From neighbourhood restaurants and convenience stores to independent pharmacies and small manufacturers, small businesses keep Ontario’s communities strong. As U.S. tariffs create uncertainty, Doug Ford and the Ontario PCs are cutting costs to help these businesses protect local jobs and plan for the future.
October 19 to 25 marks Small Business Week — an opportunity to recognize the more than 500,000 small businesses across Ontario that employ close to 2.5 million people.
Actions taken since 2018 are delivering nearly $12 billion in savings and support for Ontario businesses in 2026, including $4.8 billion for small businesses.
Through the 2026 Ontario Budget, the small business corporate income tax rate was cut from 3.2 per cent to 2.2 per cent, delivering $1.1 billion in relief and saving more than 375,000 small businesses up to $5,000 a year.
That means more money to manage rising costs, retain and hire workers, and invest in future growth.
A record $49 million investment over three years in Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres is also helping entrepreneurs access one-on-one advice, training and support finding provincial programs and grants at more than 50 locations across the province.
Investments in Futurpreneur and Summer Company are helping the next generation of entrepreneurs access the financing, training and connections they need to build a business.
This Small Business Week, shopping local means supporting the entrepreneurs, workers and Ontario-made products that help communities thrive. Doug Ford and the Ontario PCs will keep cutting costs, standing up for small businesses and protecting Ontario jobs.