We understand the various business challenges COVID-19 has generated, and Clark Wilson is here to help you navigate your way through. The federal and provincial government has responded to the pandemic by creating an array of funding programs — some are general and some are specific to your business type, size or industry. The purpose of this page is to help you navigate the key programs and funding opportunities for your business needs.
As new programs are developed and existing programs evolve, Clark Wilson will continue to update this page with information as it develops. Please ensure to always review program information from the program-provider before taking action. You can also visit our COVID-19 Resources page for further information.
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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) [Federal]
Description
Assisted Canadian employers who experienced a drop in their revenue during the pandemic. This subsidy enabled businesses to re-hire workers, help prevent further job losses, and ease back into normal operations. As of October 24, 2021, CEWS has been replaced by the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP), the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP), and the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP).
Who does this aim to benefit?
Eligible employers
What can the aid be used for?
The aid can be used to re-hire workers previously laid off and to help prevent further job losses.
Duration
The last CEWS claim period was period 21 (September 26 to October 23, 2021). The deadline to apply for claim period 21 was April 21, 2022.
Eligibility Requirements
Please see the sections below about THRP, HHBRP, and CRHP for more information on eligibility for those programs.
Where to apply
Applications for this program are now being processed under the THRP, HHBRP, or CRHP. Please visit Canada.ca for more information.
Issues/Notes/Considerations
There will be no further claim periods for CEWS.
CW Articles on the Topic
Work-Sharing Program (WS) [Federal]
Description
This program allows employers to retain qualified and experienced workers and avoid recruiting and training new employees.
A work-sharing (“WS”) unit is a group of employees with similar job duties who agree to reduce their hours of work over a specific period of time. A WS unit must reduce its hours of work by at least 10% to 60%.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Employers and employees
What can the aid be used for?
The aid can be used to retain qualified workers and to allow employees to keep their jobs.
Duration of benefit
The Government of Canada has put in place Work-Sharing special measures in response to COVID-19 which extend the duration of WS agreements to 76 weeks. Employers can benefit from a 76-week agreement if their WS agreement:
• is at least 6 consecutive weeks long
• is signed between March 15, 2020 and September 24, 2022, with an agreement start date no later than September 25, 2022
• begins, or ends between March 15, 2020 and September 25, 2022
Employers can benefit from a 76-week agreement under COVID-19 special measures once. However, businesses that complete a 76-week agreement under COVID-19 special measures by September 24, 2022 can start a new subsequent 26-week agreement immediately after or anytime up to September 25, 2022 (without serving a mandatory cooling off period) as long as the extension is at least 6 consecutive weeks long. The latest date employers can start a subsequent 26-week agreement is September 25, 2022. At the end of the subsequent 26-week agreement, a mandatory 26-week cooling-off period must be served before being eligible to enter a new WS agreement.
Eligibility Requirements
The business must be a year-round business in Canada for at least 1 year, be a private business or a publicly held company, or have at least 2 employees in the WS unit.
Employers are ineligible if the reduction of business activity is due to a labour dispute, a seasonal shortage of work or the decrease in business activity due to a recent increase in size of the workforce. Furthermore, a shareholder who holds 40% or more of the voting shares and is responsible for the direction of the company, an employer operating solely for the purpose of carrying out the administration of a government program/activity that is purely governmental in nature or self-employed are all ineligible for the Work-Sharing Program.
Employees being proposed for a WS agreement must be “core employees”, be eligible to receive Employment Insurance benefits, and must agree to a reduction of their normal working hours by the same percentage in order to share available work. Employees that are considered to be essential to the recovery and viability of a business can now be considered eligible employees.
During COVID-19, eligibility was extended to Government Business Enterprises (ie. public corporations) and not-for-profit employers experiencing a shortage of work due to a reduction of business activity and/or a reduction in revenue levels due to COVID-19.
Where to apply
Issues/Notes/Considerations
Core employees who were laid off prior to the employer applying to enter into a WS agreement may be included in the WS unit. Any employees laid off between the submission of an application to enter into a WS agreement and the date the WS agreement commences will also be eligible to participate.
The email address for application submission is dependent on where the business is located.
Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers [Federal]
Description
The 10% temporary wage subsidy is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the CRA.
The subsidy is equal to 10% of the remuneration you pay from March 18 to June 19, 2020, up to $1,375 for each eligible employee. The maximum total is $25,000 for each eligible employer.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Employers
What can the aid be used for?
The aid can be used to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the CRA.
Duration of benefit
If you are an eligible employer, but you do not reduce your payroll remittances, you can still calculate the TWS on remuneration paid from March 18 to June 19, 2020. The CRA will pay the amount of the subsidy to you at the end of the year or transfer it to your next year’s remittance.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible employer: individuals (excluding trusts), partnerships, non-profit organizations, registered charities, Canadian-controlled private corporations
Eligible expenses: payment of salary, wages, bonuses, or other remuneration to an eligible employee
Employers must have an existing business number and payroll program account with the CRA on March 18, 2020.
