TD and Tech Spark Team Up to Help Close the AI Skills Gap for Entrepreneurs

TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2026 /CNW/ - TD Bank Group ("TD") today announced a $1 million donation to support Tech Spark's AI Lit for Entrepreneurs accelerator, designed to help founders harness AI for business growth.

Key takeaways:

• TD is donating $1 million for Tech Spark's AI Lit for Entrepreneurs accelerator, an eight-week program for underrepresented founders to expand AI skills
• According to a recent TD Economics report, while AI adoption is growing among Canadian businesses, AI investment costs for small businesses remain a barrier to use
• TD's community giving, which includes previous funding for Tech Spark, has supported more than 400,000 entrepreneurs over the past eight years

As AI use grows among North American businesses, TD Economics research shows that small businesses often face barriers to adoption. TD funding will support Tech Spark's eight-week AI literacy accelerator, providing 2,000 underrepresented founders tools and training on AI strategy, product innovation, and financial literacy needed to create scalable, future-ready businesses.

"TD is proud of the role we play helping Canadian entrepreneurs compete and grow," said Daniele Farinaccia, Senior Vice President, Small Business Banking at TD. "Through our support of Tech Spark, we're excited to help connect more entrepreneurs with the practical tools and skills needed to put AI to work in their business."

Small businesses are key to Canada's economic success. TD's community giving supports initiatives that can give entrepreneurs the tools to succeed, while helping to deepen the Bank's impact in areas where needs are growing.

"Early in my career, I helped tech entrepreneurs raise millions in funding, so I know the importance of access to capital," said Tamar Huggins, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at TechSpark. "TD's support allows Tech Spark to build on that work, helping small businesses capitalize on AI by building tools they own and operate. Ownership and data sovereignty matter now more than ever. Entrepreneurs need control over their data and the value they create, and we look forward to helping them build businesses that remain competitive as AI shapes the economy."

This announcement builds on TD's support for Spark Plug, a flagship initiative by Tech Spark to use advanced AI to adapt complex content into accessible formats.

"When entrepreneurs build successful businesses, they have the power to transform a community," said Alicia Rose, Associate Vice President, Global Social Impact at TD. "In an economy where AI is fast becoming the norm, supporting Tech Spark's innovative program can help give underrepresented entrepreneurs the AI literacy they need to thrive and grow."

This announcement is aligned with TD's recent $150 billion commitment to help accelerate sectors critical to Canada's economic future, including digital and AI, and direct support for small and mid-sized businesses.

FAQ:

Q: What challenges do small businesses face when adopting AI?

TD Economics research shows that AI investment costs remain a barrier for many small businesses, especially for intangible investments such as training employees, improving data systems, and redesigning businesses processes. Through Tech Spark's free AI Lit for Entrepreneurs accelerator, founders can develop practical capabilities to help apply AI to business growth.

Q: How can entrepreneurs gain AI skills?

Access to training and support can play an important role in helping entrepreneurs develop AI capabilities. Tech Spark's AI Lit for Entrepreneurs accelerator program can help underrepresented founders strengthen their AI capabilities and gain the skills needed to thrive and grow their businesses.

Q: What will entrepreneurs learn through Tech Spark's AI Lit for Entrepreneurs accelerator program?

The eight-week accelerator will provide training focused on AI strategy, product innovation, and financial literacy. The goal is to help participants better understand how AI can support business development and growth.

Q: How can AI help Canadian entrepreneurs stay competitive?

AI has the potential to help businesses improve productivity, support innovation, and adapt to a rapidly changing economy. Through Tech Spark's AI Lit for Entrepreneurs accelerator program, with funding from TD, founders will receive training intended to help them apply AI to business growth and help them build scalable, future-ready businesses.

About TD Bank Group

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group ("TD" or the "Bank"). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by assets and serves 28.2 million clients in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Auto Finance Canada; U.S. Banking, including TD Auto Finance U.S. and TD Wealth (U.S.); Wealth Management and Insurance, including TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing and TD Insurance; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities and TD Cowen. TD also ranks among North America's leading digital banks, with more than 14 million active mobile users in Canada and the U.S. TD had $2.1 trillion in assets on July 31, 2026. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange.

SOURCE TD Bank Group

For more information please contact: Emilie Jones, [e-mail]