COVID 19- Business Resources

ALTHOUGH WE ARE NOT IN OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION AT THE SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY CENTRE DUE TO THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC. We are here via phone (613) 283-7002 ext 108 (leave a voice and it will be sent to us through email, email us at cjames@smallbizcentre.ca and we post a lot of information though Facebook @smallbizcentre and Instagram @smallbusinesscentre_SF_LC

May 17th, 2020

REGIONAL RELIEF AND RECOVERY FUND RRRF THROUGH VALLEY HEARTLAND CFDC The Government of Canada has introduced a number of measures to support businesses, organizations, workers and communities through the COVID-19 global challenge, as part of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. To offer additional support to businesses, the organizations that support them and the communities in which they operate, the Government of Canada announced over $1.7 billion in additional funding for targeted measures. This includes the new national $962-million Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, which provides $675 million in financing support to SMEs that are unable to access existing COVID-19 measures, and $287 million to support rural businesses with access to capital through Community Futures Development Corporations. As a CFDC we are pleased to participate in this important Government of Canada initiative in introducing the local stream of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), which provides repayable loans to help small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fixed operating costs, where business revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. IF YOU ARE: a business operating in Lanark County or North Leeds, with business impacts challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for local RRRF support through interest free loans up to $40,000.  You can learn more at www.valleycfdc.com. In order to provide targeted assistance to the communities we serve, Valley Heartland CFDC will focus on providing RRRF assistance to sole proprietors, “main street” businesses, such as retail shops, restaurants, corner stores, social enterprises as well as businesses of strategic importance to the community. CONTACT US TODAY and review our Program + Application Guidelines to learn if your business is a fit for the local component of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. PLEASE NOTE: Incorporated SMEs may also be eligible to receive RRRF support direct from FedDev Ontario, for amounts up to $500,000. However, cannot receive funds from both a CFDC and FedDev Ontario. We encourage you to visit the FedDev Ontario website for more information on eligibility criteria for direct funding. Though working remotely, our team remains here to help you. Please contract us via email or phone below or visit our website at https://www.valleycfdc.com/rrrf Email: info@valleycfdc.com or loans@valleycfdc.com   Phone: 613 283 7002.

 

May 14th, 2020

 

May 11, 2020 FACT SHEET

Public Health Guidance for Businesses in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark

As the Province of Ontario begins to reopen it is important that businesses prepare to operate in manner to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Sector specific guidance documents that provides health and safety information for employers and employees can be found at https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/05/certain-businesses-allowed-to-reopen-under-strict-safety-guidelines.html. The following public health measures will support reopening stores or businesses while ensuring the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus is minimized.
Public
1.
Stay home and away from stores and other business when sick. Do the symptom screening checklist before going out by using the provincial COVID-19 Assessment Tool https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, visit a local Assessment Centre.
2.
Keep a 6 foot distance from others and adhere to all protective measures the store or business has in place. Wear a cloth face covering if the 6 feet distance can’t be maintained.
3.
Practice proper hand hygiene. Have a supply of hand sanitizer with you at all times. Remember if you cough or sneeze do into your sleeve and not your hands.
Workers
1. Do the symptom screening checklist before going to work. Stay at home when sick with symptoms described on the provincial COVID-19 Assessment Tool https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ and visit a local Assessment Centre. Stay home until test results are known. If the test is positive for COVID-19 then follow public health advice and self-isolate for 14 days and symptoms are resolving.
2. If become sick while at work then notify supervisor/owner and leave immediately. Follow #1 above.
3. Adhere to all the infection prevention and control measures in the workplace.

Employer
1.Implement a formal screening process for all workers and insist all complete it before coming to work.
2.Post signage on the door of the business to notify the public that if they are sick they are to not enter the premises.
3.Set up the environment to maintain safe physical distance (6 feet).

»Use appointments to limit the number of people in one place.
»Monitor the number of people in your premises- consider half or reduced capacity.
»Monitor customers while in the business to keep their distance- use signs, marks on the floor, staff directing traffic flow, PA system.
»Use clear barriers to protect workers where possible.
»Wear a cloth face covering in those areas where physical distancing is hard to maintain i.e. small spaces where more than one person works.
»If you use vehicles as part of your business consider one person per vehicle or one employee in the front and another employee in the back.
»Stagger employee work schedules and breaks. Set up the break room so people can stay 6 feet away from each other.
»Consider which employees can work from home
»Consider an online meeting platform to meet with customers or colleagues.
»Consider the flow of your business. Customers should be directed one way throughout your place of business.
»If possible have and in and an out door to avoid customer congestion.
»Reduce the amount of money being exchanged, encourage debit, credit or e-transfers.
»Maintain online or telephone ordering services.
»Maintain curbside and delivery services as part of your normal business .

