Reopening Toolkit
Information compiled by Durham Region Health intended to provide guidance to businesses to prepare for safe reopening.
COVID-19 is significantly impacting your business.
The Durham Economic Task Force is here to help you navigate this crisis.
Safety and PPE
As Durham Region businesses prepare to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a need for personal protective equipment as required by Provincial guidelines for various sectors.
Broadband Survey
Broadband is essential to remote work and virtual services. We are currently studying broadband services across Durham Region and are requesting the feedback of businesses.
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.
The Durham Region Economic Task Force
Durham Region economic organizations are working together to help businesses.
The Durham Economic Task Force 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; 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 small businesses that are still open, particularly the local food and agri-businesses who are offering safe, no-contact delivery and pick-up services.
Durham Region is an innovation community. We are home to a network of businesses that innovate with a conscience, and have a history of adapting and overcoming challenges. Together, we are #DurhamStrong.
Business Recovery Webinars
Featured Upcoming Webinars:
Aug 10: Canadian Business Resilience Network - The key to employee well-being during and after the pandemic
Aug 10-14: Virtual Conference: siberXchange 2.0
Aug 11: BACD - How To Get Clients and Customers With Google
Aug 11: Ontario Chamber of Commerce: The Importance of Women’s Entrepreneurship for Economic Recovery
Aug 12: BACD - 30 Ways to Market Your Business
Aug 12: Canadian Business Resilience Network - Getting Back To Business: Adapting Your Marketing Message For The New “Business As Usual”
Aug 12: Recovery Activation Program: Improving Your Business with Smart Technology
Aug 13: Raising Financing During Turbulent Times - Exploring for Capital in the Public Markets
Aug 19: AI for Ajax - Computer Vision Technology for your Business
Aug 20: Spark Centre - Startup Scaling Essentials: Getting the RIGHT talent on a shoestring budget
Aug 26: BACD - The Power of G Suite Apps for Business
Aug 28: BACD - Email Marketing: A No Brainer for Small Business
For all scheduled webinars, visit the Invest Durham Calendar
For a list of webinars on-demand, visit Business Support
Recent Updates
Durham Region
July 28: Updated instructions for all enclosed (indoor) public spaces regarding the use of non-medical masks and face coverings effective July 28
July 6: Wearing non-medical masks or face coverings will be required in commercial establishments in Durham Region as of July 10
June 4: Region joins ShopHERE; offers no-cost option for businesses to create digital presence
May 29: Health Department launches online toolkit to provide information on safe reopening of services
May 7: Businesses prepare to reopen; new site helps them source PPE
April 29: Region continues critical services; turns focus to recovery efforts
April 20: Durham’s business community unites during COVID-19
> See all Durham Region updates
Provincial
July 31: Ontario Implementing Additional Measures at Bars and Restaurants to Help Limit the Spread of COVID-19
July 20: Ontario moving Durham Region to stage 3 reopening on Friday July 17
June 16: Ontario moving Durham Region to stage 2 reopening on Friday June 19
June 12: Ontario Protecting Agri-Food Workers during COVID-19
June 11: Ontario and Canada Helping Small Businesses Go Digital
May 14: Ontario announces additional workplaces that can reopen
May 6: Ontario further eases restrictions on retail stores and essential construction
> See all Provincial updates
Federal
May 19: Prime Minister announces expansion of support for workers and small businesses
May 11: Prime Minister announces additional support for businesses to help save jobs
May 5: Prime Minister announces support for farmers, food businesses and food supply
April 28: Prime Minister releases joint statement by First Ministers for restarting the economy
>See all Federal updates
