COVID-19 Recuperation Support for Canadian Businesses
The government’s responsive actions evolve each day and we are ...
As the world continues to respond and follow the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, one of the most common questions we’re receiving is, “What is the government providing to support Canadian businesses affected by COVID-19?”
The Canadian government’s responsive actions evolve each day, and Mentor Works is watching closely for business funding stimulus in response to COVID-19.
To support you and your business during this time, we are updating this page daily with resources available to Canadians, including COVID-19 funding incentives. As there are new government announcements every week, we also invite you to join one of our upcoming COVID-19 Support for Canadians webinars (below), where we’ll be sharing the latest incentives available.
Use the following hyperlinks to jump to the designated categories below:
Canadian COVID-19 Funding for Businesses
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Extended to June 2021: The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) has been extended to June 2021. This program covers up to 75% of employee wages for eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19.
- Canada Extends Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF): The RRRF has been crucial in stabilizing businesses following impacts of COVID-19. An additional $600 million will continue to offer federal relief solutions to address urgent needs.
- Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) is a rent relief program from the federal government in the wake of COVID-19.
- The Importance of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) Program During COVID-19: The RRRF program will be instrumental in helping Ontario business recover from COVID-19.
- Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA): The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) has increased their max interest-free loan size to $60K. Those who received CEBA already are eligible for additional funds.
- Tourism Economic Development and Recovery Fund (TEDRF): The Tourism Economic Development and Recovery Fund supports projects that improve Ontario’s visitation and visitor spending by developing innovative tourism products and/or services.
- CanExport Associations: CanExport Associations provides export grants to Canadian industry and trade organizations looking to conduct international global expansion projects.
- Innovation Assistance Program (IAP): The Government of Canada has extended the Innovation Assistance Program (IAP) by $155 million to continue supporting Canadian businesses through the adverse economic impacts caused by COVID-19.
- Top 10 Government Funding Programs for Fall 2020: Discover the top 10 government grant and loan funding programs available this season for economic growth, recovery, and innovation.
- Alternatives to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): With CEWS’ strict eligibility criteria leaves many businesses ineligible to receive funding. These alternative wage subsidies and funding programs can help your business through COVID-19.
- Innovation Assistance Program (IAP): The Government of Canada has extended the Innovation Assistance Program (IAP) by $155 million to continue supporting Canadian businesses through the adverse economic impacts caused by COVID-19.
- Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF): Your charity or not-for-profit can receive up to $75K and 100% of costs for community-based projects and $200K for National/Provincial projects.
- Ontario Resilience Fund: Eligible municipalities and non-profit organizations can receive between $5,000 to $150,000 in COVID-19 government funding grants.
- Black Entrepreneurship Program: The Black Entrepreneurship Program aims to help thousands of Black Canadian entrepreneurs to rebuild their economic status following impacts caused by the global pandemic.
- New Intake in Response to COVID-19 – SWODF/EODF Funding Streams: The Southwestern and Eastern Ontario Development Funds offer up to $5M to support businesses undertaking economic development initiatives.
- Futurpreneur Canada $20.1M Funding: Government of Canada grants $20.1M to Futurpreneur Canada to distribute pandemic relief funds to over 3,200 small businesses led by youth entrepreneurs that were impacted by COVID-19.
- Emergency Support Fund: The Emergency Support Fund helps cultural, heritage, and sport organizations with $500M in grants to maintain operations, support artists and athletes, and preserve jobs.
- Canadian Government Funding for Agribusiness: Here’s an overview of some of the most popular Canadian government funding programs available to position your agriculture or agri-food business for success.
- COVID-19 Stimulus Funding for Ontario ICT Businesses: We’ve highlighted some of the top government funding programs that Information & Communications Technology (ICT) businesses should take note of.
- Canadian Banks Offer Relief to Canadians Impacted by COVID-19: Six of Canada’s biggest banks are helping clients experiencing financial interruptions from COVID-19. Read more about the support available.
- Canada Media Fund (CMF) $88.8M COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund: The Canada Media Fund (CMF) is accepting applications for its $88.8M COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund. Apply by June 12, 2020.
- BDC Support For Entrepreneurs Impacted By Coronavirus: The Minister of Finance recently announced increased financing amounts available towards working capital, domestic/international purchase orders, and small business loans in response to COVID-19.
- Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA): Learn how the CECRA program will lower small businesses’ rent by up to 75% for three months if their revenue has decreased by 70% from pre-COVID-19 revenues.
- Applications Open for the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF): The government loan program, Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility, is accepting applications for businesses requiring financial support in response to COVID-19.
- Loan and Grant Programs for Business Cash Flow During COVID-19: Mentor Works has put together a list of Canadian government funding programs related to COVID-19, as well as other ongoing loans/grant programs for business cash flow.
- Top Business Funding for CRM & Online Marketing: The Canadian government offers small business grants to support the adoption of CRM and Marketing Automation systems and related training. Are you eligible?
- CanExport SMEs During COVID-19: The popular international marketing grant CanExport has halted funding for travel-related activities. Learn what is now eligible to receive up to $75K in grants.
- CanExport COVID-19 Updates – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): The CanExport program provides up to $75k in funding for businesses seeking to access new international markets. Find answers to common questions and COVID-19 updates in this FAQ.
- Farm Credit Canada Receives $5B to Support Agri-Businesses During COVID-19: Farm Credit Canada has received $5B from the federal government to extend their lending capacity to agri-businesses facing financial hardships due to COVID-19.
- The Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF) – Supporting the economic growth and stability of the province’s music industry with direct grants up to 50% or $300k.
Get notified of new government COVID-19 funding program announcements.
COVID-19 Payroll & Income Support Options for Canadian Businesses
- Income Support After CERB – The Canada Response Benefit (CRB): The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) has launched, providing $2,000 of monthly income support to Canadians.
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Extension FAQ: The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) has been extended to June 2021. This program covers up to 75% of employee wages for eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19.
- CEWS Funding Periods and Program Deadlines: The amount businesses can receive from the CEWS wage subsidy now varies depending on the impact COVID-19 has had on your business.
- Avoid COVID-19-Related Layoffs with Government Funding Programs: Mentor Works has outlined COVID-19-related funding programs and wage subsidies to avoid layoffs and bring back employees.
- COVID-19 Support: Temporary Enhancements to Work-Sharing (WS) Program: The government of Canada has increased support and flexibility to the Work-Sharing (WS) program to support families and businesses throughout COVID-19.
- How to Apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit: The Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit have been merged into the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
- Individual Income Support Infographic: Find income support options that are available to Canadians affected by COVID-19.
Funding to Join The Fight Against COVID-19
- Innovative Solutions Canada: New COVID-19 R&D Challenges Announced: Canadian innovators can access grants and procurement contracts to research and develop solutions for government COVID-19 challenges. Browse ISC’s current challenges.
- NRC Awards R&D Funding for COVID-19 Prevention: The NRC has awarded government funding towards Canadian projects that will research and develop solutions to help prevent and fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
- NRC IRAP Funding Helps Businesses Provide PPE and Sanitizer: The National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is using funding to help companies make PPE and sanitization equipment.
- Mitacs Offering 3-to-1 Investment Ratio for COVID-19 R&D Projects: Mitacs has announced they will be offering a 3-to-1 investment ratio to support Canadian researchers to develop solutions to COVID-19.
- Digital Technology Supercluster COVID-19 Program: The Digital Technology Supercluster COVID-19 Program has allocated $60M for projects to improve the health and safety of Canadians during COVID-19.
- Help Canada Combat Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – Submission Form: The federal government recently released a call regarding medical supplies for assisting the government with the COVID19 response.
- $50M in COVID-19 Support from NGen Canada: NGen Manufacturing Canada will invest $50M to fund projects that can provide positive impacts to health care workers and individuals in response to COVID-19.
- NSERC Alliance Announces $15M in Grants for COVID-19 Projects: NSERC Alliance has made $15M available for research and development projects responding to COVID-19 challenges.
- NGen $30M Made Smarter Program – Combating Future Pandemics – Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) has launched a $30M funding program that aims to develop and produce globally innovative manufacturing solutions to fight COVID-19.
Provincial Responses to COVID-19
Ontario
- Ontario Small Business Support Grant – $10K – $20K COVID-19 Support: The Ontario Small Business Support Grant provides up to $20K to help offset decreased revenue due to the provincial lockdown.
