Your browser is not supported.
Your browser is too old. To use this website, please upgrade to Microsoft Edge, Chrome or Firefox.

Ontario's Small Business Relief Grant application portal is now open

Posted in News & Updates

Ontario's Small Business Relief Grant application portal is now open

The Ontario Small Business Relief Grant provides a one-time payment of $10,000 to eligible small businesses that have been required to close indoor operations as a result of the province’s modified Step 2 restrictions that came into effect on January 5, 2022.

The Ontario Small Business Relief Grant application portal is now open until March 11 for eligible applications from: 

  • Newly established businesses
  • Businesses that may not have previously applied to the Ontario Small Business Support Grant in 2021
  • Businesses that were previously deemed ineligible but are now eligible.

In the spirit of efficiency, the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade emailed eligible businesses that received previous grants in 2021 to pre-screen their eligibility for this new funding stream. Your business does not need to re-apply if you've completed the pre-screen and were verified to receive this grant.

Find more COVID-19 resources and supports for businesses in our listings

Supports for Businesses

Eligibility

To receive the grant, a eligible small business must:

  • have been required to close due to public health orders that took effect 12:01 a.m. on January 5, 2022
  • have 99 or fewer employees as of December 31, 2021
  • be an active business as of January 14, 2022

Newly established and newly eligible small businesses will need to apply through the application portal.

Eligible small businesses include:

  • restaurants and bars
  • facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)
  • racing venues, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
  • 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
The Ontario Small Business Relief Grant Application Guide provides additional information about applying for the grant.

Learn More

Apply Now

If you need help, call centres are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding government and statutory holidays. 

  • Toll-free: 1.855.216.3090
  • TTY: 416.325.3408
  • Toll-free TTY: 1.800.268.7095

Recent Blogs

Free business training, $10,000 grants available for racialized and Indigenous entrepreneurs

Applications are now open for the 2024-25 Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program providing free access to business coaching, training and $10,000 grants for more than 400 Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs.

St. Catharines unveils new economic development and tourism strategy

The City of St. Catharines unveiled it’s updated economic development and tourism strategy, a guiding document providing policies, programs and initiatives ensuring the City continues its vision to be a safe, innovative, sustainable and caring community today and for future generations. At its September 24, 2024 meeting, St. Catharines City Council approved the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy: 2024 to 2029.

Fat Rabbit a Michelin Guide restaurant in St. Catharines

One of St. Catharines best new restaurants is carving a niche in the Niagara food scene and beyond. Fat Rabbit has been catching everyone’s attention since opening in September 2023, including the renowned Michelin Guide.



More Blogs

Discover Why St. Catharines Is Your Business Advantage

Contact our team of experts for a consultation today.

Get Started

(905) 688-5601