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
Ultra-Festive Holiday Pop-Ups
Miracle Toronto is Expanding Its Operations for the 2025 Season
Immersive Fashion Pop-Ups
SHEIN Launches Multi-Category Toronto Shopping Experience This Spring
Luxury Retail Expansions
Chanel Expands Its Presence at the Yorkdale Shopping Center in Toronto
Modern Public Library Expansions
The Toronto Public Library Has Purchased a New Property
Immersive Upscale Dining Concepts
The Playbook Commons Merges Culinary Arts with Sports
Pop-Up Recovery Shops
Nike’s Soup Shop in China Redefines Comfort Post-Run Experiences
Nature-Inspired Coffee Boutiques
Nespresso Opens a Retail Location in Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Hotel Portfolio Expansions
Destination by Hyatt Enters Canada with Hotel X Toronto
Unique Concept Clothing Stores
The BASE Store in New York Offers an Unexpected Style Oasis
Social Wellness Clubs
NRG Haus Attracts Community with a Spacious Sauna & Mocktail Lounge
Global Social Impact Initiatives
Reckitt Expands Its Catalyst Program in the US
DIY-Style Vacation Offerings
Marriott Bonvoy Lets Canadian Travelers Curate Their Escapes
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Curated Film Festival Experiences
The St. Regis Toronto Offers TIFF-Inspired Food & Beverage Menus
Store Opening Celebrations
UNIQLO Launches Two Quebec Locations with Community-Focused Events
Thoughtfully Designed Fashion Boutiques
Maison Margiela Establishes Its Canadian Retail Presence
Avant-Garde Tea Store Concepts
Heytea Lab Opens in Toronto's Eaton Center with Exclusive Drinks
Upscale Modern Holiday Experiences
W Toronto Hotel Unveils Festive Offerings Throughout December
Renewed Urban Rooftops
The Heineken Seoul Rooftop Turns Unused Rooftops into Community Spaces
Heritage Lifestyle Collections
Canadian Tire Releases Hudson’s Bay Stripes into a Summer Lineup
Cultural Waterfront Festivals
The Water/Fall Festival Aims to Transform Toronto's Waterfront
Revived Modular Photo Booths
Frames Booth Elevates Toronto’s Photo Scene with a Modern Approach
Eco-Friendly Vehicle Partnerships
Volkswagen Becomes the Official Automotive Partner of TIFF 2025
Social-First Local Shopping Schemes
Shop Local by Tiktok Shop Makes Homegrown Goods Accessible
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Coffee-Inspired Auto Tours
Mazda Canada & Coffee Association of Canada Debut the Mazda Coffee Tour
Social Media Follower-Celebrating Initiatives
Streets of Toronto Marks 600k Instagram Followers
Senior Living Innovation Hubs
The AGE-WELL Innovation Studio Highlights Age-in-Place Solutions
Child-Focused Café Interiors
The Willow Play Cafe Combines Play Spaces and Dining in Toronto
Exclusive Dining Celebrations
bosk will Host its Gastronomic Journey, 'Taste of Shangri-La'
Holiday QSR Pop-Ups
Tim Hortons Unveils a New Pop-Up at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre
Free Neighbourhood Public Festivals
The Cabbagetown Festival in Toronto is Fun and Family-Friendly
Restorative Wellness Clinics
SANA is a New Toronto Clinic Fusing Community and Mindfulness
Fresh Noodle Restaurant Concepts
Marugame Udon Opens Its First Location in Toronto
Dating App Running Clubs
The Tinder Solemates Challenge Sparks Connections in the Strava Community
Adaptive Community Hubs
Spaced Agency Designs a Space Supporting Small Businesses and Culture
Human-Centric Workplace Designs
Moriyama Teshima Architects Designs the OSSTF/FEESO Headquarters
Canadian Beauty Relaunches
The Body Shop Canada Embraces Local Ownership Under New Leadership
Black Beauty-Brand Pop-Ups
SheaMoisture will Host an Immersive Toronto Pop-Up at Stackt Market
Toronto Gastro-Gaming Businesses
OCHE Arrives in Toronto to Enhance the Entertainment Scene
Curated Discovery Stores
The Shelf Spotlights Emerging Food, Drink and Wellness Brands
Limited Edition Peelable Bottles
S.Pellegrino Redesigns its Bottles to Spark Social Interaction
Women-Focused Business Grants
Mastercard Opened Its Small Business Fund 2026 to Canadian Women
Italian Sunday Dinner Experiences
Ruffino Invited Millennials to Slow Down with 'Friends Only'
Community-Centric E-Commerce Initiatives
MyCommunity.Today Delivers Accessible Digital Tools
Creator Theme Parks
Makers Theme Park is a World-First for Hands-On Creativity
Film Festival-Centric Hospitality Programs