Where to apply
Issues/Notes/Considerations
The subsidy must be calculated manually by the employer or the person responsible for making payroll remittances.
Payroll remittances made to Revenu Quebec are not eligible for the TWS.
If your business was closed due to COVID-19 and you did not pay salary, wages, bonuses, or other remuneration to an eligible employee from March 18 to June 19, 2020, you cannot take advantage of the subsidy, even if you are an eligible employer.
CW Articles on the Topic
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) [Federal]
Description
Provides bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers whose needs were not being met through conventional financing during the pandemic.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Large Canadian employers
What can the aid be used for?
The aid can be used for preserving employment, operations and investment activities until the business can access more traditional market financing.
Duration of benefit
LEEFF will be open for applications while the current economic situation persists.
Eligibility Requirements
Large Canadian employers who (a) have a significant impact on Canada’s economy, as demonstrated by the business having significant operations in Canada or the business supporting a significant workforce in Canada; (b) can generally demonstrate approximately $300 million or more in annual revenues; and (c) require a minimum loan size of $60 million are eligible. Large for-profit enterprises in all sectors, except for those in the financial sector, can apply for funding under LEEFF. Certain not-for-profit enterprises, such as airports, could also be eligible.
Companies that have been found guilty of tax evasion are not eligible under the program.
Where to apply
Issues/Notes/Considerations
Canada is providing loans of $60 million and above, based on the applicant’s cash flow needs for the next 12 months. The loan size for each applicant will be assessed on a case by case basis based on demonstrated need.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy Program (CERS) [Federal]
Description
CERS provided rent and mortgage support to eligible businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of October 24, 2021, CERS has been replaced by the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) and the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP).
Who does this aim to benefit?
Commercial property owners and small business tenants
What can the aid be used for?
The aid provides rent subsidies directly to eligible businesses that have suffered revenue drops as a result of the pandemic. The rent subsidy will provide support for up to a maximum of 65% of eligible expenses.
Duration of benefit
The last CERS claim period was period 14 (September 26 to October 23, 2021). The deadline to apply for claim period 14 was April 21, 2022.
Eligibility Requirements
Please see the sections below about THRP and HHBRP for more information on eligibility for those programs.
Where to apply
Applications for this program are now being processed under the THRP and HHBRP. Please visit cmhc-schl.gc.ca for more information.
Issues/Notes/Considerations
There will be no further claim periods for CERS.
CW Articles on the Topic
Canada Recovery Hiring Program [Federal]
Description
The program helps hard-hit businesses hire the workers they need to recover and grow as local economies re-open. The program provides a subsidy of up to 50% of eligible salary or wages. The program provides businesses with certainty that they can take on the extra costs needed to rehire and be ready to return to grow.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Employers and employees
What can the aid be used for?
The aid can be used to hire more workers, increase workers’ hours or increase wages.
Duration of benefit
The claim periods for the hiring subsidy match the claim periods for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). Because CRHP started at the same time as CEWS claim period 17 (June 6, 2021) the first period you can claim CRHP is 17. Each claim period is a specific period of 4 weeks, beginning on a Sunday.
The subsidy does not renew automatically. Each period, you must confirm that you’re eligible and calculate your amount according to that period’s rules before you apply.
The deadline to apply or increase your claim for each period is 180 days after the end of the claim period.
The current claim period, period 28 (April 10, 2022 to May 7, 2022) is now open for application. The deadline to apply for period 28 is November 3, 2022. There will be no claim periods after May 7, 2022.
Eligibility Requirements
Employers eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy would generally be eligible for the Canada Recovery Hiring Program. Eligible employers must be Canadian-controlled private corporations (including a cooperative corporation that is eligible for the small business deduction). Eligible employers also include individuals, non‑profit organizations, registered charities, and certain partnerships.
Corporations and trusts that are ineligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy because they are a public institution would also not be eligible for the Hiring Program. Public institutions generally include municipalities and local governments, Crown corporations, wholly owned municipal corporations, public universities, colleges, schools, and hospitals.
Eligible employers, or their payroll service provider, would be required to have had a payroll account open with the Canada Revenue Agency on March 15, 2020.
Where to apply
Issues/Notes/Considerations
You can still apply for open claim periods until their deadlines have passed. A list of past claim periods that are still open and their application deadlines can be found here.
Each claim period, eligible employers can claim either the higher of the CRHP, or the wage portion of the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) or the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP).
Further information on reference periods and subsidy amount information can be found here.
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) [Federal]
Description
Provides funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity to take ideas to market.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Small to medium-sized businesses (500 or fewer full-time employees) in the innovation and technology sector
What can the aid be used for?
The aid provides funding to increase innovation capacity.
