TDS News – The Ontario government has to-date provided more than $1 billion through the Ontario Small Business Support Grant to help eligible business owners affected by the COVID-19 restrictions. The grant provides a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000 and can be used in whatever way makes the most sense for individual businesses; from paying employee wages, to offsetting the cost of rent, to purchasing inventory.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Ontario’s economy employing local people in communities across the province,” said Premier Ford. “The sad fact is these business owners have suffered significantly through the pandemic, but we have had their backs with programs like the Ontario Small Business Support Grant. So far the uptake of these grants has been tremendous, and I strongly encourage all business owners to apply and access this financial relief.”

More than 78,000 Ontario Small Business Support Grant applications from small businesses across the province have been processed representing more than $1 billion in support. Upon approval, successful applicants will receive payment within 10 days. Applications are still open until March 31, 2021 and a detailed step-by-step instructional video on the application portal is available to help guide applicants through the process.

Carter Vu, owner of an Atlanta hair salon bearing his name, checks the hair color treatment on Ann Walsh on April 24, 2020, the first day such businesses were allowed to open in the US state of Georgia after a four-week lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Michael Mathes / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL MATHES/AFP via Getty Images)

“Our government is providing small businesses with the flexible financial support they need to address their needs and manage through this pandemic,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “The Ontario Small Business Support Grant and other supports are helping thousands of small businesses get through these trying times, to make sure that they are still around to contribute to our strong economic recovery.”

Eligible small businesses can also apply for additional financial supports including the newly expanded Main Street Relief Grant, which provides up to $1,000 to help offset the costs of purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE). The grant is now available to main street businesses with 2 to 19 employees in all eligible sectors, helping up to 60,000 small businesses in the retail trade, accommodation and food services, repair and maintenance, personal and laundry services, gyms and yoga studios, and arts, entertainment and recreation.

“Our top priority was to facilitate a support program for small businesses that, once approved, we could get to businesses quickly. There was a tremendous team effort that moved mountains to reach this $1 billion milestone,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. “I am heartened by the uptake of this grant by small businesses in every corner of the province.”