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.