Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker has announced that applications are now open for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant.
In a release on January 15th, Walker says the grant, which was first unveiled in December, is designed to give a minimum of $10,000 and a max of $20,000 to eligible small businesses in Ontario who have been forced to restrict operations due to COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns. Small businesses that have been forced to close or significantly cut back on operations due to lockdown measures will be able to apply for a one-time grant and use this funding in whatever way makes the most sense for their individual business needs.
Eligible small businesses include those that:
-Were required to close or significantly restrict services due to the Province-wide Shutdown being imposed across the province-Have fewer than 100 employees at the enterprise level.
-Have experienced a minimum of 20 per cent revenue decline in April 2020 compared to April 2019. New businesses established since April 2019 will also be eligible if they meet the other eligibility criteria.
“I have received a lot of inquiries from business owners in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound about this program and I’m happy to see it is now accepting applications,” says Walker. “The grants this program will provide to eligible businesses are vital supports for our local business community during these difficult times.”
"Small businesses are the heart of Ontario's economy," says Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "The Ontario Small Business Support Grant will help thousands of small businesses get through this difficult time, while strengthening our province's economic recovery."
"As the son of two small business owners, I understand what small businesses mean to the families, employees, and local communities they support," says Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. "Our hardworking businesses can be encouraged that the government's new Ontario Small Business Support Grant offers yet another helping hand that will give them the boost they need to meet the challenges of today and prepare for a brighter tomorrow."