Sober Alcohol Markets
Sobr Market Flagship Store Reopens
Toronto Film Exhibitions
Imposter Cities Exhibition Explores Architecture & Cinematic Authenticity
Vegan Haircare Pop-Ups
DESIGNME Unveils the First Ever Canadian Pop-Up in Toronto
Chic Ballroom Interiors
The Ballroom Bowl Has Made Its Mark in Toronto's Entertainment Landscape
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Eco Storytelling Workwear Campaigns
Patagonia's We Can Get There From Here Tells is Inspiring
Anti-Burnout Beer Campaigns
Heineken Canada Encourages End of 'Hustle Culture'
Luxurious Asian-Inspired Steakhouses
Chambers Presents Itself as Toronto's Premier Supper Club
Toronto Wellness Boutiques
Trove Wellbeing Offers Wellness Services in Toronto
Cozy Mixed-Use Gathering Spaces
npz studio+ Designs "The Square" at Bell Works Chicagoland
DIY Fandom Initiatives
Scotiabank's Make it Merch Launch Promotes Inclusivity & Sustainability
Multicultural Pop-Up Restaurants
OpenTable's Dine London Shares the Taste of Global Destinations
DTC Kitchenware Stores
Kitchenware Brand Our Place Opens its First Physical Store in Los Angeles
Hospitality-Forward Shared Workspaces
East Room Announces New Location Opening in the West End
Tourist Destination Predictions
BonusFinder Canada Used Technology to Predict the Future
Multipurpose Creative Living Spaces
Ab Rogers Design Completes the Fishmarket Studio in Japan
Sustainable Fashion Stores
Cos Unveils Two Stores in Stockholm and Mexico City
Beloved Toronto Greek Restaurants
King West Restaurant Myth Debuts Highly-Anticipated Reopening
Inspiring Multi-Shop Pop-Ups
Pinterest's Possibility Place Immerses Guests in Inspiration
Multi-Use Apartments
Another Seedbed is Located in Brooklyn and Doubles as a Performance Space
Toronto Cannabis Workshops
The Cannabinista Hosted an Infused Mocktail Workshop in Toronto
Multi-Sensory Art Experiences
Arcadia Earth Toronto & Benjamin Von Wong for A Sustainable Future
Culinary Pop-Up Experiences
The RC Show's Pop-Up Experience is an Adventure for the Taste Buds
E-retailer Fashion Pop-ups
The SHEIN Pop-up Shop Experience Opens March 23 at the Eaton Centre
Homemade Meal Delivery Apps
Toronto Food Delivery App Cookin Brings Homemade Meals to Your Door
Modern Private Event Venues
Toronto's Third Place Emerges as a Prime Venue for Events in 2024/2025
Community Commerce Pop-Ups
TikTok Shop UK Opened a Pop-Up on London's Oxford Street
Experiential Social Clubs
Marshalls' Good Stuff Social Club Empowers & Connects Women
Luxury Chinese Cuisine Experiences
Mott 32 Will Open Its Door at the Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto
Toronto Landmark Music Events
The Exhibition Place Music in the Park Series Has a Diverse Lineup
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Private Member Toronto Restaurants
Toronto Restaurant Margo Opens to the Public on April 25, 2023
Multi-Passionate Party Consulting Companies
Pearls and Honey Offers Catering & Event Planning
Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books
New Society Hosts 'Decentralization, Please Save Culture' Event
Wired Grid Open Offices
Office of Tangible Space Designs the Open ScienceIO Office Space
Flavorful Toronto Restaurants
TABLE Fare + Social - Toronto's Newest Culinary Destination
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
Social Good Clothing Drives
SHEIN and New Circles Join Forces for a Clothing Drive on April 20th
Modern Consignment Programs
GotStyle Recently Launched a New Consignment Program
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
Comfort-Focused Wellness Experiences
Hotel X Toronto Now Offers Spa Services Inside Guest Rooms
See-Through Community Hubs
Atelier Boter Builds the F.forest Office with Modern Sensibilities
Toronto Neighborhood Expansions
Spatial Media Offers a Project Overview of the Eastern Waterfront
London-Inspired Sporty Campaigns
Nike Presents the Pulse of London Campaign Honoring the City
Library Literature Merchandise
Toronto Public Library Debuts Chic Merchandise Including Shirts
