Ontario Small Business Support Grant: $10k-20k COVID-19 Support Funding
UPDATE: The Ontario 2021 budget has topped this program up with additional funds to support more Ontario businesses.
As the mandated provincewide lockdown is in effect in Ontario to help stop the spread of COVID-19, many businesses need support, and the Ontario government has swiftly responded by introducing the Ontario Small Business Support Grant. This program is currently accepting applicants as of January 15, 2021.
The Ontario Small Business Support Grant will help offset decreased revenue because of the Ontario-wide lockdown.
This grant coincides with other Ontario COVID-19 business relief programs such as the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), which offers $60K-$1M interest-free loans to help support fixed operating costs.
Amount of Funding You Could Receive
The Ontario Small Business Support Grant will grant small businesses between $10,000-$20,000 to help cover decreased revenue expected as a result of the provincewide lockdown.
Businesses Eligible for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant
The Ontario Small Business Support Grant defines eligible small businesses as those that:
- Are required to shut down or have been significantly restricted due to the mandated shutdown;
- Have fewer than 100 employees; and
- Have experienced a minimum of 20% revenue decline in April 2020 compared to April 2019.
- Those not yet in business between April 2019-2020 will have their eligibility requirements announced soon.
Ineligible Businesses:
- Businesses that were forced to shut down before the second-wave lockdown;
- Essential businesses that are permitted to operate with capacity restrictions; or
- Businesses with 100+ employees.
How to Apply for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant
Applications for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant have now opened. You can apply for the grant program on the Ontario Small Business Support Grant page.
Additional COVID-19 Support Programs
Find other coronavirus funding programs from the Canadian federal and provincial governments by visiting the Mentor Works COVID-19 support page to learn more about programs such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS).
Register for a Mentor Works COVID-19 business funding webinar to learn more about the latest coronavirus funding programs from the Canadian government and find out how our team of grant and loan application writers and planners can help your business find and receive federal and provincial funding.
Hi can you apply for the Ontario small business grant if your a sole proprietor??
Hi Robert – It really depends on the program. Many of them do not allow sole proprietors, but some do. We would recommend that you reach out to the program directly and/or look at their program guidelines to determine if a specific program allows that type of applicant. All the best.
Hello…I was just told about this grant and upon researching the eligibility criteria I qualify, as a self employed hairstylist, in my 3rd lockdown, on the brink of bankruptcy … except it’s mid June.
Has anyone heard of any exceptions to this deadline…
Can’t believe I missed this…
Hi Lee – We’re consistently updating our COVID-19 Funding Resources page, so we would recommend you browse that page for other support options that might help you out. All the best.
Hi is this a grant or do I have to pay it back
Hi Tammy, this is a grant. Thanks for stopping by mentorworks.ca.
Will there be any hidden costs once the grant is received? HST? Afraid to spend any of it if some has to be paid back. Thanks
Hi Julie – Most non-repayable government funding is classified as revenue, so will be taxed as such. We would encourage you to read each funding program’s contribution agreement before signing so that you are aware of the tax implications, reimbursement timeline, and the form of funding.
How can we upload our hydro n gas bills?
Hi Sherri – For details on the application process and contact information support, please visit the Ontario Small Business Support Grant website.
Can I apply for this Ontario Grant IF I already have applied and used Rent Subsidy, Wage Subsidy and CEBA Loan for 60,000 from the Federal government?
Hi Sam – Eligibility details like this will be available via the Ontario Small Business Support Grant website.
I did not find an answer on the support grant website clarifying whether someone can receive the CEBA and the small business support grant. Could you answer yes or no or provide a reference to this? Thank you
Hi Jason – If you visit the Ontario Business Support Grants webpage and select the “I am a new applicant” option to apply for funding, you will be met with an eligibility checklist that should clear up any questions you have about your eligibility for the program.
Looking to start up a small business shortly . How can I apply for a grant for this? Leaving the corporate world and need assistance with start up
Hi Carrie – Congratulations on starting a new business. We would recommend you refer to this list of Startup Resources, as the options listed on that page will help you get your business idea off the ground with strategic and financial resources. All the best.
Hi , who do I contact regarding my small business grant application?
Hi Leanne – You can apply via the Ontario Small Business Support Grant website.
Hello, can this grant be used to start or purchase a business ?
Hi Nick – This grant is to support already established businesses to help them endure the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, if you are looking to start a business, we would recommend consulting the list of Startup Resources that might be relevant to your situation.
Hi I had applied the grant but haven’t hear it back it’s been more the 10 days now. What should I do now
Hi Neelam – We are not affiliated with the government, so we would recommend you reach out to them directly. All the best.
Who/what determines the amount of the grant i.e., who would get $10,000; who would get $20,000? My business was closed/locked down for 6 months in 2020 – how are these figures determined and can you submit a review/appeal?
Hi Nadia – Your application will determine how much you are eligible for based on the information you provide, which includes your company details, corporate expenses, and the effects COVID-19 have had on your business.
is hvac industry company eligible for this grant? Also is status received is not eligible is there a number to call to ask why?
Hi Ely – The government’s website will help you determine your eligibility for the program. Please visit the Ontario government’s COVID-19 Business Support Grants webpage and select “I am a new applicant” to view the eligibility criteria.
I took over an existing business in November 2020. Will I be eligible? If, yes shall I apply as a new business or an existing business showing comparison of revenue of April 2019 with April 2020?
Hi MT – If you visit the Ontario Business Support Grants webpage and select the “I am a new applicant” option to apply for funding, you will be met with an eligibility checklist that should clear up any questions you have about your eligibility for the program.
Hello,
Can I apply if I have a e-commerce store?
Ali
Hi Ali – One of the requirements is that eligible businesses must have been required to shut down or have been significantly restricted due to the mandated shutdown. As an e-commerce store, you would need to justify how you were shut down or significantly restricted. Please note that eligibility is subject to change and please refer to the official eligibility criteria and checklist found on the Ontario Business Support Grants webpage.