Personal Hygiene
»Have hand washing facilities are available and supplied with hot and cold running water, liquid soap and paper towels for employees and customers to wash hands.
»Have hand sanitizer available for employees and customers.
»Have hand wipes available for employees and customers.
»Avoid touching your face including eyes, nose and mouth, wash hands after.
»Coach employees that if they happen to sneeze or cough to do so in their sleeve, wash hands after.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)- consider PPE appropriate for your business
»Face shield (cloth face covering if face shield not available) should be worn by employees if they are working in areas where physical separation cannot be achieved or maintained.
»Encourage customers to wear cloth face coverings when necessary especially if you cannot physically distance.
»Install clear barriers at cash registers or any other locations in the work place where a barrier would be appropriate.
»Have handwashing or hand sanitizer available for employees and customers.
»Train employees on the proper use of PPE.

Face masks
https://healthunit.org/wp-content/uploads/How_To_Safely_Wear_a_Face_Covering.pdf
https://healthunit.org/wp-content/uploads/Should_I_Wear_a_Face_Covering.pdf
https://healthunit.org/media/2020-archive/uncovering-the-facts-on-face-coverings/

Hand Hygiene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YiLjpLXvg4&feature=emb_rel_pause
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFJaU9nxmTA
3170_43 JD Apr 2020

For more information, please call 1-800-660-5853 or visit our website at www.healthunit.org

_______________________________________________________________________________

• New details have been announced on the eligibility criteria for businesses to access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) including additional flexibility for new businesses by reducing the 30-per-cent benchmark to 15 per cent. (April 8)
• The Prime Minister, announced temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program that will help employers hire summer staff and provide young Canadians access to the jobs they need during this unprecedented time. (April 8)

_____________________________________________________________________________

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) – Remember to update your account monthly

The Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit have been merged into the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The CERB has also been better integrated with Employment Insurance to allow workers to apply for benefits through a single window.

This new benefit will cover people who have lost their job, people who are sick or quarantined, and parents who must stay home without pay to care for children, the same as the two previously announced benefits. The new CERB also includes workers who have no income due to the COVID-19 slowdown, but who haven’t yet been officially laid off. It will cover employees, contract workers, and self-employed workers. To qualify, applicants must have had $5,000 in employment income, self-employment income, or maternity or parental leave benefits for 2019 or in the 12-month period preceding the day they make the application.

The CERB will pay out $2,000 per month for the next 4 months, backdated to March 15th.

The application form will be available on April 6. If you have already applied for EI, you do not need to also apply for this new benefit, your claim will be automatically moved over to the CERB and you will receive the 16-week benefit. If needed, you can use your hours to apply for benefits after October 3, 2020.

You can apply in one of these three ways:

• by accessing it on your CRA MyAccount secure portal;
• by accessing it from your secure My Service Canada Account; or
• by calling a toll free number equipped with an automated application process.

If you’ve already applied for EI you do not need to reapply for the CERB. Your claim will be automatically moved over to the CERB, and benefits paid from this program first. If needed, you can use your hours to apply for EI benefits after October 3, 2020.

You can qualify for the CERB if you had $5,000 in employment income, self-employment income, or maternity or parental leave benefits for 2019 or in the 12-month period preceding the day you make the application.

The application is expected to be available April 6. Benefits should be delivered 10 days after you submit your application form. The earliest you could receive benefits through direct deposit is April 16th  (or slightly later if by mail).

You will continue to receive your EI benefits. If your EI benefits end before October 3rd, 2020, and you are still unable to return to work, you can apply to the CERB once your EI benefits run out.

If you have enough EI insurable hours, you will still be able to access your normal EI benefits after the 16-week period covered by the CERB.

_____________________________________________________________________________

The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces

Help is available from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m.―5:00 p.m.

