COVID 19- Business Resources
We continue to meet clients via phone and by zoom. Contact us for all your business questions 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 information though Facebook @smallbizcentre and Instagram @smallbusinesscentre_SF_LC
Feb. 14th, 2022
Ontario Moving to Next Phase of Reopening on February 17
Improvements in key indicators allowing province to safely ease public health measures sooner
January 7, 2022
Ontario Providing Supports for Small Businesses, Workers and Families
Province’s plan includes $10,000 grant for eligible small businesses and additional electricity-rate relief
Since the beginning of the pandemic, our government has provided unprecedented levels of support to protect people, jobs and our economy, and we will continue to deliver on that commitment. As part of our plan to support workers and businesses, the government is announcing an Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant for small businesses that are subject to closure under modified Step Two of Roadmap to Reopen beginning January 5, 2022. It will provide eligible small businesses with a one-time grant payment of $10,000.
Eligible small businesses will include:
- Restaurants and bars
- Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)
- Performing arts venues and cinemas, museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
- Meeting or event spaces
- Tour and guide services
- Conference centres and convention centres.
Eligible businesses that qualified for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant and that are subject to closure under modified Step Two of Roadmap to Reopen will be pre-screened to verify eligibility and will not need to apply to the new program. Newly established and newly eligible small businesses will need to apply once the application portal opens in the coming weeks. Small businesses who qualify can expect to receive their payment in February.
Electricity Rate Relief Support
The Ontario government is providing electricity rate relief to support small businesses, as well as workers and families spending more time at home while the province is in Modified Step Two. For 21 days, starting at 12:01 am on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, electricity prices will be set 24 hours a day at the current off-peak rate of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is less than half the cost of the current on-peak rate.
The off-peak rate will apply automatically to residential, small businesses and farms who pay regulated rates set by the Ontario Energy Board and get a bill from a utility and will benefit customers on both Time-of-Use and Tiered rate plans. This will provide immediate savings for families, small businesses and farms as all Ontarians work together to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.”
Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program
The government is also announcing that online applications for the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program will open on January 18. This program will provide eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity with rebate payments for up to 100 per cent of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to public health measures in response to the Omicron variant.
Eligible businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100 per cent of their costs. Those required to reduce capacity to 50 per cent, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 per cent of their costs. A complete list of eligible businesses will be provided prior to the launch of the application portal.
Improving Cash Flow for Ontario Businesses
The government is also improving cash flows for Ontario businesses by providing up to $7.5 billion through a six-month interest- and penalty-free period starting January 1, 2022 for Ontario businesses to make payments for most provincially administered taxes. This supports businesses now and provides for the flexibility they will need for long-term planning.
Building on Ontario’s leadership on improving cash flows for businesses, the Province continues to call on the federal government to match provincial tax deferral efforts by allowing small businesses impacted by public health restrictions to defer their HST remittances for a period of six months.
These measures will build on Ontario’s support for businesses and workers, including:
- Cutting wholesale alcohol prices to provide approximately $60 million in annual support to restaurants, bars and other businesses, as well as making it easier for business to create and extend patios and permanently allowing licenced restaurants and bars to include alcohol with food as part of a takeout or delivery order.
- Extending COVID-19 paid sick days until July 31, 2022 to keep workers safe and ensure they do not lose pay if they need to miss work for reasons related to COVID-19.
- Enabling an estimated $10.1 billion in cost savings and support to Ontario businesses in 2021, with more than 60 per cent, or $6.3 billion, going to small businesses, including:
- Supporting a reduction in Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) premiums.
- Allowing businesses to accelerate write-offs of capital investments for tax purposes.
- Reducing the small business Corporate Income Tax rate to 3.2 per cent.
- Providing the Digital Main Street program, which helped more than 20,000 businesses across the province to increase their digital presence in 2020-21.
- Introducing and temporarily enhancing the Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit to encourage investments in certain regions of Ontario that have lagged in employment growth in the past.
- Providing targeted COVID-19 support through the Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant.
- Lowering high Business Education Tax (BET) rates for job creators.
- Increasing the Employer Health Tax (EHT) exemption from $490,000 to $1 million.
- Lowering electricity bills through measures such as the Comprehensive Electricity Plan, with the Province paying for a portion of high-priced, non-hydro renewable energy contracts.
- Providing targeted COVID-19 support through the Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which delivered $3 billion in urgent and unprecedented support to over 110,000 small businesses across the province.
