Ontario's Main Street Relief Grant: Does your c-store qualify?
Ontario's Main Street Relief Grant is designed to help small businesses with the unexpected costs of PPE.
To be eligible, c-stores must have two to nine employees to be eligible for grants of up to $1,000.
To apply, you'll 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
As essential services, most convenience stores moved quickly to invest early in PPE with masks, counter shields. floor directional decals and sanitizing stations to keep staff and customers safe. Ongoing purchases of up to $1,000 will be eligible.
"The OCSA has lobbied the government since last March to help offset costs for our stores to serve in every community and pleased they have listened," says OCSA CEO Dave Bryans. "Keep in mind all eligible stores can still order additional safety products as part of these relieve funds to continue to operate safely.