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:
Sept 16, Sept 23: Digital Main Street - How An Online Store Can Boost Your Business: Free Ontario Program
Sept 21: The Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - Facebook and Instagram Advertising on a Small Budget
Sept 21, Oct 19, Nov 30: Digital Main Street - eCommerce 101: What, why, and how
Sept 21: BACD - Learn how to Optimize Google my Business to get found locally
Sept 22: The Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - How to Hire Website and Social Media Help for Your Small Business
Sept 22: BACD - Website Essentials: Make Sure You Tick all The Boxes
Sept 28: The Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - Writing Successful Web Content
Sept 29: The Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative - Social Media Content: Strategy and Planning
Oct 5, Nov 16: Digital Main Street - Web Presence 101 – Ensuring Your Foundation Is Set
Oct 6: BACD - Digital Main Street Grant Information Session
Oct 19, Nov 30: Digital Main Street - Social Media for Your Business
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
Durham Region Chambers and Boards of Trade Rapid Testing Program
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
> See all Durham Region updates
Provincial
July 19: Ontario Helping Small Businesses Establish Online Presence
July 15: Ontario Offers Free Health and Safety Training for Small Businesses as Province Reopens
July 12: Ontario Moving to step 3 of Roadmap to Reopen on July 16
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
Jan 4: Ontario Supporting Home-Based Food Businesses During COVID-19
> See all Provincial updates
Federal
July 12: Federal government launches Tourism Relief Fund to help tourism businesses and organizations recover and grow
March 23: Government announces extension of Canada Emergency Business Account to help small businesses
>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.
