Ontario’s Main Street Relief Grant to help cover PPE costs for small businesses

Ontario has launched a new program, the Main Street Relief Grant, to help small businesses with the unexpected costs of personal protective equipment.

The new grant was brought to our attention by Bonny Koabel of AKR Consulting Canada. To be eligible, your business must have two to nine employees and be in accommodation and food services, retail, repair and maintenance, or personal and laundry services.

Eligible small businesses in Ontario will get one-time grants of up to $1,000.

You will need to submit receipts or proof of costs for PPE purchased 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

Learn more about the Main Street grant and about rebates to help with fixed costs, such as property tax and energy bills.