Applications Now Open for Ontario Business
Costs Rebate Program

Applications are now open for the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program which will support eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity due to recently announced public health measures.

Eligible businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100 per cent of their costs. 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.

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. To learn more, including to find a full list of eligible businesses, visit the online application portal here.
ICYMI: Supports for Businesses

  • COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant will give businesses subject to closure under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen a $10,000 grant. The money will flow to eligible businesses in February.
  • Eligible businesses that qualified for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant and that are subject to closure under modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen will be pre-screened to verify eligibility and may need to provide some additional information but 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 beginning in February.

  • To improve cash flows for Ontario businesses, effective January 1, 2022, the government is also providing up to $7.5 billion for a six-month interest- and penalty-free period for Ontario businesses to make payments for most provincially administered taxes, supporting businesses now and providing the flexibility they will need for long-term planning.
Ontario Launches Program to Support Advanced
Manufacturers Across Province

The Ontario government has launched the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) program to help companies get the tools, technology and talent they need to grow, compete and innovate in an increasingly competitive global market.

As part of the 2021 Fall Economic Statement, AMIC is a new stream of the Regional Development Program (RDP). The two-year, $40 million program will support advanced manufacturing businesses to invest in the equipment, advanced technologies and skilled workforce needed to improve competitiveness and growth. As Ontario continues to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, AMIC will help to create and retain good jobs and address the need to restore the essential supply chains that will support economic recovery across the province.

Beginning today, eligible businesses can apply for the new program. Eligibility requirements include:
  • Minimum of 10 employees
  • Three or more years of financial statements, and
  • Minimum of $500,000 in eligible project costs.

The first round of applications will be open until February 10, 2022.
The Ottawa Board of Trade is pleased to partner with the Canadian Urban Institute(CUI) in planning The Summit on the City: Recovering Canada’s Downtowns on January 25 and 26, 2022.
 
Together, with a national network of organizations, initiatives, researchers, city staff, elected leaders, community activists, professional and industry associations, and business and corporate leaders, we are bringing the best expertise to transform our downtowns into more inclusive, just, and resilient places.
 
The two-day summit will feature public sessions to drive thought leadership on the future of downtowns and working table discussions with leaders across industries and sectors. The end result: an action plan for downtown recovery that includes federal, provincial, and municipal investment priorities and policy leadership, crucial elements of the new urban agenda for Canada.
Take Advantage of these Exclusive
OBOT Member Benefits!

As a member, you have access to exciting benefits, programs, resources, and online tools. Every employee of your business is also a member and eligible to take advantage of the many benefits of membership with your OBOT, a great complement to your business' employee rewards program. 
  
Our Affinity Programs provide many advantages to help amplify your business’ success! These savings and discounts are offered exclusively to our membership. Save on home & auto insurance, office supplies, and more!

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Special Thanks to our Community Partners!