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:
Jun 15, Jul 27, Sept 7: Digital Main Street - Social Media for Your Business
Jun 16: Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - Grow Your Brand on Instagram: Online Webinar
Jun 17, Jun 24, Jul 1, Jul 8: Digital Main Street - How An Online Store Can Boost Your Business: Free Ontario Program
Jun 17: BACD - CRA Webinar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed Individuals
Jun 17: BACD - Website Essentials: Make Sure You Tick all The Boxes
Jun 22: BACD - Resilience & Influence- Activate True Grit During Challenging Times
Jun: 23 Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - Writing Killer Web Content: Online Webinar
Jun 23: Canadian Chamber of Commerce - Women in Business Summit
Jun 29: Digital Main Street - eCommerce 101: What, why, and how
Jun 29: Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - Small Business Websites 101: Online Webinar
Jun 29, Aug 10, Sept 21: Digital Main Street - eCommerce 101: What, why, and how
Jul 13, Aug 24, Oct 5: Digital Main Street - Web Presence 101 – Ensuring Your Foundation Is Set
For all scheduled webinars, visit the Invest Durham Calendar
For a list of webinars on-demand, visit Business Support
Recent Updates
Durham Region
June 8: Durham Region moves to Step One of Roadmap on June 11
Mar 25: Durham Region Health Class Order for Workplaces Fact Sheet
Jan 29: Shop Durham Region online marketplace now live
Oct 1: Durham Region introduces free online ordering service
> See all Durham Region updates
Provincial
June 7: Ontario will be moving to Step 1 of the roadmap to reopening on June 11, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
May 20: Ontario Releases Three-Step Roadmap to Safely Reopen the Province
May 13: Ontario Launches New Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant
May 12: Ontario Continues to Expand Access to Rapid Testing for Workplaces
Mar 29: Ontario Supports the Tourism and Hospitality Sectors during COVID-19
Mar 25: Ontario's Action Plan Doubles Ontario Small Business Support Grant
Mar: 18: Ontario Expands Financial Assistance to Include Micro-credentials
Mar 5: Ontario Setting Up Apprentices and Employers for Success
Mar 12: Ontario Continues to Support Business Owners, Workers and Families during COVID-19
Jan 4: Ontario Supporting Home-Based Food Businesses During COVID-19
Oct 13: Ontario Continues to Support Restaurants During COVID-19 Pandemic
> See all Provincial updates
Federal
March 23: Government announces extension of Canada Emergency Business Account to help small businesses
March 3: Government Announces Wage and Rent Subsidy Amounts to Remain Unchanged Through to June
Nov 13: Prime Minister announces funding to help Canadians develop skills and find jobs
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
>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.
