Health Department Guidance for Businesses
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:
Jan 25: Digital Main Street Webinar Series - Google Analytics for Small Business
Jan 26: Digital Main Street Webinar Series - Social Media for Small Business: Online Webinar
Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 17, Feb 24, Mar 3, Mar 10: Digital Main Street - How An Online Store Can Boost Your Business: Free Ontario Program
Feb 1: Digital Main Street - Social Media for Your Business
Feb 2: Digital Main Street Webinar Series - Writing Successful Web Content
Feb 8: Digital Main Street Webinar Series - Maximizing Your Online Advertising & Digital Marketing Budget
Feb 10: BACD - Canada Revenue Agency Webinar for Small Corporations
Feb 15: Digital Main Street - eCommerce 101: What, why, and how
Feb 16: Digital Main Street Webinar Series - Small Business Websites 101
Feb 23: Digital Main Street Webinar Series - Grow Your Brand on Instagram
Mar 2: Digital Main Street Webinar Series - SEO Fundamentals: Online Webinar
Mar 8: Digital Main Street Webinar Series - Social Media Content: Strategy and Planning
Mar 17: Digital Main Street Webinar Series - Facebook and Instagram Advertising on a Small Budget
Mar 23: Digital Main Street Webinar Series - Google Analytics for Small Business
Mar 29: Digital Main Street Webinar Series - Social Media for Small Business: Online Webinar
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
Info: Durham Region Chambers and Boards of Trade Rapid Testing Program
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
Jan 20: Ontario Outlines Steps to Cautiously and Gradually Ease Public Health Measures
Jan 18: Applications Now Open for Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program
Jan 7: Ontario Providing Supports for Small Businesses, Workers and Families
Jan 3: Ontario Temporarily Moving to Modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen
Dec 22: Ontario Launches New Supports for Businesses
Dec 17: Ontario Further Strengthening Response to Omicron
Dec 15: Ontario Cutting Wholesale Alcohol Prices to Support Restaurants and Bars
Dec 7: Ontario Extending COVID-19 Paid Sick Days
Oct 15: Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate with QR Code and Verify Ontario App Available for Download
Sept 27: Ontario Investing $100 Million to Help Tourism Sector Rebound From COVID-19
Sept 27: Ontario Adding New Resources To Protect Workers
Sept 14: Ontario Releasing Guidance to support Proof of Vaccination Policy
July 19: Ontario Helping Small Businesses Establish Online Presence
July 15: Ontario Offers Free Health and Safety Training for Small Businesses as Province Reopens
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
> See all Provincial updates
Federal
Jan 12: Government extends loan forgiveness repayment deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account
December 22: Temporarily Expanding Eligibility for the Local Lockdown Program and the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
October 22: Federal government announces Targeted COVID-19 Support Measures
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.
