Mississauga businesses to receive $10K to help them stay afloat during COVID-19 lockdown

Restaurants, bars, gyms and other small businesses in Mississauga and across Ontario struggling to stay afloat during the most recent COVID-19-related public health measures received a $10,000 lifeline today from the provincial government.

In a news release today, the Ontario government said it’s providing “targeted relief for businesses and people impacted by the current public health measures aimed at blunting the spread of the Omicron variant.”

Part of the plan, the Province says, is a $10,000 COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant for eligible businesses that are closed under the government’s latest “roadmap to reopen” initiative.

ONTARIO NEWS RELEASE: Ontario Providing Supports for Small Businesses, Workers and Families.

Read more: https://t.co/OFTfxPwbKT#MBOT #Mississauga #SmallBusinessSupport

— Mississauga Board of Trade (@MBOTOntario) January 7, 2022

Eligible businesses, and workers and families forced to spend more time at home will also receive additional electricity-rate relief under the plan.

Earlier this week, the Mississauga Board of Trade, which represents thousands of Mississauga small businesses, expressed dissatisfaction with levels of government support.

The Ontario government says it’s answering the call for help, starting with today’s announcement.

“Our government understands that public health measures needed to blunt the spread of the Omicron variant are impacting the lives and livelihoods of small businesses, workers and families across Ontario,” said Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. “Since the first day of the pandemic, we have provided unprecedented levels of support to protect people, jobs and our economy. We will continue to deliver on that commitment.”

Small businesses eligible for the $10,000 relief grant include:

• restaurants and bars
• indoor sports/recreational fitness facilities (including fitness centres and gyms)
• performing arts and cinemas
• museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
• meeting/event spaces
• tour and guide services
• conference centres and convention centres
• driving instruction for individuals
• before- and after-school programs

Eligible businesses that previously qualified for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will be pre-screened to verify eligibility and will not need to apply to the new program, government officials say.

However, new businesses and newly-eligible small businesses will need to apply when the application portal opens in the coming weeks.

Businesses that qualify for the grant under the provincial government’s latest plan can expect to receive the money in February.

“Small businesses, job creators and the entrepreneurial spirit are the backbone of Ontario’s economy. Unfortunately, these businesses have been some of the most impacted by COVID-19, and many continue to struggle,” said Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli. “With the new Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant, our government will provide relief for thousands of small businesses that create jobs for hard-working Ontarians.”

Mayor Bonnie Crombie said this morning that the city’s small businesses need help now more than ever to keep their doors open in the long term.

She urged residents to shop at local retail outlets and order takeout from their neighbourhood restaurants, saying every little bit helps.