- Ontario Government Grants for Small Businesses: Ontario’s access to skilled talent and the availability of financial support through Ontario Government Grants for Small Business are some of the region’s most attractive attributes.
- Small Businesses COVID-19 Financial Advice and Training: The Ontario provincial government is investing over $2M in small business training and financial support during COVID-19 through local Small Business Enterprise Centres.
- Ontario 2020 Budget –$187 Billion in Expenditures: Find out how the Ontario provincial government has allocated its 2020 budget and what grant or loan programs your business may be eligible for.
- Find Your Local Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC): The Ontario provincial government is investing over $2M in small business training and financial support during COVID-19 through local Small Business Enterprise Centres.
- Ontario Together Fund: $50M for Helping Businesses Fight COVID-19: The provincial government has allocated $50M in funding towards the Ontario Together Fund, which seeks to provide medical grade equipment to healthcare workers.
- Ontario Helping Small Businesses Create Their Online Presence: The provincial and federal governments have teamed up to help small businesses get online by providing them with training, an online store, and branding.
- Ontario Provincial Government’s Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Page: The Ontario provincial government has coordinated a wealth of information on COVID-19, including how Ontario is responding, testing information, self-isolation tips, the status of cases/testing, and other critical information for both individuals and businesses.
- The Ontario Made Program: The Ontario Made program gives local manufacturers a recognizable logo and an online page to promote and find made-in-Ontario products.
- Ontario Helping Small Businesses Create Their Online Presence: The provincial and federal governments have teamed up to help small businesses get online by providing them with training, an online store, and branding.
- Immediate Actions York Region Employers Should Take in Response to COVID-19: Written in partnership with Mentor Works. The York Region Economic Strategy in supporting the business community during this difficult and uncertain time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Key to COVID-19 Business Survival: Cash Flow Support Programs: Written in partnership with Mentor Works. It’s critical to look to the future and how companies can manage their cash flows to sustain their activity in the coming months and beyond.
- Government Funding For Industry Sectors – Information Technology and Communications (ICT): York Region Economic Strategy has partnered with Mentor Works to outline additional longer-term government funding programs.
- New Agri-Food Funding Programs From OMAFRA: The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has launched its new initiatives for 2020 which include COVID-19 financial support.
- Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open: The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces.
- Response to COVID-19: Ontario Employer Health Tax Exemption Increase for 2020: There has been an increase to the Ontario Employer Health Tax exemption for 2020 from $490,000 to $1 million due to COVID-19.
- The Power of Government Funding: COVID-19 Recovery for Ontario ICT Businesses: We’ve highlighted some of the top government funding programs that Information & Communications Technology (ICT) businesses should take note of.
British Columbia
- COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information: BC’s official webpage for essential information, including self-assessments, child care, education, employment/finances, businesses, housing/monthly bills, transportation, travel/tourism, and healthcare.
Québec
- Novel Coronavirus Situation Update: Québec has a dedicated page to report on the cases confirmed by region, measures taken by the government, FAQs, and information on school/childcare closures.
Alberta
- General Alberta COVID-19 Info for Albertans: Reference information for Albertans related to affected organization availability, government service changes, and the government’s response.
- Support for Albertans: The provincial government’s response and resources related to COVID-19, including emergency isolation support, utility payment deferral, student loan repayment deferral, banks/credit unions information, education property tax frees, news, and federal government support.
Manitoba
- Manitoba’s COVID-19 Resources: Manitoba’s COVID-19 resource page provides access to Health Links, a self-screening tool, a news feed of updates, COVID-19 resources, and reported cases.
- Agri-food Grants for Purchasing PPE – Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Manitoba – Canadian Agricultural Partnership Manitoba (CAP Manitoba) provides a max of $25,000 per applicant for up to 50% of eligible PPE, sanitization, and training costs.
Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 Resources: Saskatchewan’s provincial government page dedicated to COVID-19 is providing a self-assessment tool, Public Health orders, as well as information on self-isolation, testing, cases/risks, latest updates, and other resources.
East Coast (Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island)
- Newfoundland & Labrador COVID-19 Resources: Newfoundland and Labrador’s site is dedicated to educating locals of pandemic updates, resources, tips, FAQs, travel advice, business closures, and the latest media briefings. They also offer forms fro public reporting and essential worker child care.
