Eligibility
The list of eligible small businesses provided by the government includes:
- 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 and convention centres
- driving instruction for individuals
- before- and after- school programs
Furthermore, eligible small businesses that previously qualified under the Ontario Small Business Support Grant (last available in early-2021) and are also subject to closures under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Repoen will not need to reapply for the new grant as they will be “pre-screened” for eligibility. Businesses that are newly established may also be eligible for the new grant.
Additional measures
The Ontario government recently introduced the following measures for small businesses:
- Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program offers rebates on property tax and energy costs
- a cap on electricity rates for 21 days
- six-month interest and penalty-free on most provincially administered taxes as of January 1, 2022.
