Applications are now open for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which helps small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown.
What you’ll get
Starting at $10,000 for all eligible businesses, the grant provides businesses with funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover the decreased revenue expected as a result of the Provincewide Shutdown.
To receive the grant, a small business must:
be required to close or restrict services subject to the Provincewide Shutdown effective 12:01 a.m. on December 26
have fewer than 100 employees at the enterprise level
have experienced a minimum of 20 percent revenue decline comparing April 2020 to April 2019 revenues. New businesses established since April 2019 are also eligible provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.
Message from Superintendent Reuben Stroble, 55 Division
“As the province goes into its second state of emergency and complete lockdown, 55 Division has developed a crime prevention and enforcement plan to address Commercial Break and Enters in three major hot spots within the Division, Danforth Ave., Queen St. and Gerrard St. We will increase the number of patrols in the area and have uniform and plainclothes officers dedicated to these areas. As you may recall from the last State of Emergency back in April 2020, our Project was very successful with the arrest of several individuals. ”
Please take extra precautions when locking up their businesses and not keep cash on site.
55 Division has “NO CASH ON PREMISE” stickers available if any businesses require them. Please contact Richard Santos-Vicentino atRichard.Santos-Vicentino@torontopolice.on.ca if you need any.
Message from PC Richard Santos-Vicentino #89276
“I just wanted to reach out to all the BIA’s in 55 Division to make everyone aware of an increase in smash and grab type entries to business. We have arrested one party who may be responsible for several entries along Danforth Ave but with the “Stay at Home” order it is anticipated that the lower street traffic and early business closures may result in more occurrences of this type. Please inform all your business clients to remove all cash from the premise when closing at night. We also recommend that the cash drawer be left open and, if possible, left in clear view so that would be intruders can see there is no money in the register. Also have units conceal or secure laptops, Macbooks, iPads and tablets as those have also been targeted in the past. Leaving lights on during closed hours also helps with respect to natural surveillance. I have included 2 of the bulletins that we produce. If the BIA’s could distribute those electronically to their members that would be great.
If you have ideas, that you think can help our bazaar, we will love to hear them. Please feel free to reach out me at anytime on my email: gibbia@gerrardindiabazaar.com or my cell +1 437-350-4333.
TASNEEM BANDUKWALA
