Financial help is on the way to small businesses, says Christine Hogarth.

The Etobicoke Lakeshore MPP has announced a series of supports for small businesses, workers, and families.

The aid includes a Business Costs Rebate Program, Cash Flow Program, Electricity Rate Relief Program, and a Small Business Relief Grant.

“Small businesses, job creators and the entrepreneurial spirit are the backbone of our local economy. Unfortunately, these businesses have been some of the most impacted by COVID-19, and many continue to struggle,” Hogarth said.

“With these new programs, our government will provide relief for many of our small businesses that create jobs for people in Etobicoke.”

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 can apply for the new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program,” Hogarth said in a statement.

She said under the new program, the government will provide eligible businesses with a rebate payment of up to 100% for property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these restrictions.

“Eligible businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100% of their cost,” Hogarth said. “Those required to reduce capacity to 50%, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50% of their costs.”

The government is also improving cash flows for Ontario businesses by making up to $7.5 billion available through a six-month interest – and penalty-free period for businesses to make payments for most provincially administered taxes.

This penalty and interest-free period started on January 1. This supports businesses now and provides the flexibility they will need for long-term planning.

The government is providing 21 days of electricity rate relief to support families and workers spending more time at home, as well as small businesses.

To help Ontarians get through this difficult time, electricity rates have been lowered to the lowest price, the off-peak rate of 8.2 cents, 24 hours a day.

This change will happen automatically for anyone who is currently paying regulated rates set by the Ontario Energy Board and gets a bill from a utility, whether they are a Time-of-Use customer or a Tiered rate customer, according to the province.

Also announced was an Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant for small businesses that are subject to closure under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen. It will provide eligible small businesses with a grant payment of $10,000.

She said businesses will be required to submit proof of costs associated with property tax and energy bills as part of the application process.

All eligible businesses must submit an application to be considered, including those that received previous COVID-19 support payments.