Ever Wonder How Many Small Businesses Exist in Toronto?
Toronto is a powerhouse for entrepreneurs, with thousands of small businesses shaping the city's economy. Whether it's coffee shops on Queen Street, tech startups in the downtown core, or family-run retail stores in Kensington Market, small businesses are the heartbeat of Toronto. But just how many exist, and which industries dominate the scene? Let’s break it down.
How Many Small Businesses Are in Toronto?
According to the City of Toronto, there are over 97,000 active small businesses in the city. That’s nearly 98% of all businesses operating in Toronto! Small businesses are defined as companies with fewer than 100 employees, and they employ almost half of the city’s workforce.
Photo by: Alireza Khoddam
or @alixrezax
Top Industries for Small Businesses in Toronto
Not all small businesses are created equal—some industries dominate more than others. Here are the most common types of small businesses in Toronto:
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Retail & E-commerce – Clothing stores, vape shops, sneaker resellers, and independent boutiques thrive here.
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Restaurants & Cafés – From fine dining to food trucks, Toronto’s food scene is booming.
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Tech Startups & IT Services – Toronto is Canada’s tech hub, home to thousands of small tech firms.
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Construction & Contracting – Small construction firms and home renovation businesses are everywhere.
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Health & Wellness – Gyms, physiotherapy clinics, and holistic health businesses continue to grow.
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Professional Services – Law firms, marketing agencies, and consultants play a massive role in Toronto’s economy.
Which Small Businesses Are the Most Popular?
Certain business models explode in popularity due to market demand, trends, and consumer habits. Currently, the most popular small business types in Toronto include:
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E-commerce brands – The rise of Shopify and dropshipping has made online retail a major player.
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Delivery-based businesses – Food delivery services, ghost kitchens, and courier companies are booming.
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Health-conscious brands – Juice bars, personal training services, and mental wellness companies are thriving.
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Creative & digital businesses – Web design, video editing, and social media marketing agencies are in high demand.
Why Small Businesses Are Thriving in Toronto
Toronto is a business-friendly city, with strong infrastructure, a diverse consumer base, and government support for entrepreneurs. The city offers programs like: ✔️ Startup grants & loans to help small businesses get off the ground. ✔️ Networking events and incubators for new entrepreneurs. ✔️ A massive consumer base, with over 3 million residents and millions of annual tourists.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever thought about starting a business in Toronto, now might be the perfect time. The city is packed with opportunities, and whether you’re launching a vape shop, an e-commerce brand, or a food joint, Toronto’s small business scene is booming.
Stay tuned for more business insights from 437VAPES, where we keep you up to date on everything from entrepreneurship to lifestyle trends. 😉🔥