Young Professional Community Apps
Yuppie Helps Gen Z and Millennials Connect with One Another
Co-Branded Digital Travel Hubs
The Corona Global Hub Spotlights Experiences Rooted in Nature
360 Photo Booths
PhotoboothTO Introduces the Future of Event Photography in Canada
Community-Centric Office Spaces
Shubin Donaldson Architects Designs the Tricon Residential Office
Mom-Centric Hospitality Experiences
The St. Regis Hotel Toronto Offers a Luxurious Experience
Chic Contemporary Fitness Studios
Jaybird Emphasizes Mindfulness and Accessibility
AI-Driven Office Expansions
IBM is Expanding Its Technology Expert Labs in Markham, Ontario
Toronto Milestone Retailers
Carriage Trade Celebrates 60 Years of Luxury and Philanthropy
Virtual Pub Museums
Heineken Pub Museums Spotlight Important Cultural Locations
Curated Office Essentials Collections
Staples Canada Offers Office Essentials for Springtime
One-Stop-Shop Bridal Boutiques
LoversLand Has Everything Wedding-Related in One Marketplace
Canadian Tourism Campaigns
Destination Canada and Caleb Simpson Launch New Travel Campaign
Immersive Trivia Experiences
The Samsung SmartThings Connected Home Experience is Now Open
Sporty Solo Travel Platforms
SurfYogaBeer is a New York City-based Active & Social Travel Company
Luxury Experiential Event Brands
The Concierge Club Expands to the US Market
Social City Exploration Apps
The 'Geometrik' App Connects Citizens and Businesses Together
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
QSR Cafe Apparel Merchandise
Tim Hortons Launches the Tims Run Club Collection of Apparel
Hockey Culture-Inspired Collections
Better™ Gift Shop Pays Homage to Hockey Culture and Toronto
Annex-Based Elevated Restaurants
The Annex Social is a Hidden Gem of the Neighborhood
Whimsical Bright Creative Workspaces
Publicis Groupe's New Workspace is in New York's SoHo
Stock Market-Themed Bars
At The Sauga Bar X-Change, Drink Prices Change Based on Real-Time Demand
In-Arena Content Spaces
TikTok and MLSE Introduced the Creator Zone and a Live Content Series
Anniversary-Honoring Graphic T-Shirts
Places+Faces Launch Collaboration Tees for 10 Years
Humorous Slogan Graphic T-Shirts
Navinder Nangla Joins Converse on the City Tees Initative
Toronto Art Wine Colllabs
The Prisoner Wine Co. and Artist Justin Broadbent Celebrate Canadian Art
Hyper-Local Gym Ads
GymBox's Made for London Life Ads Juxtapose City Living and Gym-Going
Virtual Game Tourism Campaigns
Cape Town Launches a Virtual Game for a New Tourism Campaign
Award-Winning Toronto Hotels
Forbes Travel Guide Recognizes the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
Female-Focused Toronto Networks
Monday Girl Social Club is an Exclusive Network for Women
Game-Inspired Sustainable Streetwear
Broken Planet Unveils it new Space Trails Collection
Kindness-Promoting Local Business Markets
KIND Snacks hosts the KINDness Market in Toronto
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Toronto Fashion Music Festivals
MODECANADAROCKS Spring Equinox Takes Place on March 23
Community-Driven Clothing Companies
'Bombas' Makes a Donation for Each Item Purchased
Online Sustainable Fashion Toolkits
Fashion Takes Action Features an Important Resource
Multiracial Heritage Home Goods
Portmanteau Home: Celebrating Multiracial Heritage in Home Goods
Primary Color-Rooted Cultural Offices
A Team of Designers Join on the Santa Tere Espacio
Content Creator News Sources
Creative Brew Offers Daily Insight and News for Content Creators
Private Haircare Salons
Chatters Hair Salon Just Opened a New Location in Brampton, Ontario
Earthy Tonal Rooftop Lounges
Ace Hotel Toronto Gets the New Evangeline Bar Lounge
Virtual Pizza Restaurants
Pizza Piatta Makes Modern Italian Flatbread Pizza Fresh & Convenient
Summer-Ready Luxe Restaurants
Black+Blue in Toronto Was Designed by Navigate Design
Tech-Focused Restaurant Councils
Lunchbox's Food Tech Council Consists of 15 Professionals
Laid-Back Australian-Inspired Bars
Electric Bill Recently Opened Its Doors on Toronto's Bloor St.
