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. 

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

 

Relief Programs

Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID‑19  

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 

List of Essential Businesses

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

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.

Learn more.

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.

BDC: Working Capital Loan

  • 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. 

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

Mortgage 

Rent

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses

Telecommunications

  • Rogers fee assistance and changes 
  • Bell fee assistance and changes