Small businesses are at the heart of every community across our province and are the backbone of our economy. Supporting people, families and businesses though this difficult time has and will remain a top priority for our government.
Canada Summer Jobs Program
Deadline for Employers to apply for subsidy January 25th, 2022, For more information: Canada Summer Jobs
December 17, 2021
Ontario Further Strengthening Response to Omicron
Additional measures to slow the spread as province accelerates booster dose rollout
To further strengthen its response to Omicron and reduce opportunities for close contact as the province gets as many vaccines into arms as possible, Ontario is introducing a 50 per cent capacity limit in the following indoor public settings:
- Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments and strip clubs;
- Personal care services;
- Personal physical fitness trainers;
- Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies);
- Shopping malls;
- Non-spectator areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities (e.g. gyms);
- Indoor recreational amenities;
- Indoor clubhouses at outdoor recreational amenities;
- Tour and guide services;
- Photography studios and services;
- Marinas and boating clubs;
- Facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities;
- Entertainment facilities such as concert venues, theatres and cinemas;
- Racing venues;
- Meeting and event spaces;
- Studio audiences in commercial film and television production;
- Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions;
- Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments; and
- Fairs, rural exhibitions, and festivals.
December 10, 2021
Responding to Omicron and Protecting Our Progress
NEWS RELEASE October 15, 2021
Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate with QR Code and Verify Ontario App Available for Download Starting October 15
Ontario Making it Easier and More Convenient to Show Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
NEWS RELEASE September 27, 2021
Ontario Investing $100 Million to Help Tourism Sector Rebound From COVID-19
Tourism Recovery Program will help protect jobs in communities across the province
For more information Click link below
NEWS RELEASE September 24, 2021
Ontario Cautiously Easing Capacity Limits in Select Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is Required
Public Health and Health Care Indicators are Currently Stable or Improving
NEWS RELEASE September 14th, 2021
Ontario Releasing Guidance to Support Proof of Vaccination Policy
Province Continues to Expand Third Dose Eligibility for Those at Highest Risk of COVID-19
September 01, 2021
NEWS RELEASE
Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings
Province to launch enhanced vaccine certificate and verification app to stop the spread of COVID-19
Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings | Ontario Newsroom
As of September 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities. This approach focuses on higher-risk indoor public settings where face coverings cannot always be worn and includes:
- Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout);
- Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment);
- Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres;
- Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport;
- Sporting events;
- Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments;
- Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas;
- Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs;
- Racing venues (e.g., horse racing).
The Ontario COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit bulk application process went live on August 18, 2021. The bulk application process allows employers to provide the required employee-level claims information when seeking reimbursements for a large volume of employees (e.g. more than 50 employees), rather than manually completing the application (which is capped at 10 employees), helping to reduce the administrative work required.Detailed instructions on how to provide the required information will be shared with bulk application employers after they register on the intake portal
NEWS RELEASE– August 17, 2021
Province Launches New Modern Ontario Business Registry
Online registry will provide simpler, faster, and better government services beginning in October
NEWS RELEASE– August 06, 2021
NEWS RELEASE– August 05, 2021
Helping Ontario Food and Beverage Processors During COVID-19
New funding intake to support businesses adapting to pandemic
NEWS RELEASE May 20, 2021
Ontario Releases Three-Step Roadmap to Safely Reopen the Province
Province Safely Reopening Outdoor Recreational Amenities Prior to End of Stay-at-Home Order
NEWS RELEASE- May 13th, 2021Province Launches New Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support GrantOntario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant(application link above)The Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant provides one-time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible small businesses in the tourism and travel sector.NEWS RELEASE –April 28, 2021
Ontario to Introduce Paid COVID-19 Leave
Province to reimburse employers for up to three paid leave days related to COVID-19 for every employee
News release -April 19, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada
Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience
News Release-March 29, 2021Ontario Supports the Tourism and Hospitality Sectors during COVID-19
2021 Budget Commits $200 Million to Help Stabilize Tourism Industry and Protect Jobs
NIAGARA FALLS — The Ontario government is providing an estimated $100 million for a new one-time Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant and $100 million for a new one-time recovery program.NEWS RELEASE March 25, 2021
Ontario’s Action Plan Doubles Ontario Small Business Support Grant
2021 Budget invests $1.7 billion in second round of payments for eligible small businessesLaunched in January, the Ontario Small Business Support Grant provides direct financial support to eligible small businesses that were required to close or significantly restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown that came into effect in December 2020. Small businesses who have been determined as eligible recipients of the grant will automatically be entitled to a second payment in an amount equal to the first payment they receive. They will not need to apply again to receive this additional funding.