Duration of benefit
Available annually
Eligibility Requirements
Small to medium-sized businesses (500 or fewer employees) that require financial assistance in order to refine and sell their product or solution to meet a COVID-19 related need are eligible.
Where to apply
Applicants should contact an Industrial Technological Advisor at the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program.
CW Articles on the Topic
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund – Community Futures Stream [Federal]
Description
Provided funding through loans of up to $60,000 to rural businesses in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Rural businesses impacted by COVID-19
What can the aid be used for?
The aid provided funding to mitigate financial pressure and to allow preparation for recovery.
Duration of benefit
Applications are no longer being accepted. The repayment deadline to receive partial forgiveness under the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) has been extended by one year, to December 31, 2023.
Eligibility Requirements
Was available to small and medium-sized businesses that had not received duplicate supports through other federal or provincial government COVID-19 support programming such as the Canada Emergency Business Account.
Where to apply
Applications for this fund are no longer being accepted.
For more information, please visit www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Relief Measures for Indigenous Businesses [Federal]
Description
Provided interest free loans up to $40,000 plus non-repayable contributions up to $20,000 for small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Indigenous businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
What can the aid be used for?
The aid provided funding to mitigate financial pressure on Indigenous businesses following the onset of COVID-19.
Duration of benefit
The deadline for applications was June 30, 2021. For more information, please visit Canada.ca.
Where to apply
Applications for this initiative are no longer being accepted. Please contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution, Métis Capital Corporation or the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association for help determining the best options for relief for your business. If your business was the recipient of the Canada Emergency Business Account, you are invited to contact the same financial institution for additional support from the Canada Emergency Business Account Plus relief measure.
BC Agri-Business Planning Program: Covid-19 Business Recovery Plan [Provincial]
Description
Up to $5,000 in business planning, services, and coaching for individuals, and up to $20,000 for groups, from a qualified consultant to develop a plan on one or a combination of topics related to growing and sustaining an agri-business.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Producers and food processors.
What can the aid be used for?
Consultation on one or more of the following:
• Business structures
• Production economics
• Business strategy
• Cash flow and financial analysis
• Value added ventures
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Human resources
• Succession / Transition planning
Duration of benefit
Annual cycles. Must apply in collaboration a qualified business consultant.
Eligibility Requirements
Business entities including sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, or other associations of persons (including cooperatives) who are either primary agriculture producers or agriculture, food and beverage processors, and are residents of British Columbia.
Where to apply
Submit application to Agribusiness@gov.bc.ca.
Issues/Notes/Considerations
Must work with a business consultant from the list available on the program website, or contact the Program Staff to discuss other options.
Work started on projects prior to receiving program approval will not be eligible for support under this program.
Island Coastal Economic Trust: Smart Capital Restart Funding [Provincial]
Description
The Small Capital Restart Funding program provided up to $15,000 in funding for time-sensitive initiatives that targeted immediate, short-term COVID-related business and industry restart, resilience and sustainability.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Local governments, Indigenous communities, non-profits (including industry associations, Chambers of Commerce or other non-profit business, industry or economic development related organizations).
What can the aid be used for?
Projects that demonstrated innovative approaches to enable faster restart of business operations or enabled the development of complementary revenue streams for businesses or industries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Duration of benefit
This program is no longer available.
Eligibility Requirements
Local governments, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations are eligible.
Where to apply
Applications for the Small Capital Program are now closed. Please visit islandcoastaltrust.ca for more information.
Amplify BC [Provincial]
Description
The BC government has budgeted to provide $22.5 million to BC’s music industry over the next three years. Creative BC will continue to adapt Amplify BC’s programs each year to meet the changing needs of the music industry as part of BC’s economic recovery.
Who does this aim to benefit?
BC Artists, live music presenters, and music companies operating in one of the four following areas: Industry Initiatives, Career Development, Live Music and Music Company Development
What can the aid be used for?
Funding for various areas will be used for different purposes:
Duration of benefit
Each program has a different application date. Deadlines for each program can be found here.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant must fit within one of the four specified areas: Industry Initiatives, Career Development, Live Music or Music Company Development.
Where to apply
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) Guarantee [Federal]
Description
Businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19 were able to access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Small to medium-sized businesses in sectors such as tourism and hospitality, restaurants and those that primarily rely on in-person services
What can the aid be used for?
The aid was to be used to cover operational cash flow needs, or to help continue or resume operations.
Duration of benefit
The HASCAP program ended March 31, 2022.
Eligibility Requirements
You must have received payments either from the Canada Emergency Subsidy (CEWS) or the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) by having demonstrated a minimum 50% revenue decline for at least three months (not necessarily consecutive) within the eight-month period prior to the date of the HASCAP Guarantee application.
Where to apply
Applications for HASCAP are no longer being accepted. Please contact your financial institution or visit bdc.ca for more information.
