Restaurant Support Programs in Canada

restaurant business in Canada

Running a restaurant in Canada has never been simple, but 2025 has put new pressures on owners. Rising food costs, ongoing labour shortages, and changing consumer habits have left many independent operators searching for ways to adapt. At the same time, a range of grants, financing options, and community initiatives are available (some national, others provincial or even local) that can help keep doors open and staff employed.

We reviewed the most relevant programs available today and added historical examples of past nationwide program efforts to give context on how the Canadian restaurant industry has been supported in recent years.

Key Facts About the Canadian Restaurant Industry (2025)

Before looking at support options, it’s worth grounding the discussion in the numbers. Restaurants are still a cornerstone of the Canadian economy, but the sector is under stress. These figures show why structured funding, training, and marketing programs are so important right now.

Quick facts:

  • More than 80% of restaurants in Canada are small businesses, often family-run.
  • The sector employs over 1.2 million Canadians, making it one of the country’s largest private employers.
  • 2024 saw a 30% increase in bankruptcies compared to 2023, reflecting higher costs and weaker margins.
  • Over 70% of consumer orders are now takeout or delivery, reshaping the way restaurants plan menus and staff shifts.
Restaurant in Canada

Federal Restaurant Support Programs

Canada has a handful of nationwide options that apply to foodservice operators regardless of province.

Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)

Through CSBFP, restaurant owners can access loan guarantees of up to $1 million for equipment, leasehold improvements, and working capital. We’ve seen this used by independent cafés upgrading their kitchens and by mid-sized chains renovating multiple locations. Applications go through banks or credit unions, with the federal government backing the risk.

#BlackFoodEnergy Restaurant Grant

Launched by DoorDash in partnership with the Black Opportunity Fund, this initiative provides grants of more than $10,000 to Black-owned restaurants across Canada. The program doesn’t just provide cash. It highlights equity and entrepreneurship within the Canadian restaurant industry. For many recipients, it has meant the ability to modernize point-of-sale systems or invest in new marketing.

Amex–DMZ Small Business Grant + Mentorship

This program combines funding with structured business guidance. While not restaurant-specific, many foodservice entrepreneurs qualify. Recipients gain access to cash support plus mentorship from the DMZ accelerator community, which has become especially valuable for owners looking to diversify revenue streams beyond dining rooms.

Canadian restaurant concept

Provincial Initiatives and Grants

While federal programs set a baseline, many of the most practical supports come at the provincial or city level.

British Columbia – B.C. Employer Training Grant (ETG)

This program reimburses 80% of training costs up to $10,000 per employee (maximum $300,000 per employer per year). Restaurants have used it for FoodSafe certifications, digital ordering training, and leadership courses for managers. It’s a direct response to B.C.’s labour shortages and helps employers retain staff.

Nova Scotia – Small Business Loan Guarantee Program

Unique to Nova Scotia credit unions, this program provides up to $500,000 in financing for start-ups, expansions, or working capital. The province backs a significant portion of the loan, making it easier for restaurants with limited collateral to secure credit. Local operators told us it has been a lifeline for renovations and seasonal cash-flow gaps.

Quebec (Montréal) – Local Revitalization & Renovation Programs

Artère en transformation offers subsidies (up to $250,000) for businesses on streets disrupted by major infrastructure works. Several Montréal cafés have relied on it to offset losses during construction.

Commerce-Montréal Renovation Grant covers up to 40% of eligible renovation costs (maximum $50,000) for interior or exterior upgrades. For restaurants, this often means façade refreshes, patio improvements, or accessibility upgrades.

Ontario – Taste of Burlington Prix-Fixe Program

This municipally supported dining event gives participating restaurants a promotional boost by featuring them in a prix-fixe seasonal campaign. Restaurants gain visibility through the city’s marketing and benefit from diners motivated to try new spots at a fixed price. Operators consistently report higher foot traffic during the program.

International Programs Available in Canada

Not every program is run by the government. Some of the most creative initiatives come from corporate partnerships with a global reach but a Canadian focus. These often provide direct funding to small, independent restaurants that contribute to cultural diversity and community life.

Backing International Small Restaurants (Amex + IDA)

First launched in 2022 and expanded globally in 2024, this program offers $20,000 CAD grants to independent restaurants in Toronto and Montréal. The focus is on establishments with cultural or community significance. One example is Bocadillo, a Venezuelan restaurant in Montréal that used the funds to improve both its physical space and its digital presence.

Past Programs – Rally for Restaurants

No list of restaurant initiatives would be complete without noting Rally for Restaurants, a creative effort by Stella Artois during the pandemic. The concept was simple: when a consumer purchases a gift card for a local restaurant, Stella Artois added a $10 bonus.

Restaurants could sign up online, and customers could buy digital cards for any participating restaurant across Canada. Over time, the program featured names ranging from Earls Vaughan and Earls Guildford to Piano Piano Restaurant, Table 51 Laval, and even independents like Tipsy Pelican and MJs Roadhouse. Menus highlighted in the campaign included dishes like mushroom cavatelli, butter chicken schnitzel, and favourites from Roosters Bar, Sofia Yorkville, Uai Pizzeria, and Fool and Flagon.

It was a nationwide program with real impact: gift cards kept cash flowing when dining rooms were shut, and local diners discovered new spots to support.

Important note: Rally for Restaurants is now over. This site is not affiliated with Stella Artois, Stella Restaurant, or the campaign’s organizers. We reference it here as an example of how the Canadian restaurant industry has previously benefited from creative, large-scale support.

“Don’t wait until your restaurant is in financial trouble to explore these programs. Many grants and loans are designed for growth, not rescue. Apply while you’re still stable, when you can demonstrate a clear plan for using the support effectively.”

FAQs – Restaurant Support in Canada

❓Can all restaurants apply for these programs?

Not all. Federal programs like CSBFP are open to most small businesses, while provincial and local grants vary. Some, like the #BlackFoodEnergy program, target specific communities.

❓Are these grants and loans only for new restaurants?

No. Many are designed for existing operators needing to renovate, expand, or retrain staff. Start-ups may qualify as well, especially under CSBFP or Nova Scotia’s loan guarantee.

❓Where should a restaurant owner start?

Begin by identifying the challenge (financing, training, or marketing) then match it with the relevant program. Provincial websites and credit unions are usually the first stop.

❓Can I apply for multiple programs at once?

Yes, as long as they don’t cover the same expense. For example, you could combine a loan for renovations with a grant for training staff.

❓Do I need to repay restaurant grants?

Grants are non-repayable, but loans and credit-union guarantees must be repaid. Always check the terms carefully.

Where to Start

If you’re considering support, begin with the official pages for each program. They provide application forms, eligibility checklists, and deadlines: