Advisory: Government support programs for businesses
The Ontario government has launched several business support programs that may be of interest to registrants:
Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program
Eligible businesses required to close or reduce capacity due to the current public health measures put in place to blunt the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 can apply for the new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program.
Through the new program, the government will provide eligible businesses with a rebate payment for property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these restrictions.
For example, those required to reduce capacity to 50 per cent, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 per cent of their costs.
The government has indicated that retailers with less than 50,000 sq ft, including travel agents with a storefront, are eligible to apply for this rebate program (subject to full eligibility criteria).
Where can I get more information?
Further information about this program can be found on the Ontario government website.
How can I apply?
You can review full application criteria and apply online at this link.
What if I have questions?
Please contact Service Ontario at 1-855-216-3090.
Improving cash flows for Ontario businesses
The government is providing additional support to help improve cash flows for Ontario businesses by providing a six-month interest- and penalty-free period to make payments for most provincially administered taxes. Click here for more information.
Electricity rate relief
The Ontario government is providing 21 days of electricity-rate relief for residential, small business and farm customers who pay time-of-use (TOU) or tiered rates set by the Ontario Energy Board through the Regulated Price Plan (RPP), consistent with the length of time the province is in modified Step Two public health measures.
As of January 18, 2022, electricity prices are lowered to the TOU off-peak rate of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour -- less than half the on-peak rate -- 24 hours per day. Click here for more information.
For more information about these programs, please visit the Government of Ontario website or call Service Ontario at 1-855-216-3090.