News Release – March 24, 2021
Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy
2021 Budget Brings Province’s COVID-19 Response to $51 Billion
- To help small businesses that have been most affected by the necessary restrictions to protect people from COVID-19, Ontario is providing a second round of Ontario Small Business Support Grant payments to eligible recipients. Approximately 120,000 small businesses will automatically benefit from an additional $1.7 billion in relief through this second round of support in the form of grants of a minimum of $10,000 and up to $20,000 — bringing the estimated total support provided through this grant to $3.4 billion.
- To support Ontario’s tourism, hospitality and culture industries that have been among the most heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario is investing an additional $400 million over the next three years in new initiatives to support these sectors. This builds on previously announced investments of $225 million, bringing the total to more than $625 million since the pandemic began.
- To connect homes, businesses and communities to broadband — which COVID-19 has demonstrated is a necessity, not a luxury — Ontario is investing $2.8 billion, bringing the Province’s total investment to nearly $4 billion over six years beginning 2019–20.
March 16th, 2021
- This class order effective from 12:01am on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 until rescinded by the Health Unit is issued to owners and operators of public and private facilities that operate in the Town of Perth and Smiths Falls where the public may gather, including but not limited to: indoor sports venues, places of worship, banquet halls, wedding venues, dining and drinking establishments, clubs and or organizations that may have meeting facilities that can be rented to the public.
News Release February 8th, 2021
Based on the improving local trends of key indicators, including lower transmission of COVID-19, improving hospital capacity, and available public health capacity to conduct rapid case and contact management, the following three regions will be moving back to the Framework at the Green-Prevent level on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. and will no longer be subject to the Stay-at-Home order:
- Hastings Prince Edward Public Health;
- Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health; and
- Renfrew County and District Health Unit.
Due to the fact that public health trends are improving in some regions faster than others, the current Stay-at-Home order will be amended and individual orders making it applicable to each public health region will be made except for the three above. It is proposed that the Stay-at-Home order will continue to apply to 28 public health regions until Tuesday, February 16, 2021.COVID-19 public health measures and restrictions | COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Ontario
NEWS RELEASE –January 27, 2021
sole proprietorships) in Ontario that are required to close or significantly restrict services under
Ontario’s provincewide shutdown effective December 26, 2020.Eligible businesses can receive between $10,000 and $20,000. Starting at $10,000 for all
eligible businesses, the grant will provide businesses with dollar for dollar funding up to a
maximum of $20,000 to help with revenue losses resulting from government mandated
lockdowns.
NEWS RELEASE-January 4, 2021
Ontario Supporting Home-Based Food Businesses During COVID-19
Government providing entrepreneurs with a new “How to” guide
NEWS RELEASEDecember 22, 2020Safer at Home Programs Provide Relief to Ontario FamiliesProvince Expands Support for Learners Program and Lowers Hydro Bills
NEWS RELEASE
December 21, 2020
Ontario Building On Supports for Employers During COVID-19
Listing of Supports for Small Business (December 21, 2020)
NEWS RELEASE
December 21, 2020
Ontario Announces Province wide Shutdown to Stop Spread of COVID-19 and Save Lives
December 11, 2o2o
NEWS RELEASE
Ontario Moving Regions to New Levels with Stronger Public Health Measures
Based on the latest data, the following public health regions will move from their current level in the framework to the following levels effective Monday, December 14, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.:
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Yellow-Protect- Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.
November 23, 2020
Canada’s Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
The government of Canada’s Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) program is taking applications beginning Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. The new subsidy will be retroactive to Sept. 27, when the previous program, Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program ended. Through CECRA the onus was on landlords to apply, not tenants, while the new program allows the tenants to apply. CERS will allow eligible businesses or organizations to apply for subsidies of up to 65 per cent of their monthly rent within certain limits, or up to 90 per cent if they are under more sever pandemic restrictions such as a lockdown. The program is expected to run until June 2021.
