Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant

The government is announcing an Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant for small businesses that are subject to closure under the modified Step Two of Roadmap to Reopen.

What you’ll get

Eligible businesses subject to closures as a result of the province’s move to the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen will receive a grant of $10,000.

Eligibility

To receive the grant, a small business must:

• 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

The Ontario government is making it easier for small businesses to access financing. Businesses that previously qualified for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will be pre-screened and verified to ensure they are eligible to receive the new program. Newly established and newly eligible small businesses will need to apply once the application portal opens in the coming weeks. Small businesses that qualify can expect to receive their payment in the coming weeks.

Eligible small businesses include:

• restaurants and bars
• facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)
• performing arts and cinemas
• 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

How to apply

Applications for the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant will be open in the coming weeks.