_______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Funding / Loan Programs for Businesses CEBA – Canada Emergency Business Account https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/additional-support-for-canadian-businesses-from-the-economic-impact-of-covid-19.html Valley Heartland- Emergency Business funding Immediate support is being provided to A) Existing Valley Heartland clients and B) Any existing business in Lanark County and North Leeds Existing Valley Heartland clients The following options are being offered for existing CFDC loan clients in good standing: For the time period DATE MARCH 16TH – APRIL 30TH * (2 payments) Client to contact the office and request one of the following options: Suspended payments Interest only payments Reduction of payment to meet the client cash flow requirements * Currently Valley Heartland has $4.6 million at work in the Community B) Any existing business in Lanark County and North Leeds SMALL BUSINESS LOAN *** EFFECTIVE UNTIL APRIL 30TH* No payments for initial 2 months Interest rates of 3.45% (prime) Application and admin fees waived Decision in 48 hours for existing clients – up to 96 hours for new clients Business can access small business loans of up to $15,000 at prime (currently 3.45%) to be used for working capital or other expenses incurred or expected to be incurred due to COVID-19 and its economic impact on the business: $15,000 at 3.45% over 4 years =  payment $335.01 $10,000 at 3.45% over 3 years =  payment $292.80 $5,000 at 3.45% over 2 years = payment $215.90 Phone: 613-283-7002 Tina Stevens, GM ext. 103, Sharon Ruth, Loans Officer ext. 106, Amber Coville, Business Development Officer ext. 110 Email: loans@valleycfdc.com and copy info@valleycfdc.com ____________________________________________________________________________ Canada Summer Jobs Program https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/08/changes-canada-summer-jobs-program-help-businesses-and-young ____________________________________________________________________________  Government Announcements Export Development Canada will provide extra support.  https://www.edc.ca/en/campaign/coronavirus- covid-19.html Canada’s 6 big banks are offering deferred mortgage payments and various credit product support. Call your local branch for details. ______________________________________________________________ The Canadian Chamber of Commerce: “COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness for Business” ______________________________________________________________   Further assistance and programs – loans, continuity planning, exporting information and more; Canada Summer Jobs Program Update The federal government has announced $263 million in funding to the Canada Summer Jobs Program to help small businesses that depend on the employment of young Canadians. Temporary changes to the program for 2020 include increases to wage subsidy to 100%; extension to February 28, 2021; flexibility to support essential services; and allowing hiring of part-time staff. Currently these changes are only applicable to companies who had submitted an application prior to the deadline of February 28, 2020 and have been approved as eligible employers, however that could change in future. For more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html Agri-Food Open for E-Business Initiative – Funding Intake The Agri-Food Open for E-Business initiative will help food producers, farmers markets, retailers, garden centres, greenhouses, nurseries, and agricultural associations develop online business, providing consumers with greater access to a wide variety of food and agriculture products. This targeted application intake features two funding streams: Bring Your Business Online: Eligible organizations and businesses can apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to establish an online e-business and marketing presence. Funding under this stream will be quick and responsive for those needing immediate solutions. Develop Online Business Opportunities: Eligible organizations, businesses and collaborations can apply for cost-share funding of up to $75,000 to implement high-impact projects. Program information is available here: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/ebusiness.htm Addressing Labour Supply and Training Challenges – Funding Intake The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1 million in new funding to connect workers with in-demand jobs in the agri-food sector to keep the nation’s supply chains strong and store shelves stocked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), the federal and provincial governments will provide support that will help people connect with job opportunities in the sector quickly. This program would help primary agriculture, food processing companies, and grocery retail to recruit and train workers who are important to keeping the essential food supply chain functioning. Program information is available here: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/labour_supply_training.htm WSIB Financial Relief Package WSIB is offering a financial relief package to all Ontario businesses to help reduce the financial burden of the COVID-19 situation. Developed in consultation with the Government of Ontario, the package is worth up to $1.9 billion and all businesses covered by our workplace insurance are automatically eligible. The WSIB relief package will support businesses through this difficult time while protecting coverage for the people they serve. Benefit payments will continue for people with work related injuries or illness. Also, WSIB has determined that costs associated with COVID-19 related claims will not be allocated at an employer or class level. Instead, they will be allocated on a schedule-wide basis and there will be no change in premium rates for 2020. https://www.wsib.ca/en/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-update Commercial Rent Relief Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses provides much needed relief for small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. It offers forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners so that they can reduce the rent owed by their impacted small business tenants by at least 75% for the months of April, May and June, 2020. For more information please visit: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/finance-and-investing/covid19-cecra-small-business The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is offering free, customizable templates to easily put in place policies that keep employees, clients, and the business safe. Among these templates is a CECRA request letter to invite your landlord to participate in the federal rent relief program. Plug in your information to let your landlord know when your lease expires, what actions you’ve taken to obtain financial relief during the crisis and why their participation in the program would help. See the full list of free templates on their website: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/covid-19-templates Industrial Research Assistance Program There are two programs through IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program) which have been funded recently and have an open and rolling call for applications and proposals. These are not so much ‘defensive’ support programs, but are more so in place for companies that are pivoting and in a position to take on the offensive with new challenges through adaptation. NRC COVID 19 Programs- In particular, see ‘Challenge 1’…….companies that work with advisors at NRC will be in a strong position to capitalize on some of these procurement opportunities being put forward by Innovative Solutions Canada. NRC COVID 19 Community Support- This is a consultation service for anyone working on a COVID-19 related project.  It also has a funding envelope for SME’s looking to develop COVID-19 solutions . There are technical advisors that can help, and this stream ultimately dovetails into the opportunity mentioned above as it would prepare businesses to be applicants for Federal procurement and challenges.    https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/campaign-campagne/ressources-entreprises-COVID-19-business-resources.aspx?lang=eng https://www.bdc.ca/en/pages/special-support.aspx?special-initiative=covid19  https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/tools-resources/covid-19-coronavirus-business Ontario Centres of Excellence – COVID-19 Collaboration Platform – for innovators to look for collaborators or be connected with the markets that need their innovation most. https://oce-ontario.org/programs/covid-19-collaboration-platform ______________________________________________________________   Finally, there is new information being shared hourly, and these links might be good ones to watch as things unfold. https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/campaign-campagne/ressources-entreprises-COVID-19-business-resources.aspx?lang=eng https://www.bdc.ca/en/pages/special-support.aspx?special-initiative=covid19

