Small businesses affected by the latest COVID-19 restrictions will be getting some help.

The provincial government announced today a small business grant would be available to the following types of businesses:

• Restaurants and bars;
• Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms);
• Performing arts and cinemas;
• Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions;
• Meeting or event spaces;
• Tour and guide services;
• Conference centres and convention centres;
• Driving instruction for individuals; and
• Before- and after- school programs.

Eligible businesses that qualified for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant and that are subject to closure will be pre-screened to verify eligibility and will not need to apply to the new program.

Newly established and newly eligible small businesses will need to apply once the application portal opens in the coming weeks.

Small businesses that qualify can expect to receive their payment in February.

The province will also change hydro rates starting Jan. 18 – leaving them at 8.2 cents per kilowatt hour for three weeks.