The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto is Going All Out for TIFF
Colleague-Connecting Pubs
The Office by Heineken Celebrates the Best Part of Work Culture
Offline Dating Experiences
Beyond Debuts Social Club Prioritizing In Person Connections
Paris Running Pop-Ups
New Balance Paris Marathon Weekend Activates Run House Cultural Space
Nostalgic Branded Pop-Up Events
AriZona Iced Tea Launches a New York City Pop-Up Event
Compassion-Focused Retail Concepts
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day is Running a Compassion Store in Toronto
QSR-Branded Food Truck Tours
Shake Shack Canada is Embarking on Its First-Ever Food Truck Tour
Dynamic Layered Interior Cafés
Café Tondo Transforms a Chinatown Building into a Warm Dining Space
Unique City-Based Culinary Tours
Tasty Tours Expands Its Lavish Culinary Tour Offerings in Toronto
Real Estate Brokerage Openings
Nest Seekers International Opens in Ontario's Yorkville
Expansive Pride Activations
Smirnoff is Amplifying Its Support for the 2SLGBTQI+ Community
Travel Community Platforms
Tripnation Travel Community Connects Through Stories, Groups, & Guides
Charitable Fashion Shows
Bloor-Yorkville BIA and Collaborators Ran Couture for a Cause:
Summer Waterfront Events
Toronto's Harbourfront Centre is Set to Host Culturally Diverse Events
Hyper-Realistic Premium Eyewear Stores
Gentle Monster Opens its First Canadian Flagship in Toronto
Diversity-Focused Entrepreneurs Access Networks
EY Canada Supports 17 BIPOC Entrepreneurs
Wellness Destination Memberships
Sweat & Tonic Unveils Holiday Gift Packages for Fitness Lovers
Luxe Modern Spas
The Cosmopolitan Hotel's SpaZen Offers a Serene Escape in Toronto
Abandoned Coffee Shop Strategies
Good Earth Coffeehouse is Continuing Its Expansion
Marketing Firm Innovation Hubs
Stagwell is Gearing Up to Open Its New Headquarters in Singapore
Art-Led Cocktail Collaborations
MO BAR Singapore Introduced The City of Art Menu
Assistive Mobility Technology Initiatives
Toyota Partners with the MaRS Discovery District
Film-Inspired Hotel Offerings
Shangri-La Toronto Indulges Guests with the Eat, Play, Love Campaign
International Women’s Day Events
W Toronto will Feature Curated Women-Centric Celebrations
Worldwide Service Marketplaces
Airbnb Services are for Booking Everything from Catering to Makeup
Awareness-Raising Shoe Store Concepts
Soles4Souls Canada Highlights What's Important This Season
Embedded Safety Networks
‘Ask for Angela’ Builds Retail-Based Support Systems Across Toronto
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Large-Scale Culinary Destinations
Toronto's Waterworks Food Hall Celebrates the City's Tapestry
Italian Coffee Partnerships
The Lavazza IncluCity Festival is an Immersive Toronto Experience
Multi-Purpose Commercial Spaces
Tenōre Has Opened a Two-Story Flagship Location in Hawaii
Local Social Networks
NearYou Connects Neighbors And Strengthens Local Community Bonds
Book-Themed Bar Concepts
Book Bar is an Upcoming Destination for Shopping, Eating & Connecting
Wellness Recovery Events
Toronto's The Wellness Club Hosts an Immersive Social Wellness Experience
Contemporary Dining Establishment Redesigns
The SOCO Kitchen + Bar at Delta Hotels Toronto is Chic
Adult Social Clubs
Social Club 150 Offers In-Person Events to Connect Adults in Their 40s - 60s+
Community-Centered Rooftop Events
Heineken's Rooftop Revival Turned Building Tops into Social Hubs
Taco-Focused Food Festivals
Taco Fest Expands is 2026 Footprint with an Event in Mississauga
Professional Grade Pickleball Courts
CityPickle Opens Flagship Location in Times Square
Urban Toronto Sanctuaries
Nobu Hotel Toronto will Open its Doors of Summer 2025
Interactive Survival-Focused Exhibitions
The Ontario Science Centre Hosts Survival: the Exhibition
Local Food Discoveries
Streeats Helps You Find Hidden Street Food Gems Recommended By Locals
Novel Stake-Inspired Dining Concept
Paris Steak Officially Opened in Liberty Village on May 5th
Prideful Toronto Pop-Ups
Ink The Rainbow is a New Skittles Pop-Up Operating at Toronto Pride
All-in-One Digital Dining Marketplaces
This OpenTable Marketplace is for Private and Group Dining
Social Networking Hubs
Internet Social Café Lets Users Explore Cafés and Build Online Connections
Multifaceted Cultural Destinations
Hale Muskoka Represents an Ambitious New Cultural Development
Sustainable Eco Towns
