Applications Now Open For Ontario's Small Business Support Grant

Up to $20,000 is available to eligible businesses impacted by shutdown.

The Ontario government has opened applications for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant. The grant, first announced in December, provides $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible small businesses who have had to restrict their operations due to the Provincial shutdown. The Grant is intended to help thousands of small businesses get through this difficult time, while strengthening our province's economic recovery.

Eligible Ontario small business owners can visit Ontario.ca/COVIDSupport to access the support our government has made available, and find more information about available rebates.

Small businesses required to close or significantly restrict services under the shutdown can apply for a one-time grant and use this funding in whatever way makes the most sense for their individual business needs. For example, some businesses could need support paying employee wages, while others could need assistance with their rent.

Eligible small businesses include those that:

• Were required to close or significantly restrict services due to the province-wide shutdown that came into effect at 12:01 a.m. on December 26.
• Have fewer than 100 employees at the enterprise level.
• Have experienced a minimum of 20 per cent revenue decline in April 2020 compared to April 2019. New businesses established since April 2019 will also be eligible if they meet the other criteria.

Businesses impacted by the Province-wide shutdown are also eligible for additional supports, including the government's program to provide rebates to offset fixed costs such as property tax and energy bills. These rebates will continue to be available for businesses impacted by the Province-wide shutdown and earlier restrictions.

Quick Facts

• Businesses must demonstrate that they experienced a revenue decline of at least 20 per cent when comparing monthly revenue in April 2019 and April 2020. This time period was selected because it reflects the impact of the public health measures in spring 2020, and as such provides a representation of the possible impact of these latest measures on small businesses.
• New businesses established since April 2019 will also be eligible if they meet the other criteria. They will be able to select alternative months for comparing revenue decline through the application portal. In addition, winter seasonal businesses, such as ski hills, will be permitted to compare revenue from December 2019 or January 2020 to December 2020.
• This program is a separate one than the program offered by Federal Government support (CEBA) and a member may qualify for both.