Durham Community Reopening Toolkit
Information compiled by Durham Region Health intended to provide guidance to businesses, including special instructions issued by the Durham Region Medical Officer of Health.
COVID-19 is significantly impacting your business.
The Durham Economic Task Force is here to help you navigate this crisis.
Government Funding Programs
There are numerous funding and financial support programs from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments, as well as non-government organizations.
Digital Services
There are numerous free programs and services that can assist your business with digital transformation, including websites, e-commerce, social media, and process improvements.
Contact Us
The Durham Economic Task Force is here to support your business. If you have questions about programs, need assistance navigating the COVID-19 crisis, or require support, please contact us for help.
Local PPE
As Durham Region businesses work to maintain safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a need for personal protective equipment as required by Provincial guidelines for various sectors.
Local E-Commerce
As Durham Region businesses work to expand business access, there is a growing need for e-commerce and marketing services. Explore our directory of businesses in Durham Region that offer these services.
Local Food
An information resource to residents of Durham Region about where local food can be accessed, and to support our local agri-business community through promotion of their goods.
Downtowns of Durham
Support main street businesses now to help preserve our vibrant communities. Explore the fourteen downtown areas of Durham Region.
Business Recovery Webinars
Featured Upcoming Webinars:
Mar 8 -12: Canadian Women in Cybersecurity event
Mar 9: Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - Writing Killer Web Content: Online Webinar
Mar 10: Digital Main Street - E-commerce Marketing and Advertising Strategies
Mar 11: Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade - Learn Powerful Strategies to Prevent Leadership Burnout
Mar 11: Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - Google Analytics for Small Business: Online Webinar
Mar 16: Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - Facebook and Instagram Advertising on a Small Budget: Online Webinar
Mar 17: Clarington Board of Trade and Office of Economic Development - Breakfast with Regional Chair, John Henry
Mar 18: Oshawa Chamber of Commerce - Tax Preparation During COVID-19
Mar 18: Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - Working with a Digital Services Professional: Tips for Small Businesses
Mar 23: National Recovery Support Event - Profitable Growth Out of a Pandemic
Mar 23: Digital Main Street - Social Media for Your Business
Mar 23: Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - Grow Your Brand on Instagram: Online Webinar
Mar 24: Digital Main Street - Social Media Marketing
Mar 25: 2021 Regional Chair's Address
Mar 25: Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - Social Media for Small Business: Online Webinar
Mar 30: Toronto Region Board of Trade - Women & Recovery: Advice on Surviving the Pandemic
Mar 31: Clarington Board of Trade and Office of Economic Development - Employment Lifecyle
For all scheduled webinars, visit the Invest Durham Calendar
For a list of webinars on-demand, visit Business Support
Recent Updates
Durham Region
Feb 12: Ontario moves Durham Region back into Red-Control Category
Dec 14: Durham Region declares Dec 14-20 Shop in Durham Week
Nov 11: Durham Region announces Shop Durham Region Online Marketplace
Oct 1: Durham Region introduces free online ordering service
Aug 26: Free digital services are now available for Durham businesses through Digital Main Street
> See all Durham Region updates
Provincial
Jan 15: Applications Now Open for Ontario's Small Business Support Grant
Jan 12: Ontario Declares Second Provincial Emergency to Address COVID-19 Crisis and Save Lives
Jan 4: Ontario Supporting Home-Based Food Businesses During COVID-19
Dec 21: Ontario Announces new Small Business Support Grant - to Provide up to $20,000 for Eligible Businesses
Dec 21: Ontario Announces Provincewide Shutdown to Stop Spread of COVID-19
Oct 13: Ontario Continues to Support Restaurants During COVID-19 Pandemic
> See all Provincial updates
Federal
Nov 5: Details on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extension
Nov 3: Minister Ng announces new measures to help Canadian small businesses access global markets amid COVID-19
Sept 9: Prime Minister announces support for Black entrepreneurs and business owners
May 25: Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance now open for applications
May 19: Prime Minister announces expansion of support for workers and small businesses
May 11: Prime Minister announces additional support for businesses to help save jobs
May 5: Prime Minister announces support for farmers, food businesses and food supply
>See all Federal updates
The Durham Region Economic Task Force
Durham Region economic organizations are working together to help businesses.
The Durham Economic Task Force (DETF) is made up of Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism team; all 8 Durham Region-area municipal economic development teams, Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD); and all of Durham’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade.
The members have also been engaging with other key stakeholders, such as local Business Improvement Associations.
The Durham Economic Task Force’s immediate priorities are to:
- Advocate for the urgent needs of our business community to the Provincial and Federal Governments.
- Provide resources and information about business supports available from various levels of government.
- Work with other levels of government and stakeholders to develop and implement support programming for business owners, affected employees, and their families, who are experiencing financial impacts as a result of COVID-19.
- Provide direct support to help guide businesses through the process of accessing emergency financial assistance and programming from all levels of government.
- Promote Durham Region's small and local businesses.
