Release Date: Jan 7, 2022
The Ontario government is providing targeted relief for businesses and people impacted by current COVID-19 public health measures.
Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant
Small businesses subject to closures under the current modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen are eligible to receive a grant payment of $10,000.
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;
- Meeting or event spaces;
- Tour and guide services;
- Conference centres and convention centres;
- Driving instruction for individuals; and
- Before-and-after school programs.
The application portal will open in the coming weeks, with payments expected to occur in February 2022.
NOTE: Businesses who qualified for the earlier Ontario Small Business Support Grant will not need to apply to the new program.
Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program
Under the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program, businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity due to current public health measures can receive rebate payments up to 100% of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these measures.
Online applications open January 18, 2022.
Electricity Rate Relief
For 21 days, starting at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, electricity prices will be set 24 hours a day at the current off-peak rate of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour – less than half the cost of the current on-peak rate. This rate applies to residential, small businesses and farms who pay regulated rates set by the Ontario Energy Board and get a bill from a utility and will benefit customers on both Time-of-Use and Tiered rate plans.
Improved Cash Flow
To support businesses in the immediate term and provide flexibility for long-term planning, the Ontario government will be providing a six-month interest and penalty-free period to make payments for most provincially administered taxes; beginning January 1, 2022 and ending on July 1, 2022.
Find out more
