Ontario Is Giving $10K To Small Businesses For COVID-19 Relief & Applications Open Today
Applications can be submitted until mid-March.
If you're a struggling independent business owner trying to stay afloat during Ontario's ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions, a new grant could be the key to keeping your doors open.
The provincial government has officially opened up applications for the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant, which aims to help small businesses that have been forced to close under the modified Step two of Roadmap to Reopen.
Eligible businesses will receive a grant of $10,000.
However, it's worth noting that establishments must meet the following criteria to apply:
- "be required to close due to public health orders that took effect 12:01 a.m. on January 5, 2022
- have fewer than 100 employees as of December 31, 2021
- be an active business as of January 14, 2022."
The government also released an extensive list of small businesses that qualify for the grant:
- "restaurants and bars
- facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)
- racing venues, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
- museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
- performing arts venues and cinemas, museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
- meeting or event spaces
- tour and guide services
- conference centres and convention centres
- driving instruction for individuals
- before- and after-school programs."
Business owners that previously utilized the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will not need to apply for the new program but will be pre-screened to "verify eligibility" and provide additional information.
The Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant applications are open from February 9, 2022, to March 11, 2022.
Anyone interested can apply here.