Issues/Notes/Considerations
This loan cannot be used to pay or refinance existing debts.
Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP)
Description
Intended to support organizations in selected sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry.
Who does this aim to benefit?
You may qualify if you are either part of the tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment, or recreation sectors, or affected by a qualifying public health restriction.
What can the aid be used for?
Through the THRP, whether you are considered a qualifying tourism or hospitality entity or you were subject to a qualifying public health restriction, you may be able to get a subsidy to help cover wages (formerly the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy) and rent (formerly the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy).
Duration of benefit
The eligibility period for THRP was from October 23, 2021 to May 7, 2022. Claim Period 28 (April 10, 2022 to May 7, 2022) is now open for application. The deadline to apply for Claim Period 28 is November 3, 2022. There will be no claim periods after Claim Period 28.
Eligibility Requirements
There are two ways eligible organizations can qualify for the THRP:
1) Organizations in the tourism, hospitality, entertainment and recreation sectors are eligible if they meet the following criteria:
• More than 50% of their total eligible revenue for the prior reference periods for claim periods 1 to 13 (but excluding one of either claim period 10 or 11) came from one or more of the tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment, or recreation activities this program supports;
• You had a 12-month average revenue drop from March 2020 to February 2021 of at least 40%;
• You had a claim period revenue drop of at least 40%.
2) Organizations subject to a qualifying public health restriction or qualifying partial (capacity-limiting) public health restriction may also be eligible for certain periods, regardless of sector.
All organizations must also have had a CRA payroll account on March 15, 2020. For complete details on eligibility requirements, please visit canada.ca.
Where to apply
There are three ways to apply:
1. In My Business Account, find the wage subsidy applications under Payroll in the main menu.
2. Business representatives may apply using Represent a Client.
3. You may use the Web Forms application using your web access code.
For more information, please visit canada.ca.
Issues/Notes/Considerations
You can still apply for open claim periods until their deadlines have passed. A list of past claim periods that are still open and their application deadlines can be found here.
You may only apply for one wage or hiring subsidy per claim period, even if you are eligible for more than one.
Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP)
Description
Intended to support other businesses that have been deeply affected since the outset of the pandemic.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Eligible organizations, regardless of their sector, may qualify for the HHBRP if they don’t qualify for the THRP.
What can the aid be used for?
Through the HHBRP, you may be able to get a subsidy to help cover wages (formerly the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy) and rent (formerly the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy).
Duration of benefit
The eligibility period for HHBRP was from October 23, 2021 to May 7, 2022. Claim Period 28 (April 10, 2022 to May 7, 2022) is now open for application. The deadline to apply for Claim Period 28 is November 3, 2022. There will be no claim periods after Claim Period 28.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the HHBRP, you must meet the following two conditions:
• You had a 12-month average revenue drop from March 2020 to February 2021 of at least 50%;
• You had a claim period revenue drop of at least 50%.
All organizations must also have had a CRA payroll account on March 15, 2020. For complete details on eligibility requirements, please visit canada.ca.
Where to apply
There are three ways to apply:
1. In My Business Account, find the wage subsidy applications under Payroll in the main menu.
2. Business representatives may apply using Represent a Client.
3. You may use the Web Forms application using your web access code.
For more information, please visit canada.ca.
Issues/Notes/Considerations
You can still apply for open claim periods until their deadlines have passed. A list of past claim periods that are still open and their application deadlines can be found here.
You may only apply for one wage or hiring subsidy per claim period, even if you are eligible for more than one.
Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund [Federal]
Description
This fund provides loans of up to $250,000 to support Black business owners and entrepreneurs. Additionally, a microloan pilot program has been launched under the fund for administering microloans from $10,000 to $25,000 to Black entrepreneurs in Ontario and British Columbia.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Black business owners and entrepreneurs
What can the aid be used for?
The aid can be used for:
• Capital investments – equipment, leasehold improvements, property improvement, office equipment
• Working capital – inventory, payroll, lease payments, accounts management, rent, overhead costs
• Short-term receivable financing (i.e. financing to service a contact)
Duration of Benefit
No end date has been set currently.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a loan, an applicant must:
- Self-identify as Black or the business must be black-led;
- Be a legal resident of Canada: i.e. Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or conventional refugee (for micro loans only), or a legal entity owned and controlled by a Canadian citizen or citizens; and
- Be a minimum of 18 years old.
Businesses must have a business plan, business registration, and recent financial statements or financial projections for start-ups.
Where to Apply
Issues/Notes/Considerations
Available to both exporting and non-exporting companies.
Loans cannot be used to finance items such as goodwill, restructuring conventional business-related debts, dividend payout, shareholder loan repayment or issuance, bonuses, stock buybacks, option issuance, or an increase to shareholder or management committee compensation.
Not-for-profit organizations are not eligible.
