The Ontario Small Business Support Grant is continuing to support small businesses from Mattawa to Powassan and all points in between to get through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The province has provided over $12.6 million to 500 businesses across the North Bay region.
Lori Thompson, Owner of The Beauty Parlour in Callander says the money was critical for her business.
“I was able to get through the third lockdown with the support of the small business grant. I am not sure I would have made it through the third lockdown without it,” she says.
Thompson was able to pay off debt accumulated for rent, products and stock retail.
Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, says the money went directly to the small businesses to use however they needed it.
“It can be used however it made sense to them. Whether it was paying wages or rent or covering costs associated with keeping their businesses afloat during those difficult times,” he says.
John Lechlitner, the owner of Cecil’s Brewhouse and Kitchen, says even though businesses like his didn’t close completely, the grant has been a huge help.
“We’ve had to completely restructure and pivot our business models. Having that cash come in and be available allowed us to make the necessary changes structurally, but it was also one more thing that allowed us to keep all of our key people working,” he says.
Vic’s Shoe Repair was open with a curbside option, but Marcello Pettella says business was significantly down.
“The Ontario Small Business Grant gave us the opportunity to continue paying business costs regularly and avoid any further debt,” he says.
Fedeli says businesses in Bonfield, Callander, Calvin, East Ferris, Mattawa, Powassan, Nipissing and North Bay received grant money.
Two rounds of direct payments, of up to $10,000, were made.