November 19th, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Ontario Supporting Small Businesses with Financial Advice and Training
Investment to provide new online resources to help entrepreneurs during COVID-19
November 16th, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Ontario Launching New Agency to Centralize Government Procurement
Supply Ontario will purchase goods and services more efficiently and cost effectively
November 10th, 2020
2020 Ontario Budget Enables Significant Provincial and Municipal Property Tax Relief
November 3rd, 2020
Ontario Releases COVID-19 Response Framework to Help Keep the Province Safe and Open
October 29th, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Province Proudly Promoting Ontario-Made Products to Spur Economic Recovery
Check out the Support Ontario Made site here https://www.supportontariomade.ca/
October 9th, 2020
Government announces new, targeted support to help businesses through pandemic
September 25th, 2020
New Public Health Measures Implemented Province wide to Keep Ontarians Safe
The September extension for CECRA is now available.
What you need to know:
- The September extension is based on the existing program parameters for the April, May and June period. No new documents are needed to opt-in.
- New applicants can apply for up to 5 months of rent assistance (from April through August) all at once. Once the initial application is pre‑approved, a property owner can opt-in for September.
- Property owners can only opt-in once and no new tenants can be added.
- This is the final extension of the program.
If a property owner has not yet submitted their application or is still creating it, the deadline to submit new applications is Sept. 30th, 2020
If a property owner has been approved for rental assistance and is applying for the extensions only, the deadline to submit the request is October 30th, 2020.
Please note that due to anticipated high volumes of applicants, it may take up to two weeks to receive funds once an application is approved.
Application click here
August 31st, 2020
Government announces greater flexibility and extension of Canada Emergency Business Account
July 27th, 2020
July 14, 2020
Canada, U.S. agree to keep borders closed another 30 days
July 13, 2020
Nearly All Businesses and Public Spaces to Reopen in Stage 3-news release
Framework for Reopening our Province – Stage 3
July 13, 2020
Federal wage subsidy for businesses to be extended to December
July 6, 2020
Today Medical Officers of Health from Eastern Ontario Health Unit; Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; Renfrew County and District Health and Ottawa Public Health announced a regional approach to the use of face coverings/masks in enclosed public places within their respective jurisdictions.
Each public health unit will be issuing an Instruction under the province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act Stage 2 which states that the person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall operate the business or organization in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials, including any advice, recommendations or instructions on physical distancing, cleaning or disinfecting.
In Leeds, Grenville and Lanark, this Instruction will require businesses to adopt a policy to ensure facial coverings/masks are worn inside enclosed public spaces/settings that are openly accessible to the public. The Instruction comes into effect as of Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 12:01am and will be reviewed on September 30, 2020. The LGLDHU, to support implementation of this Instruction, will provide information and consultation to operators of enclosed indoor spaces. This directive is to be primarily used to educate people on facial covering/mask use in enclosed public spaces where 2-metre physical distancing cannot always be maintained.
As the province continues to reopen, there are increased opportunities for people to have close contact with others in enclosed public spaces. This could lead to an increased risk of potential spread of COVID-19, especially indoors or confined spaces where there is minimal airflow, higher concentrations of people, and an increased chance of sharing high-touch surfaces.
Evidence shows that wearing a mask or face covering, such as a bandana, scarf or cloth that covers the mouth and nose, can help contain the spread of COVID-19 when used in combination with staying home when ill, frequent handwashing and practicing physical distancing. Facial coverings/masks that cover your mouth, nose, and chin help to prevent respiratory droplets from your mouth and nose from reaching others or landing on surfaces.
“We have learned over the course of this pandemic that we have to get ahead of the COVID-19 virus – it is very infectious and can spread easily among people with close contact in enclosed spaces. Most people do not have immunity to COVID-19 and some people may experience no symptoms but still be able to spread the virus,” says Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health. “We have been recommending the use of face coverings/masks in enclosed indoor spaces for many weeks. With the increase in opportunities for people to be indoors in public spaces with others, now this is the time to add facial covering/mask use to the existing requirements for operators of indoor public spaces. Each person wearing a facial covering/mask says I am protecting you. We all need to reciprocate this behaviour – it is social responsibility.”
The Health Unit has staff answering COVID-19 related questions and concerns for the public from 8:30am to 4:30pm every day at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2499. Public Health Inspectors are also available to discuss environmental health concerns. You can also get more information about COVID-19 by visiting https://healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/face-coverings-masks/ or by connecting with LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact
A link to the Instruction document will be available later today on our website, visit: www.healthunit.org/coronavirus
For media interviews, contact: Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator, 613-802-0550 or susan.healey@healthunit.org.