Exclusive Culinary Road Trips
Turo Partners with MICHELIN Guide for Exclusive Experience
Reimagined Hybrid Workspace Designs
Mason Studio Redesigned its Offices in Toronto
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Pocket Concierge Apps
The Scene Matches Users to Restaurants, Bars, Clubs & Cafes
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Inflatable Entertainment Complex Expansions
The Bubble Has Opened Its Second Location in the GTA
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Toronto Restaurant Expansions
Earls Yorkdale, the Newest Flagship Location, Now Open in Toronto
Elevated Vegan Restaurants
Community Resto is a Vegan Haven with a Heart for Giving Back
Foodie Networking Apps
'YourTable' Connects People Through their Love of Foods
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Creator Content Hubs
TikTok Launches a New World Hub to Help Brands Connect with Audiences
User-Generated Toronto Baseball Ads
GO Transit Celebrates Toronto Blue Jays with Fan-Created Ads
Comfort-Focused Business Features
Uber Launches a Series of Features to Benefit Business Travelers
Health-Focused Staff Programs
SOCIETY Debuts the 'SOCIETY Residents' Employee Welfare Initiative
Offline Community Marketplaces
Aerie’s Hidden Gem Marketplace Created a Shared Space for Brands
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Small Business-Supporting Contests
Staples Launches Boost My Biz, Targeted at Canadian Businesses
Occasion-Driven Apparel Retailers
Windsor Fashions Llc Expands into the Canadian Market
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
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
Toronto Restaurant Healthcare Benefits
Big Hug Offers Its Employees Adequate Pay & Health Benefits
Female-Centered Restaurant Concepts
Trust Bae Showcases the Culinary Perspectives of Female Chefs
Small Business Insurance Policies
TD Insurance Launches the New TD Insurance for Business Service
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Circular Luxury Clubs
'More' Supports More Conscious Shopping and More Accessible Luxury
Food-Focused Travel Guide Platforms
'FoodieTrip' Connects Hungry Travelers to Experienced Guides
Community Care Helpers
Senior Care App Tuktu Creates a Network of Taskers to Help with Small Jobs
Libation-Joint Streetwear Collaborations
Places+Faces Teases its Upcoming Work with Havana Club
Tranquil Old-Charm Boutique Hotels
Somewhere Inn Expands with a 10-Room Location in Collingwood
Fostered Design Curations
Brompton Design District Unveil Conviviality: The Art of Living Together
Corporate Team Building Parties
It's Game Night Revolutionizes Corporate Team Building in Toronto
Urban Communal Dining Events
Toronto's Weekly Communal Table Program is Hosted Under a Highway
Branded Small Business Contests
Staples Canada Honors Small Businesses with Boost My Biz Contest
Real-Time Social Maps
Mapin is a Social Map That Connects the Community Through Content
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Stacked Cylindrical City Towers
Heatherqick Studio and Barcode Architects Design the Oopen Tower
Locally Focused Footwear Stores
The Athlete's Foot Opened a Neighborhood Concept Store in Atlanta
Nomadic Professional Handbooks
The Nomads’ Handbook for Co-working Spaces is Extensive
Music-Forward Wine Partnerships
The Grange of Prince Edward Winery Expands Its Network