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.
Downtowns of Durham
Support main street businesses now to help preserve our vibrant communities. Explore the downtown areas of Durham Region.
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.
Together, we are #DurhamStrong.
Business Recovery Webinars
Featured Upcoming Webinars:
Oct 27: Digital Main Street - Selling and Shipping During the Holiday Season with eCommerce Canada
Oct 27: BACD - Website Essentials: Make Sure You Tick all The Boxes
Oct 27: The Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative -The Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative
Oct 28: Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium - Attendance Management in the Time of Covid, Tech and Your Supply Chain, and COVID-19: An Ontario Workers' Compensation Update
Oct 29: Digital Main Street - How to accelerate your business with e-commerce
Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12, Nov 19: Digital Main Street - Why Your Business Needs An Online Store - ShopHERE powered by Google
Nov 4: Digital Main Street - Creating a Business Plan to Grow Your Business
For all scheduled webinars, visit the Invest Durham Calendar
For a list of webinars on-demand, visit Business Support
Recent Updates
Durham Region
Oct 1: Durham Region introduces free online ordering service
Aug 26: Free digital services are now available for Durham businesses through Digital Main Street
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
> See all Durham Region updates
Provincial
Oct 13: Ontario Continues to Support Restaurants During COVID-19 Pandemic
Sept 17: Ontario Introduces Legislation to Freeze Residential Rent in 2021 - Proposed Bill Would Also Support Small Businesses by Extending the Ban on Commercial Evictions
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
> See all Provincial updates
Federal
Sept 9: Prime Minister announces support for Black entrepreneurs and business owners
May 25: Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance now open for applications
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
>See all Federal updates
