Matt Rubinoff is the founder of STACKT, a shipping container marketplace that brings together customers and businesses through immersive experiences and events across the country.
How did you come up with the idea for STACKT?
The idea for STACKT was really born out of wanting to develop a public space that could bring people and businesses together through immersive experiences and events. We saw a critical need for the sector: small businesses would never typically get the opportunity to showcase a traditional brick-and-mortar store, especially in an affordable way. STACKT is the perfect balance of the two — blending unique consumer experiences with Canada’s driven small-business owners to create a community-focused hub benefitting both locals and retailers.
How did you also ensure it would be financially viable to offer short-term yet relatively affordable rents?
We ensured financial viability by developing a model that — although initially perceived as a higher risk for landlords or licensors due to the absence of guaranteed leases or long-term agreements — significantly increased demand. By offering flexible short-term rental spaces, we reduced the capital investment barrier for tenants, making the spaces more accessible and attractive. These turnkey spaces have a built-in community of guests and like-minded tenants, creating a collaborative environment. This approach effectively balanced affordability for renters with consistent occupancy and revenue for property owners, creating a mutually beneficial solution.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Navigating uncharted territory. Without similar projects in Canada to draw from, we truly started from scratch. This meant collaborating closely with architects, planners, trades, and even the City of Toronto to not only define the vision but also reimagine how spaces could be created to foster community and innovation. It was a similar story when we were pitching the concept to investors, brands, and retailers — there weren’t many comparable success stories we could reference. Every step required a leap of faith and a commitment to proving that this innovative model could redefine how spaces bring people and ideas together.
The space was supposed to be temporary. What changed?
We were so fortunate to secure a 10-year lease extension with the City earlier this year, which recognized our contributions to Toronto’s retail sector and our continued mission of supporting Canada’s entrepreneurs. With this extension, we’re planning for a longer-term stay, providing stability and continuity for the small businesses and the community we love and support. More importantly, we’re proud to offer a public space in an area with dense buildings and few places for people to gather, providing a much-needed destination in the heart of Toronto. I believe the City and the surrounding community both saw the economic and social benefits of having a space like this.
What are the costs of setting up at STACKT for a business, compared to leasing a similar space elsewhere downtown?
Setting up at STACKT offers businesses a unique and flexible alternative to traditional leasing options in downtown Toronto. With rates starting as low as $200 for a day or weekend through our vendor markets, we provide accessible entry points for businesses at all stages of their journey. For those looking for longer-term presence, rates begin at $2,000 for outfitted units that include amenities like Wi-Fi, hydro, and waste management.
This turnkey model allows for rapid setup and minimizes upfront costs, making it significantly more cost-efficient compared to the higher initial investment in long-term commitments typically required for comparable downtown spaces. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur testing the waters or an established brand looking to expand, STACKT provides the flexibility and support to make opening a shop possible.
What’s the vision for expansion?
We’re thrilled to be expanding into several different markets over the next few years. After launching STACKTtˣ earlier this year, our dedicated arm supporting small businesses, we’ve spent a lot of time perfecting the program and spreading the word. We plan to bring this unique retail model to more cities across Canada, including Calgary and Vancouver in 2025. The vision is really about building physical locations that offer small businesses access to pop-up retail spaces, resources, and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Our first STACKTˣ location launched in Ottawa earlier this year and has had great success with six grants given out so far. We’ve seen massive support from each of the cities, which have each shown a growing demand for innovative retail solutions and community hubs. Each municipality has given us great support for STACKTˣ arriving in their city. They see that we share a common goal — to help economies thrive — and that success starts with small businesses.
What do you wish people knew about starting a business?
Don’t be discouraged when things don’t go your way — it’s typically a rollercoaster for most, but it’s a ride I’ve loved and one I encourage others to try. There are so many resources out there to help, but businesses need to know where to look and be open to asking for support.
For instance, STACKTˣ offers small businesses essential tools and resources to thrive, addressing challenges like access to storefronts and professional networks. We also have monthly storefront grants, networking and mentorship, and online resources.
How else does STACKT support small businesses?
Our programs are always evolving as we introduce new features and resources to better support small businesses and founders. We actively listen to feedback and collaborate with the businesses and communities around us to ensure we’re meeting their needs. We are excited to continue with program favourites like our summer festivals, STACKTˣ Social Conference, and Holiday Hills. STACKTˣ will also continue to expand into new markets, helping new businesses across the country.
Is there a podcast you’ve listened to recently that you’d recommend?
I always go back to two podcasts: How I Built This and Acquired. They’re both business-focused and share amazing stories of entrepreneurs and their journeys of growth.
Do you have a New Year’s resolution you’d share with us?
In 2025, I want to push the boundaries of what’s possible by embracing bolder ideas and taking bigger (but calculated) risks. This year will be about stepping outside the comfort zone to explore uncharted territory in creating spaces, business ventures, and life. In 2025, I’m committed to fostering creativity and innovation, where ambitious ideas are not only encouraged but brought to life in new, meaningful ways.