Help for retailers in Ontario affected by provincial control or lockdowns
December 8, 2020
Retailers are reminded to take advantage of help that is available to offset some of the financial pressures brought on by the pandemic.
Temporary property tax and energy bill rebates
Retailers that were required to shut down or significantly restrict services due to provincial public health measures as a result of the provincial modified Stage 2 public health measures announced on October 9, 2020 can apply for rebates, provided in the form of grants, to help with their fixed costs.
Eligible business could get rebates for:
- Municipal and education property taxes
- Energy costs, including electricity and natural gas (or where natural gas is not available, propane and heating oil)
RCC continues to meet with government officials to discuss options for keeping retailers in Ontario open during the holidays.
Ontario’s Main Street Relief Grant: PPE support for small retailers
If your business employs between two to nine employees, remember there is a one-time $1,000 grant you can apply for to cover the costs of PPE purchases since March 17, 2020. This includes:
- Gloves, gowns, face shields, eye protection, masks, sanitizer, sanitizing wipes
- Thermometers, temperature monitors or cameras
- Physical changes, including the installation of hand sanitizer stations and plexiglass dividers
- Signs to guide or inform customers and employees
Apply for COVID-19 Business Support Grants
