TORONTO – Applications for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grants opened on January 15, 2021. Small businesses, such as retail stores that that have had to restrict their business operations due to the Provincewide Shutdown are eligible. The grant provides a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000. This one-time grant can be used how the business owner sees fit such as employee wages or rent.
Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board recognizes that businesses have faced and continue to face unparalleled challenges due to the global pandemic. If you are a small business owner and are eligible, Bethlenfalvy encourages you to apply for the support the Ontario government has available.
Eligibility for the small business grant, you must meet the following criteria:
- You were required to close or significantly restrict services such as close for in-person shopping due to the Provincewide Shutdown being imposed across the province on December 26, effective 12:01 a.m.
- At the enterprise level, have fewer than 100 employees
- If in April 2020 compared to April 2019, you experienced a minimum of 20 per cent decline in revenue decline. New businesses established since April 2019 will also be eligible (other eligibility criteria is required for new businesses)
The Ontario government is also providing additional support for businesses in rebates to help with fixed costs such as property tax and energy bills.
To see full details and if you are eligible for the grant and what other rebates are available to you, visit Ontario.ca/COVIDsupport
View the full press release HERE.