- Nova Scotia Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources: Nova Scotia is providing its residents with alerts & notices, testing data, guidance on when to seek help, tips, support for businesses/health care, and changes to education.
- New Brunswick COVID-19 Resources: The Government of New Brunswick is offering self-assessments, updates on cases/testing, the latest news, and actions that the province is taking in response to COVID-19.
- Prince Edward Island (PEI) COVID-19 Resources: The PEI provincial government has a dedicated site to provide updates on cases and testing results, advice for individuals/families, closure information, FAQs, business resources, travel advisories, public orders, and other information.
Tips & Resources for Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Recovery Activation Program (RAP): Learn how to adapt your Ontario business online for free with the Recovery Activation Program (RAP).
- Virtual Career Fairs for Fall 2020: Searching for students and recent grads to hire? These upcoming virtual career fairs offer employers access to thousands of candidates. Who will you find?
- Ontario Helping Small Businesses Create Their Online Presence: The provincial and federal governments have teamed up to help small businesses get online by providing them with training, an online store, and branding.
- Customer Engagement in the Age of Social Distancing: Learn effective ways to stay engaged with your audience in a business world revolving around social distancing best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- How COVID-19 Has Affected the Environment: Large-scale shifts in human behaviour and industry has resulted in massive environmental changes related to COVID-19.
- Help with Foreign Market Expansion: Canadian Technology Accelerators: The Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program helps Canadian technology firms scale up by connecting them to international support and opportunities.
- Business Continuity Plan And Templates For Entrepreneurs: A suite of resources that businesses can leverage for planning key aspects of their business throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
- How to Ensure Your Remote Workers’ Cybersecurity: Remote work has become the norm for many businesses. Ensure your business is following these best practices to stay safe while telecommuting.
- Canadian Government’s Official COVID-19 Help Page For Businesses and Employees: Support for workers, considerations for businesses navigating COVID-19 disruptions, Economic Response Plan, guidance for federal employees
- Canada.ca Advice for Essential Retailers During COVID-19 Pandemic: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for these retailers to implement appropriate public health measures and to adjust their operations to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Risk-Informed Decision-Making Guidelines: Canada.ca helps to provide a framework for risk-informed decision making about public health actions for workplaces/businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- How to Succeed in a Virtual Career Fair: Mentor Works explains what is a virtual career fair and shares a few tips for job seekers attending these online events.
- Leveraging Webinars to Connect with Customers During COVID-19: While we’ve shifted to remote working, webinars are a great tool to help develop and strengthen relationships with customers.
- Improve Your Working from Home Productivity: The team at Mentor Works has put together a list of ways you can increase your productivity when working from home and how to adapt to the working-from-home lifestyle.
- Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic: The effort to address COVID-19 is extremely important for us all and poses a range of challenges on individuals and families as they respond to the demands of the situation. This resource is designed to provide information and suggestions about how best to cope with this difficult time.
- Yes, it is Possible to Train Your Team and Work from Home: Remote employee training requires a shift in mindset, but doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some tips and tricks for a successful transition.
- CME is Collecting a List of Manufacturers Interested in Helping: If you are a Canadian manufacturer that wants to contribute towards the fight against COVID-19, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) association is collecting a list of manufacturers.
- Never Miss a Canadian Government Funding Update: Get notified of the latest Canadian government funding updates delivered directly to your inbox on a weekly basis.
COVID-19 Related Webinars
All webinars are in Eastern Standard Time (EST)
February 2021
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Watch Anytime: On-Demand Webinars
- Export Development Canada (EDC) Resources: EDC offered a webinar that’s now available “on demand” to guide businesses as they manage the impact of COVID-19 on their global supply chains, which included Peter Hall, VP and Chief Economist of EDC.
- BDC’s How to Cope with the Impacts of COVID-19 on Your Business: The spread of COVID-19 poses important challenges to Canadian businesses. With the situation constantly evolving, you need to be prepared for any disruptions. Join BDC experts as they share short-term economic perspectives and advice on how to manage through the crisis.
- Canadian Government Funding Webinars to Attend in July 2020: Mentor Works has ramped up our list of government funding webinars! Register today and access support for your upcoming strategic growth projects.
Register for Mentor Works’ upcoming COVID-19 Support for Canadian Businesses Webinar!
