Durham 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 and Events:
May 12, May 19, May 26, Jun 2, Jun 9, Jun 16: Digital Main Street - How An Online Store Can Boost Your Business: Free Ontario Program
May 24, Jul 5, Aug 16: Digital Main Street - Web Presence 101 - Ensuring Your Foundation Is Set
Jun 7, Jul 19, Aug 30: Digital Main Street - Social Media for Your Business
Jun 21, Aug 2: Digital Main Street - eCommerce 101: What, why, and how
For all scheduled webinars, visit the Invest Durham Calendar
For a list of webinars on-demand, visit Business Support
Recent Updates
Durham Region
See COVID-19 related updates from the Region of Durham newsroom
Info: Durham Health Guidelines - Ontario Exit Step Reference Sheet
Info: Durham Region Chambers and Boards of Trade Rapid Testing Program
Mar 25: Durham Region Health Class Order for Workplaces Fact Sheet
Jan 29: Shop Durham Region online marketplace now live
> See all Durham Region updates
Provincial
March 1: Further changes to public health and workplace safety measures
Feb 14: Ontario Moving to Next Phase of Reopening on February 17
Feb 9: Ontario Expanding Access to Free Rapid Tests for General Public
Jan 20: Ontario Outlines Steps to Cautiously and Gradually Ease Public Health Measures
Jan 18: Applications Now Open for Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program
Jan 7: Ontario Providing Supports for Small Businesses, Workers and Families
Dec 22: Ontario Launches New Supports for Businesses
Dec 15: Ontario Cutting Wholesale Alcohol Prices to Support Restaurants and Bars
Dec 7: Ontario Extending COVID-19 Paid Sick Days
May 13: Ontario Launches New Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant
> See all Provincial updates
Federal
Jan 12: Government extends loan forgiveness repayment deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account
December 22: Temporarily Expanding Eligibility for the Local Lockdown Program and the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
October 22: Federal government announces Targeted COVID-19 Support Measures
July 12: Federal government launches Tourism Relief Fund to help tourism businesses and organizations recover and grow
>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.