PPE Supplier List
Leeds Grenville
https://invest.leedsgrenville.com/en/resourcesGeneral/Publications/COVID19/Local-PPE-Suppliers.pdf
Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace
https://www.ontario.ca/page/resources-prevent-covid-19-workplace
Commercial Rent Relief
June 30, 2020, extension announced
The CECRA portal opened on Monday, May 25, 2020.
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.
June 12, 2020
Phase 2 of Reopening
https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-whats-each-stage#section-2
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Postmedia Business Marketing Grant Postmedia has announced the launch of a Marketing Grant Program for local businesses. The marketing grant program has two components:
Grants ranging from $500-$15,000 per month per client are available for the months of June, July and August 2020. Businesses can apply for the full marketing grant program or matching grant program at http://www.postmediasolutions.com/grant/. Within 48 business hours, your application will be reviews and you will be contacted with next steps.Questions can be directed to Debbie Canning: dcanning@postmedia.comFunding Opportunities Available for Non-Profits and Charities Thanks to the Government of Canada Emergency Community Support Fund, the Canadian Red Cross COVID-19 Emergency Support to Community Organizations are launching funding through two programs:
Quick Facts:
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) provides financial contributions (interest-free loans) to help support fixed operating costs of SMEs, where business revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund, valued at more than $962 million nationally, is delivered by Canada’s six regional development agencies.In southern Ontario, $252.4 million is available as follows:
For more information: Ontario – Regional Relief and Recovery FundValley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation Fully allocated to date –New Regional Relief and Recovery Funding is now available through Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation. Funding is focused on assisting “main street” businesses such as retail shops, restaurants, corner stores, and businesses of strategic importance to their communities, with loans up to $40,000. Other details are:
Applications must be submitted through Valley Heartland.For more information please visit the website: https://www.valleycfdc.com/rrrfPhone: 613-283-7002
Email: loans@valleycfdc.com and copy info@valleycfdc.com 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: Canada Summer Jobs 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:
For more information: Omafra.gov – ebusiness 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.For more information: Omafra.gov -Labour Supply TrainingWSIB 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.For more information: WSIB – Covid19 UpdateThere 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.
Deferrals
CERB Extended by 8 weeks The CERB has been extended. It is now available to those who are eligible for a maximum of 6 eligibility periods (or 24 weeks total).https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.htmlTo support workers and help businesses keep their employees, the government has created the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)This taxable benefit will provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CERB will be a simpler and more accessible combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.For more information: Canada – Emergency Response Benefit Canada’s 6 big banks are offering deferred mortgage payments and various credit product support. Call your local branch for details.FedDev Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has received an enhancement to its capital base that will allow for an additional $5 billion in lending capacity.For more information: www.fcc-fac.caTrade Commissioner Work-Sharing Program Employment and Social Development Canada Training & Support Resources Small Business Advisory Centre webinars The Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls, Lanark County, northern Leeds Grenville) will be hosting three free webinars on the following topics.
The three webinars will be led by Andrew Patricio, the founder and owner of BizLaunch.For more information: Small Biz Centre – Events and Seminars Digital Tools to Keep Business Communications OpenLake 88 Free Advertising Lake 88 “Back to Business” Promotion – Submit your business name, location, phone number, website to: info@lake88.caThey will provide on air updates to get the word out to public and rotating mentions through all businesses. You will appear on website listings for 30 days, then require resubmission. For more information visit: www.lake88.ca/helping-our-communities-get-back-to-business Canadian Business Resilience Network
In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce established the Canadian Business Resilience Network to help Canadian businesses navigate the COVID-19 reality and prepare for recovery.For more information: Canadian Business Resilience Network.ca/ The Ontario and Canadian Chamber of Commerce Preparedness Help:Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) |
May 14th, 2020
The Provincial Government announcement today – Phase 1 of reopening starts for some more businesses. A list of those that are eligible to reopen: https://files.ontario.ca/mof-detailed-list-stage-1-openings… .The message from announcement is to only open your business if you are ready to. The health you and your employees is most critical. Please review the framework for reopening along with the workplace safety guidelines.This information can be found at: www.ontario.ca/page/framework-reopening-our-provincewww.ontario.ca/page/resources-prevent-covid-19-workplace
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- 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)
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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.
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