Government Support and Funding
This is a gathering of the latest COVID-19 government and non-governmental funding supports that are available to support your business.
COVID-19 is a challenge for businesses of all sizes. There are numerous funding and financial support programs from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments, as well as non-government organizations.
If you have questions about programs that your business can qualify for,
please contact us.
Federal Relief Programs
As programs are changing regularly, please check Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan for the most up to date information - Government of Canada
Service Canada continues to provide critical services online and through their call centres during these extraordinary times, including a number of new virtual “e-services”. See details on virtual services.
To find other grants and funding programs, Innovation Canada's online search tool allows companies to search for relevant funding.
The Government of Canada invests an additional $12 million contribution to the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund. The new intake period to apply for Canada United Small Business Relief Fund grants is open from October 26, 2020 until all funding has been allocated.
Announcements and Information
Up-to-date announcements: The Prime Minister's News Releases
Canada Business App - A dedicated COVID-19 tile has been added to the this app providing links to government announcements and information for businesses.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Calculator
Statistics Canada’s data and insights on COVID-19, including releases on Health, Economy, Society, Labour. Scroll down on the Statistics Canada page and participate in the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions (Read more about the survey here)
Regional Development Agencies COVID-19 Info sheet and details
See updates from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Notices from ESDC on various programs and services
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses
Canadian Business Resilience Network Pandemic Preparedness for businesses including guide to recovery and Toolkit for Reopening Canada
Guides and References
- Guide: How to complete a record of employment
- Guide: How to Apply for Employment Insurance and Service Information Sheet
- Guide: Worksharing guide for Employers
- Resources for Canadian Businesses and Employees - Trade Commissioner Service
- Guide: Baker Tilly’s Federal Relief Measures Guide and COVID-19 Business Guidance
Relief Programs
Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID‑19
- Ontario Small Business Support Grant to Provide up to $20,000 for Eligible Businesses - Small businesses required to close or restrict services under the January 2021 Provincewide Shutdown will be able to apply for this one-time grant.
- Ontario Small Business Support Grant - User Application Guide (PDF)
- Ontario’s COVID-19 support for businesses - Get help with COVID-19 costs. Find out if your business is eligible to recover costs for personal protective equipment (PPE) or for rebates to help with fixed costs, such as property tax and energy bills.
- Ontario’s COVID-19 support for Individuals - learn what other support is available in addition to relief from federal government and employment insurance
- Ontario Providing Electricity Relief to Families, Small Businesses and Farms During COVID-19
- Service Ontario: Ontario extending validation periods for Driver, Vehicles and Carrier Products, Services and Health Cards.
COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business: Applications Begin August 31
The Government of Ontario is making $8 million available to support small business and registered charities who are struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of COVID-19. The COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business (CEAP-SB) provides a one time, on-bill credit to eligible small business and registered charity customers to help them catch up on their energy bills and resume regular payments.
To apply for CEAP funding, customers should contact their energy provider. Electricity and natural gas utilities and unit sub-meter providers (USMPs) will begin accepting applications for CEAP-SB on August 31, 2020, delivering the program in accordance with rules laid out by the OEB. CEAP-SB funding is limited, with utilities and USMPs expected to process applications in the order in which they are received. Please note, submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
For more information, including eligibility requirements and on-bill credit amounts, visit oeb.ca/ceap.
Announcements and Information
Up-to-date announcements: Ontario Newsroom
Ontario has been helping businesses overcome the unique challenges created by COVID-19, including provision for a temporary regulation or policy change to support businesses
COVID-19 response framework: keeping Ontario safe and open (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, and Grey Zones)
Guides and References
Ontario Dedicated COVID-19 Website
Learn about the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses and the support you may be eligible for
Ontario Together: Help Fight Coronavirus. Offer emergency products, and innovative solutions or volunteer to support the provincial response to COVID-19.
Reopening Ontario after COVID-19
Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace
Guidelines on developing your COVID-19 workplace safety plan
View the Durham Region COVID-19 Data Tracker for number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Durham Region
View the Durham Region Community Reopening Toolkit
View updated instructions for all enclosed (indoor) public spaces regarding the use of non-medical masks and face coverings
View Durham Region COVID-19 Community Funding Opportunities
Water Billing assistance and payment options
See COVID-19 Response and Updates from Municipalities on local programs and financial reliefs:
As part of a partnership between the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario, Digital Main Street has announced three new programs to support businesses across Ontario. These programs are available to Durham Region businesses that meet program requirements.
DMS ShopHERE: a program that provides independent small businesses and artists with a quick, easy and no-cost way to get selling online right away.
DMS Ontario Grants: a program providing main street businesses with $2,500 Digital Transformation Grants.
DMS Future Proof: a program that helps businesses identify new markets, pivot their business model, and develop and implement a deep digital transformation plan.
BDC Small Business Loans - up to $100,000
- No application fees. Online application process. Repayable over 5 years.
- Use to: buy equipment, purchase extra software or hardware, apply for a patent, trademark or, other intellectual property protection.
- Eligibility: Canadian company in operation for at least 24 months.
- Apply online. Provide all required information and get approved within 5 days. Receive results or funds in 2 to 5 business days.
- Get a loan to complement your line of credit in order to boost inventory and take advantage of supplier discounts.
Central Counties Tourism PPE Reimbursement program
- Central Counties Tourism launches PPE Reimbursement program for private and not-for-profit businesses in the hospitality and recreation sector. The program will provide matched funding of 50% up to a maximum of $1,000 per applicant ($2,000 total expense). Eligible expenses include plexiglass, sanitizing stations, masks, stickers, etc., that you needed to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 by keeping your staff and guests safe. Learn more about eligibility or submit an application here.
EDB-BDC: Purchase Order Financing
- Loans to fulfill large international orders.
- Get financing to cover up to 90% of the purchase order amount of contracts with international buyers.
- The loan is dispersed directly to you, allowing you to pay your suppliers on time and fulfil contracts as promised. You can pay the loan back as you get paid by the buyer.
To find other grants and funding programs, Innovation Canada's online search tool allows companies to search for relevant funding.
Review current funding opportunities specific to Not-For-Profits (NFPs) by visiting the Durham Immigration Portal funding opportunities update.
Banking
Effective immediately, Bank of Montreal, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank and TD Bank have made a commitment to work with personal and small business banking customers on a case-by-case basis to provide flexible solutions to help them manage through challenges such as:
Utilities
Province of Ontario suspends time of use rate
- Oshawa Power & Utilities Corporation assistance and payment flexibility
- Elexicon Energy assistance and payment options
- Hydro One assistance and payment options
Mortgage
- Mortgage deferral information from CMHC
- Mortgage deferral information from Canadian Bankers Association
- CMHC Insured Mortgage Program
Rent
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses
Telecommunications