This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. Updated in January 2021.
In light of current restrictions in place in Ontario, I wanted to share information and resources for business owners in Toronto and Peel regions, and for sellers in Ontario in general.
I'm also including information about how to accept contactless payments, and how to take payments online with Square. If you'd like to add anything please do so in the comments below.
How to apply for funding
Staying Informed
Accept payments in-person with Square
Accept payments online with Square
How to apply for funding
New Ontario Small Business Support Grant: As of 21 December 20202, eligible small business owners can apply for new Ontario Small Business Support Grant to receive between $10,000 (min) and $20,000 (max) 'to help cover decreased revenue expected as a result of the Provincewide Shutdown'. Learn more online at Ontario.ca
In Ontario, eligible small businesses can also apply for funding to recover funds spent on personal protective equipment (PPE). Business owners can also apply for property tax and energy bill rebates.
For more information and how to apply visit Ontario.ca: Businesses Get Help with COVID-19 Costs or call 1-855-216-3090.
Learn more about small business recovery resources COVID-19 in Ontario.
Staying Informed
For the latest updates from the Ontario government, visit the COVID-19 in Ontario website and COVID-19 response framework: keeping Ontario safe and open.
For information about how Square is supporting business owners visit: Support and Response Resources.
Accept payments in-person with Square
Review this article with details about Products To Help You Take Payments During COVID-19 including best practices when accepting contactless payment methods with the Square Reader or Square Terminal and information about supported accessories.
Visit the Town Square blog to read 5 Ways Retailers Can Help Front- Line Employees Work Safely. Questions? Let us know.
Accept payments online with Square
Here’s how to continue to accept payments even If you’re connecting with your customers online:
Square Invoices
You can use the Square Invoices app or you can send Invoices online from your online Square Dashboard. You can send an invoice to your customer via email or you can text it to them. Your customer then pays the invoice online.
Checkout links
Create a checkout link to sell an item online without creating an eCommerce site. Share a link with your customer and they can complete their order online.
Virtual Terminal
Accept payments over the phone by ringing up a sale from your online Square Dashboard. Click Virtual Terminal to get started.
Square Online Site
If you are ready to take your business online visit our Support Centre to build your eCommerce site today. These articles will help you to get started:
Square eGift Cards and Gift cards
Create a free eGift Card site so your customers can purchase Square eGift Cards to support your business. Physical Square Gift Cards are also available but keep in mind it can take up to 14 days for Gift Cards to arrive depending on the production time you select when placing your order.
Finally, for details about Square’s payment processing fees check out this article: Learn About Square's Fees.
We hope you are safe and well. Reply below with questions or if you’d like to share any other resources.
️ Helen
Seller Community Manager