Telangana is a Sustainable Eco-Town Inspired by Japan's Kitakyushu City
Urban Climate Solutions
Climate Tech Cities Connects Climate Professionals with Resources & Events
Personalised Immersive Wellness
Emergence at 113 Spring is a New Multi-Sensorial Wellness Curation
Professional Connection-Promoting Campaigns
TheLi.st Spotlights 10 Minutes of Togetherness
Bar-Centric Lecture Events
Sip & Learn Toronto Merges Night Life with Continued Education
Community Travel Platforms
Discover Hidden Gems and Share Locations with TravelShare
Urban Indian Dining Experiences
The Cottage Cheese Features Menus Showcasing Chef-Driven Artistry
Community Engagement Airport Strategies
Ontario International Airport Has Received an Award
Startup Growth Strategies
Do Things That Don't Scale Offers Startup Tactics for Growth
Local Story Creators
Word oh Mouth Lets Users Share Experiences And Support Local Businesses
Real-Time Sharing Apps
MomentsHub Lets You Discover And Share Nearby Experiences Instantly
Canadian Entrepreneur-Focused Marketplaces
Futurpreneur Marketplace Emerges as a Timely Initiative
Cultural Dining Discovery
AuthFoodMaps Helps Users Find Authentic Ethnic Restaurants Nearby
Branded Social Impact Initiatives
Youth To The People Unveils the Community To The People Program
Empathy-First Loyalty Playbooks
SumUp's CEO Highlights Main Street Tactics For Tech Loyalty
Creative Community Platforms
Folks Creates A Space For Product Makers To Share Ideas And Connect
Employment-Focused Charity Initiatives
ComIT Addresses Barriers and Provides Free Tech Training
Fitness Social Clubs
PAKT is Toronto's First Cohort-Led Group Fitness Program
Elegant Spring-Forward Experiences
Shangri-La Toronto Introduced 'Experience Spring in Bloom'
Layered Amenity Offices
The Bell Tower by Ste Marie Transforms Workplace into Amenity Spaces
Experience Cocktail Workshops
SpiritHouse Toronto Transforms Training into Social Experiences
Spring-Inspired Hotel Offerings
The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto Features a Curated Springtime Stay
Grass-Roots Golf Gatherings
HEAD Golf and Links Social Tour Bring Style to Toronto Invitational
Multi-Benefit Wellness Bundles
Hotel X Toronto Introduces a New Experience Wellness Package
Cultural Sports Collaboration
The Weeknd and Toronto Blue Jays Unite for a World Series Collection
Localized Hotel Offerings
W Toronto Introduced its 'Live Local, Stay W' Package
International Conference-Focused City Initiatives
Montreal's Leading Institutions are Partnering
Community Investment Brand Initiatives
Self Space is Running a Community Investment Round
City-Focused Accessibility Resource Platforms
Accessible Towns Helps People Discover Businesses
Social Location Sharing
FriendMap Simplifies Location Sharing To Help Friends Connect In Real Time
Local Event Discovery Tools
'Place To Be' Helps Find and Share Events on an Interactive Map
Local Event Planners
Knowhere Helps You Discover and Attend Local Events With Friends
Targeted Startup Incentive Programs
Sugar Land Launches the 'Sugar Land Starts Up Innovation Fund'
Neighborhood Music Series
Bloor-Yorkville Brings Live Performances to Historic Toronto Park
Repurposed Community Hubs
Mooie Buurt Adds Value to Venues & Unites Locals During Off-Peak Hours
Collaborative Urban Planning Initiatives
Architecture Without Borders Quebec is Community-Focused
Creative Networking Tools
Designer Hikes Builds Community By Connecting Designers Outdoors
Community Engagement Platforms
Tchop Enables Businesses To Build And Own Online Communities
Casual Baking Class Concepts
The Baking Social Makes Baking Fun, Social and Accessible
Collaborative Dining Tools
Where Are We Eating Tonight Helps Groups Decide Restaurants Easily
Social Workplace Branding Tools
Soshial Helps You Build and Grow a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
Empowering Entrepeneur Clubs
Saltbox Introduces 'Upstream' for Loyal Members Looking for Community
Franchise Business-Friendly Programs
Art of Franchising Strengthens Sector in the Philippines
Space Economy Initiatives
Brownsville Launched an Accelerator Program for Aerospace Businesses
Group Dining Finders
Where to Eat Helps Locate Restaurants Convenient for You and Friends
Startup Partnership Platforms
Foundance Helps Startups Find Co-Founders and Structures Agreements
Hospitality Strategy Communities
The PickUp Unites Revenue Managers in One Hub