Ontario Small Business Support Grant: $10k-20k COVID-19 Support Funding
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 $40K-$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.
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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.
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.
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.