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.
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.
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’s COVID-19 support for businesses - Tax and financial relief for businesses and other guidance during COVID-19
- 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.
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
A Framework for Reopening our Province
Reopening our Province: Stage 1
Reopening our Province: Stage 2
Reopening our Province: Stage 3
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 effective July 28
Durham Region Health Department COVID-19 Fact Sheet: Instructions to ensure the mandatory use of non-medical masks and face coverings within Enclosed Public Spaces
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:
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.
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.
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