COVID-19 Business Resources

Please also see the B2B section as there may be supports from other businesses that are relevant to you.

Programs that have ended have been removed from this list to make for easier reading.

Provincial:

• Major Anchor Attractions Program - was recently announced by the Province for the Tourism sector.
• Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant - provides up to $10,000 to businesses in the hospitality and fitness sectors that have been impacted by the most recent restrictions. Applications open April 12.  
• BC Accelerating Manufacturing Scale-Up Grant - The goal of this program is to support small and medium-sized businesses to accelerate innovative capacity in the manufacturing sector, strengthen critical provincial supply chains, and create new, sustainable economic opportunities for businesses. Applications open April 15, 2021. 
• Community Workforce Response Grant - certain organizations may be eligible for up to $15,000 per participant in grant funds to upskill workers, up to a maximum of $300,000 per organization. Check out the details here.
• Do you need help pivoting into e-commerce? There is a new grant of up to $7,500 to help your business grow its online presence. Apply at http://launchonline.ca.
• The B.C. Supply Chain Resiliency and Value-Added Manufacturing Grant was recently announced to support small and medium sized manufacturers to bolster the supply chain. Details here. 
• The BC Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant: The B.C. government has enhanced the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program to make it easier for businesses to qualify and has increased support for those in the hard-hit tourism sector. Determine your eligibility and apply now.
• Metis Financial Corporation of BC relief program for Metis Entrepreneurs
• The Province is providing enhanced relief for businesses by reducing most commercial property tax bills by an average of 25%, along with new measures to support local governments facing temporary revenue shortfalls as a result of COVID-19 - news release
• COVID-19 Leave: Changes to Employment Standard Act — Employees who are unable to work due to COVID-19 related reasons are permitted to take unpaid, job-protected leave. This is retroactive to January 27, 2020.

Federal:

• Jobs and Growth Fund The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs, and position Canada’s economy for an inclusive recovery and long-term growth. The JGF will provide $700 million nationally over three years to position the regional economies for long-term growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs across Canada. Applications will be accepted through a continuous intake process.  All projects must be completed prior to March 31, 2024, as no further funding will be available after that date.For more information regarding the program please contact them.

• Bank of Development Canada Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) offers financing for highly affected sectors where at least 50% of their revenue has been impacted due to COVID19. Details are here. 

• Canada Emergency Business Account has again been extended, this time until June 2021, and now businesses who have already received a loan may apply for an additional $20,000, of which $10,000 may be forgiveable. Details here. If a business has not yet applied for a loan, up to $60,000 may be available. 
• Canada United Small Business Grants open up for applications on October 26 - these grants provide up to $5000 to eligible small businesses to purchase PPE.
• The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) was announced October 9. It will allow for a subsidy for impacted businesses of up to 65% until June 2021. Applications now being accepted! 
• Prime Minister announces up to $53 million to develop and implement a new National Ecosystem Fund to support Black-led business organizations across the country
• Canada's COVID-19 Economic Reponse Plan (all federal programs) 
• Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility or LEEFF. It is for large for-profit businesses except those in the financial sector – as well as certain not-for-profit businesses, such as airports, with annual revenues generally in the order of $300 million or higher. To qualify, eligible businesses must be seeking financing of about $60 million or more, have significant operations or workforce in Canada, and not be involved in active insolvency proceedings.
• Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program - the CECRA business application portal opens May 25.  
• Support for Indigenous Businesses 
• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program.
• Business Credit Availability Program provides financing in the private sector. Contact your financial institution to access the program. Has been extended and expanded until June 2021. 
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) As of September 27, CERB is transitioning to an improved EI program. Learn more about the transition, here. 
• Tax Flexibility — Businesses can defer paying income tax until September 1, 2020. GST payments, duties, and other remittances can be deferred until June
• Employment and Social Development Canada — Details for employers on EI applications for their employees and Work-Share Program
• COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Programs that have ended have been removed from this list to make for easier reading.

Supplies / Services for Operations

• Mitchell Press is offering adhesive signs and floor decals on their online shop.
• Facebook is offering grants and ad credits for businesses with 2-50 employees. Apply here.
• Local supplier of promotional and branded items, Patterson Brands, now offers imprintable fabric masks. 
• Fabric Face Masks - made in Vancouver and available online or locally at Mila and Paige or Game Deals.
• Metro Vancouver company Westkey Xibita Graphics offers plexiglass shields, floor decals, and other COVID-19 safety items.
• Savi Marketing Solutions also offers floor decals. Details. 
• Signs and other safety items for encouraging safe distancing from ARC (the link is a download page - it is a PDF catalogue) 
• Longevity Pharmacy is offering bulk order of hand sanitizer to other local businesses

Financial Support / Opportunities

• The Women's Enterprise Centre has COVID-19 related programs.
• Fortis BC has developed a customer recovery fund. Details are here
• WorkSafeBC has some supports including payment deferral

Advertising or Promotion

• Jack 96.9 Operation Support Local
• Georgia Straight is offering free advertising
• Google offers some COVID-19 Advertising Resources for non-profits
• New West Record is offering no charge listings on their Guided By website

RESTAURANT SPECIFIC

• Touch Bistro Restaurant Recovery Navigator
• Breaking Bread
• National Takeout Day
• Noms Magazine Interactive Restaurant Map
• Takeout Challenge

Programs that have ended have been removed from this list to make for easier reading.

MENTAL WELLNESS

• CareforCaregivers.ca - a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association and SafeCare BC. 
• Province of BC's resource page for managing COVID-19 Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
• WorkSafeBC's Information Page on COVID-19 - know your rights as a worker

Wages

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy - for employers to fill out, can provide up to 75% of wages to the employer to help keep employees working, extended until the period ending November 21, 2020
• City of New Westminster Rent Bank Program

Taxes / Expenses

• Canada Revenue Agency announced December 15 that individuals who worked from home at least 50% of the time during a four week period in 2020 are now eligible to claim home office expenses on their 2020 tax filing. Details here. 

• BCCDC Modeling and Projections
   
• Public Health Agency of Canada posts the most current information to their page about national number of cases and travel advice as well as Canada’s response.
   
• Government of Canada COVID-19 Information Service:
  • Phone: 1-833-784-4397
  • Email: 
     
• Assessment of the local situation — Fraser Health
   
• Assessment of the provincial situation - BC Centre for Disease Control
   
• Assessment of the global situation — World Health Organization