Details of a new grant called the Ontario Small Business Support Grant have just been released by the Ontario government. This grant will provide $10,000 to $20,000 in funding for eligible businesses.

Who is eligible?

• Click here for a list of types of business activities that are eligible.
• Organizations that were required to close or significantly restrict services due to the Provincewide Shutdown that became effective on 2020-12-26, AND
• Have fewer than 100 employees across all commonly controlled organizations, AND
• Have experienced a minimum of 20% drop in revenue in April 2020 when compared to April 2019. (New businesses and seasonal businesses can use an alternative comparative period.)

Who is NOT eligible?

• Businesses already required to close prior to the modified Stage 2 provincial health measures on October 10, 2020.
• Businesses still open but with reduced restrictions (e.g., grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies)
• Businesses owned by the government or by a personal holding federal or provincial office.

What do I get and when?

• The minimum amount is stated to be $10,000 and the maximum $20,000.
• There is no mention in current publications of how the amount is calculated for each recipient.
• Recipients can use the support in any way that makes sense for their organizations.
• Eligible organizations are also eligible for the property tax and energy cost rebate.
  • This grant will be based on property taxes and energy costs incurred when the targeted health restrictions are in place.
  • Specific amounts have not yet been published.
• Organizations that are entitled to the Ontario Small Business Support Grant may also be eligible for Ontario’s Main Street Relief Grant.
  • This will be determined during the application process.
  • Provides one-time grants of up to $1,000 for PPE.
• Payments are expected to be issued within 10 business days after application.
• Payments will be made via EFT to the bank account provided during the application process.

When and where do I apply?

• You can apply now!
• Click here to apply for any/all of the 3 Ontario grants.
• Application closing date is March 31, 2021.

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List of Eligible Business Activities

• Before- and after- school programs
• Campgrounds
• Cannabis retail stores
• Cell phone and computer providers & repairs
• Community centres and multi-purpose facilities
• Conference centres and convention centres
• Day camps for children
• Domestic services
• Drive-in cinemas
• Driving instruction
• Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)
• Garden centres
• Hardware stores (including Big Box stores) required to close for in-person shopping
• In person teaching and instruction
• Media industries including film and television production (excluding radio/television broadcasting)
• Meeting or event space
• Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attraction
• Outdoor markets (excluding grocery)
• Outdoor sports and recreation facilities
• Performing arts and cinemas
• Personal care services relating to the hair or body (excluding oxygen bars)
• Personal services
• Pet/animal food and services
• Photography services
• Racing venues, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishment
• Rental and leasing services (including automobile, commercial and light industrial machinery and equipment rental)
• Restaurants and bars
• Retail required to close for in-person shopping
• Safety, medical and assistive devices retail (excluding pharmacies)
• Shopping malls
• Ski hills
• Tour and guide services
• Vehicle and equipment repair services
• Veterinary services