Toronto has more than 160 public markets with over 3,000 entrepreneurs selling their products.

A 2024 OCAD University study found that difficulty growing a network, inability to leave a full-time job due to finances and confusion over regulations and taxes are some of the barriers that entrepreneurs face.

Daniel Taylor, the executive director of the Neighbourhood Food Project, says the lack of resources to support entrepreneurs calls for more neighbourhood-level launchpads that are easily accessible.

“We don’t have an inclusive system in Canada set up for entrepreneurs. Even if you come from a privileged background, there are huge barriers to launching. You need to take out the kind of business loans, have the kind of credit scores, but also have an understanding of how our system works

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