Rebuilding Canada’s Small Business Economy
Canada’s small-business landscape is shrinking; home-based production offers a path to renewal and resilience.
A New Model for
Local Manufacturing and Self-Reliance
GarageShops.ca is a national initiative by Makers Connect that transforms residential garages into small workshops for modern entrepreneurs.
Apply Online — Turn Your Space Into a Shop
Start your journey by submitting a quick online application at GarageShops.ca. Our team will review your space, confirm eligibility, and guide you through the process.
Retrofit & Setup — Funded Upgrades for Your Workspace
Once approved, your garage will be evaluated by a certified retrofit team to ensure it meets safety, electrical, and environmental standards.
Join the Network — Training, Mentorship & Community
After your retrofit is complete, you’ll be welcomed into the Makers Connect Network, a national community of small-scale producers, inventors, and creators.
Launch Your Business — Create, Produce & Thrive
Once your shop is operational, you’re ready to start producing and earning. Sell directly through the Makers Connect platform, local markets, or your own channels.
Help Canadians work, create, and produce locally — with government-funded retrofits, equipment, and training.
Key Features:
✓ Funded retrofits for safety, power, and ventilation
✓ Tools and equipment grants (starting with freeze-dryers)
✓ Training and mentorship via Makers Connect
✓ National network of home-based micro-enterprises
Join the GarageShops Network
Transforming Your Garage — Step by Step
Rebuild Canada’s small-business economy from the ground up by empowering every household to become a centre of innovation, production, and community resilience.
Preserve More Than Food — Preserve the Future.
The Freeze-Dryer Pilot: The 2026 Ontario Pilot launches with 1,000 funded freeze-dryer installations, helping families and small businesses contribute to local food security and create new income streams.
Canada’s garages built the nation’s first generation of innovators.
It’s time to rebuild that legacy — with the tools, funding, and policy support to make every household a centre of production again.
Get Involved.
Whether you’re a homeowner, policymaker, or investor — GarageShops.ca is open for collaboration. Email us at info@garageshops.ca
Working Together to Rebuild Canada’s Local Economy
Whether you’re a homeowner, policymaker, or investor — GarageShops.ca is open for collaboration.