In The Media

the 50 most influential torontonians of 2020

#8 - He’s linked to every notable tech leader in the city, including Michael Katchen, Allen Lau and Ray Reddy. Rickett’s connections, plus his boundless energy and sheer force of will, are behind his deserved reputation for getting stuff done.

“This is Toronto’s tech community coming together to save Main Street businesses and artists”

Speaking with Chris Rickett, it’s immediately clear why he was an easy choice to head up Toronto’s pandemic business mitigation and recovery strategy. He is unabashed in his enthusiasm for startups, passionate about them surviving the crisis and outspoken about what’s needed — and what isn’t — to help them do so.

CITY OF TORONTO RECLAIMS STARTUP LEAD AS IT RESTRUCTURES TO BETTER FIGHT COVID-19

Chris Rickett, the former manager of entrepreneurship services at the City of Toronto, has returned to a role in the municipality, BetaKit has learned. According to sources familiar with the announcement, made today at the City, Rickett was named an acting director to support both Main Street and startup businesses in Toronto as they struggle to outlast the COVID-19 pandemic.

PODCASTS

Digital Main Street: A guide to community economic development - Community Revival by 13 Ways

Among the many things COVID-19 has disrupted, none may be as public as the shift in consumer behaviour and the ripple effects on small businesses in our communities. Despite a rise in demand for local products and services, there has been a lack of coordinated support for business owners navigating immense change.

Helping main street businesses survive COVID-19 - Municipal World

From the City of Toronto, Chris Rickett joins us to talk about the impact of COVID-19 on main street as business grinds to a halt for most stores and services – and his job: helping to make sure they can survive the continuing crisis.