TORONTO — The Ontario government is providing a $10,000 relief grant for eligible small businesses that are subject to closures under the modified Step Two of re-opening. The application portal will open in the coming weeks, and small businesses that qualify can expect payment in February 2022.
Eligible small businesses include:
- Restaurants and bars
- Facilities for indoor sports and fitness centres
- Performing arts and cinemas
- Museums, galleries, aquariums, botanical gardens and other similar attractions
- Meeting or event spaces
- Tour and guide services
- Conference and convention centres
- Driving instruction
- Before- and after-school programs
The government is also providing electricity-rate relief for 21 days starting Jan. 18, 2022 to support small businesses, as well as workers and families spending more time at home. Electricity prices will be set 24 hours a day at the current off-peak rate of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is less than half the cost of the current on-peak rate.
In addition, online applications for the previously-announced Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program will open on Jan. 18, 2022.
“Our government understands that public-health measures needed to blunt the spread of the Omicron variant are impacting the lives and livelihoods of small businesses, workers and families across Ontario,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance in a press release. “Since the first day of the pandemic, we have provided unprecedented levels of support to protect people, jobs and our economy. We will continue to deliver on that commitment.”
“Small businesses, job creators and the entrepreneurial spirit are the backbone of Ontario’s economy. Unfortunately, these businesses have been some of the most impacted by COVID-19, and many continue to struggle,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade in a press release. “Since the start of the pandemic, we have provided unprecedented supports for businesses in every region of the province. With the new Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant, our government will provide relief for thousands of small businesses that create jobs for hard working Ontarians.”
For more information on government supports, click here.
