Small businesses that are struggling during the pandemic can now apply for $20,000 in help from the Ontario government.
Applications recently opened for the Ontario Small Business Grant Program.
"So this program would allow small businesses, under 100 employees, who are affected by the lockdown or closed by the lockdown or significantly impacted, and have seen a 20 per cent drop in revenue [since April 2019], they can apply online for a one-time grant of up to $20,000," said Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. "And the money, if they qualify, is unconditional -- they can use it for whatever they need to."
In a interview with Blackburn News, Bethlenfalvy said seasonal and newer businesses, ones that weren't in operation in April 2019, can also qualify.
He said there is no limit on how many businesses can apply, and that so far, the response has been tremendous.
"Since we opened it on Friday, we've processed over 20,000 businesses that have successfully applied -- that's a big number," he said. "Just by the volume that we've seen in the first two-and-a-half, three days, this is obviously a very popular program. And as I said at the outset, many businesses have told us that this is the difference between sinking and swimming."
Bethlenfalvy added they're seeing quite a few types of businesses applying.
"Restaurants, retail, personal care, sports and recreational, in-person teaching, the list goes on, domestic services. So it really is a broad range and we've tried to cast the net as wide as possible," he said.
Bethlenfalvy said applications are being accepted until March 31 and that it only takes about 15 minutes to apply.
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