MPP Oosterhoff Welcomes Provincial Support for Small Business Owners in Lincoln

April 1, 2026

Beamsville – In the midst of tariffs and economic uncertainty, Ontario’s 2026 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario continues to build the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7 through significant tax relief in the next phase of Ontario’s Tax Action Plan. This includes ensuring Ontario’s small businesses continue to stay competitive by proposing a 31.25 percent reduction in the small business Corporate Income Tax rate from 3.2 percent to 2.2 percent effective July 1, 2026.

More than 375,000 businesses across the province and in Niagara would benefit from $1.1 billion in additional tax relief over three years, with qualifying businesses receiving up to $5,000 in savings annually to help cover their costs, invest and create more jobs.

“Through Budget 2026, our government is protecting Ontario workers and job creators by providing targeted tax relief for small businesses – the backbone of our economy – across the province and in our region,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“Cutting the small business Corporate Income Tax rate from 3.2 percent to 2.2 percent will help small businesses on our main streets and rural communities in Niagara West stay competitive and resilient.”

Joined by Rob Foster, Acting Chair of Regional Municipality of Niagara, and Sandra Easton, Mayor of the Town of Lincoln, MPP Oosterhoff welcomed Hon. Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business, to Brick & Beam Coffee Co. in Beamsville to share news of the tax relief measures for small businesses in Niagara.

The tax relief is a cornerstone of Ontario’s Tax Action Plan and builds on actions already taken to lower the small business Corporate Income Tax rate from 3.5 percent to 3.2 percent in 2020 and expand eligibility to more businesses in 2023. Through key actions taken since 2018, the government would enable nearly $10 billion in estimated cost savings and support for Ontario businesses in 2026, of which $4.8 billion would go to small businesses.

To further support small businesses, the Ontario government is also investing $9.4 million over three years, beginning in 2026-27, to renew grants for the Summer Company and Starter Company Plus programs delivered through the Small Business Enterprise Centres network, including the St. Catharines and Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centres in Niagara.

“More than ninety-eight percent of all employer businesses in Ontario are considered small, with less than 100 employees,” said Hon. Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business.

“These job creators and innovators help communities across the province thrive, and our government is proud to support them by providing additional tax relief that will allow them to reinvest in their companies and workers so they can scale-up, reach new customers and grow.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” said Rob Foster, Acting Chair of Regional Municipality of Niagara.

“At the heart of every main street in Niagara, small business owners are supporting local workers and suppliers and giving back to their community.”

“Lincoln’s economy is built on the hard work and innovation of our local businesses,” said Mayor Easton.

“Small businesses are not only job creators – they are the backbone of our community, shaping our main streets, supporting local families and driving long-term economic resilience.”

“The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce welcomes this tax relief which will benefit our local members,” said Emilia Amaro, Executive Director of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.

“As the voice of local business owners in the Town of Lincoln, we are dedicated to the economic growth and prosperity of our members by advocating for provincial policies that help lower business costs, incentivize productivity and unlock local growth.”

“Across Ontario, small businesses are at the heart of our communities and the driving force behind vibrant main streets,” said Rachel Braithwaite, Executive Director of the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association.

“This tax reduction will provide meaningful relief to entrepreneurs, helping them reinvest in their businesses, support their employees and continue contributing to the economic strength of communities across the province.”

The 2026 Budget furthers the government’s plan to attract jobs and investment, lower costs for workers and businesses, keep life affordable for families and individuals and make targeted investments in key public services that support the province’s long-term prosperity.