 

COVID-19  – Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is receiving information on the impact of COVID-19 on business and our region from various sources.  We will continue to populate this page as additional business information, surveys, resources and programs become available.  Health Resources are at the bottom of this page. See other News and Public Notices for Leeds Grenville. Government of Canada The Government of Canada is committed to providing you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions as your business navigates through these challenges; including supporting your employees. Canada Emergency Response Benefit – accepting applications starting April 6 Apply for Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) with CRA Support to Businesses Risk-informed decision-making guidelines for workplaces and businesses during COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions – Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers Employment and Social Development – Benefits and Services for Individuals and In Your Workplace Economic Response Plan: Support for Individuals and Businesses Resources for Canadian Businesses Calling All Suppliers – Help Canada Combat COVID-19 The Government of Canada is asking suppliers about their ability to provide products and services.  See the list of items needed, and notify them if you can help out. Government of Ontario List of Essential Workplaces – Revised April 3, 2020 Businesses and service providers with question about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can learn more at Stop the Spread Business Information Line or call -888-444-3659.  Help is available Monday – Sunday, from 8:30 a.m – 5 p.m. Guidance Temporary Foreign Workers – March 31 Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association – March 30 Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade Update – March 26, 2020 WSIB Financial Relief Package Alcohol and Gaming Commission – Liquor Licenses sell liquor for takeout or delivery along with food – March 26, 2020 Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 – March 25, 2020 Newsroom Calling All Suppliers – Help Ontario Combat COVID-19 The Government of Ontario welcomes help from businesses and organizations who can supply emergency products and innovative solutions to support our response to COVID-19. See the list of items needed, and notify them if you can help out. FedDev Ontario The Government of Canada is taking action to support tourism and other businesses and workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can take advantage of new investments and initiatives.  Learn more about the support available. Valley Heartland CFDC – loans BDC Business Credit Availability Program – Support for Entrepreneurs Additional Measures to Provide Relief for Canadian Entrepreneurs – March 18, 2020 YouTube Video – How to Cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your business – Pierre Cleroux, Vice President, Research and Chief Economist – March 25, 2020 What does coronavirus mean for your business? Support for Entrepreneurs Business Continuity Plan and Templates Export Development Canada www.edc.ca/en/campaign/coronavirus-covid-19.html Canadian Chamber of Commerce Crisis Communications Plan (pdf document) COVID-19 Business Resilience COVID-19 | Pandemic Preparedness for Business Ontario Chamber of Commerce Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit for Ontario Business Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) Small Business Frequently Asked Questions Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) Survey 3.0 – Deadline Monday, April 6 at 8 a.m.  Please help build a comprehensive picture of the latest developments. Survey Results – March 17-23 Survey Results – March 12-26 March 28 Update with Q&A link For TIAO updates, subscribe to www.tiaontario.ca/cpages/subscribe Regional Tourism Organization 9 (RTO9) RTO9 strives to support the tourism and travel industry in the region by closely monitoring events that could cause significant challenges to the industry, including the Covid-19 virus.  Visit the Tourism Talk website for more support. Survey Results – March 17-23 Restaurants Canada Resources for food service operators Webinar Library Destination Canada / Tourism Industry Association of Canada with Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages – April 1, 2020 Key to Running a Business in Uncertain Times Health Resources & Updates Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Ontario Government Update March 16 – Enhanced Measure to Protect Ontarians from COVID-19 Government of Canada Overview of Federal Programs from MP Office – April 6, 2020 www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html