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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) [Federal]
Description
Provides subsidy of 75% of employee wages if revenue drop was 30%. Currently, starting in claim period 7, the base subsidy rate will begin to decline going forward.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Eligible employers
What can the aid be used for?
Re-hire workers previously laid off, and help prevent further job losses
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible employers include individuals (including trusts), corporations that are not exempt from income tax, registered charities, certain Indigenous government-owned corporations that carry on a business, partnerships consisting of all eligible employers and certain Indigenous governments, registered Canadian amateur athletic associations, registered journalism organizations, private schools or private colleges
Must have experienced an eligible reduction in revenue. However note that for claims covering July 5, 2020 and later, there is no minimum revenue drop required to qualify for the subsidy.
Must have had a CRA payroll account on March 15, 2020
Where to apply
Issues/Notes/Considerations
Periods 1-8 are open. Period 9 opens November 25, 2020
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Work-Sharing Program (WS) [Federal]
Description
Helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in business activity beyond the control of the employer
The program allows employers to: retain qualified and experienced workers, and avoid recruiting and training new employees
Who does this aim to benefit?
Employers and employees
What can the aid be used for?
To retain qualified workers and allows employees to keep their jobs
Duration of benefit
A WS agreement has to be at least 6 consecutive weeks long and can last up to 26 consecutive weeks. Employers who request an initial WS agreement automatically receive 76 weeks, even if they expect that their employees will return to normal work hours sooner. Can end WS agreement at any time.
Eligibility Requirements
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
Where to apply
Issues/Notes/Considerations
There are different email addresses for businesses located in Atlantic Provinces, Quebec, or Ontario
Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers [Federal]
Description
10% 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
Who does this aim to benefit?
Employers
What can the aid be used for?
Reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the CRA
Duration of benefit
10% of the remuneration you pay from March 18, 2020 to June 19, 2020, up to $1,375 for each eligible employee to a maximum of $25,000 total per employer.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible employer: individuals (excluding trusts), partnership, non-profit organization, registered charity, Canadian-controlled private corporation
Have an existing business number and payroll program account with the CRA on March 18, 2020
Pay salary, wages, bonuses, or other remuneration to an eligible employee
Where to apply
Issues/Notes/Considerations
The subsidy must be calculated manually, by the employer or the person responsible for making payroll remittances
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Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) [Federal]
Description
Provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to eligible small businesses and not-for-profits to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced
Who does this aim to benefit?
Small business and not-for-profit and organizations; owner-operated small businesses that had been ineligible due to their lack of payroll, sole proprietors receiving business income directly, and family-owned corporations remunerating in the form of dividends rather than payroll are eligible
What can the aid be used for?
Covers operating costs: payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, property tax
Duration of benefit
Repaying the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25% (up to $10,000)
Eligibility Requirements
Small business, not-for-profits and organizations must demonstrate they paid between $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019. To qualify under the expanded eligibility rules, CEBA applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 will need: a business operating account at a participating financial institution; a Canada Revenue Agency business number; a 2018 or 2019 tax return; and eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1.5 million
Where to apply
Issues/Notes/Considerations
All 233 financial institutions are accepting applications based on the original eligibility criteria (Payroll Stream). There are some financial institutions that are accepting applications under both the Payroll Stream and the expanded eligibility criteria (Non-Deferrable Expenses Stream).
Business Credit Avilability Program (BCAP) – BDC [Federal]
Description
The Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP), available at various institutions and credit unions, has a number of loan options to support businesses in various sectors and regions. The financial relief options through BCAP include up to $12.5 million for operational cash flow through the BDC Co-Lending Program and junior loans ranging between $12.5 million and $60 million through the BDC Mid-Market Financing Program
Who does this aim to benefit?
Canadian businesses of all sizes impacted by COVID-19
What can the aid be used for?
Operational cash flow caused by the current crisis including rent and payroll.
Duration of benefit
Support is available until or before June 2021
Eligibility Requirements
Small and medium enterprises should work with their current financial institutions
Where to apply
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) [Federal]
Description
Provides bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers, whose needs during the pandemic are not being met through conventional financing
Who does this aim to benefit?
Large Canadian employers; companies that have been found guilty of tax evasion are not eligible under the program
What can the aid be used for?
Preserve employment, operations and investment activities until they can access more traditional market financing
Duration of benefit
LEEFF will be open while the current economic situation persists
Eligibility Requirements
Large Canadian employers who (a) have a significant impact on Canada’s economy, as demonstrated by (i) having significant operations in Canada or (ii) supporting a significant workforce in Canada; (b) can generally demonstrate approx. $300 million or more in annual revenues; and (c) require a minimum loan size of $60 million
Where to apply
Issues/Notes/Considerations
Canada is making available loans of $60 million and above (loan size will be assessed on a case by case basis)
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy Program (CERS) [Federal]
Description
CERS Provides rent and mortgage support to eligible businesses impacted by the COVID-10 pandemic. CERS will include a “Lockdown Support” component, which will provide an additional 25% of rent support for certain qualifying organizations that are subject to a lockdown, meaning the business must “shut its doors” or “significantly limit” its activities as a result of a public health order issued under federal, provincial, territorial laws or by a municipal or regional health authority.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Commercial property owners and small business tenants
What can the aid be used for?
CERS provides rent subsidies directly to eligible businesses that have suffered revenue drops as a result of the pandemic until June 2021. The rent subsidy will provide support for up to a maximum of 65% of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020.
Duration of benefit
Taking applications until June 2021. Applicants will be able to make retroactive claims for CERS for the period of September 27 to October 24, 2020.
Eligibility Requirements
Businesses renting commercial property that have seen at a least 70% decline in revenue
Where to apply
Issues/Notes/Considerations
For April, May, and June – deadline is August and for July extension – deadline is September
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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?
Provides funding to increase innovation capacity
Duration of benefit
Annually available
Eligibility Requirements
Business must be small to medium-sized (500 or fewer employees) that requires financial assistance to refine and sell their product or solution to meet a COVID-19-related need
Where to apply
Applications should contact an Industrial Technological Advisor at the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program
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Community Futures Emergency Loan Program [Federal]
Description
Provides loans up to $20,000 for businesses
Who does this aim to benefit?
Businesses that were in operation when pandemic commenced and have not been able to operate or have operated at a reduced rate
What can the aid be used for?
For small businesses to aid with reduction of business as a result of COVID-19
Duration of benefit
Available now, no end date currently
Eligibility Requirements
Businesses must have been in operation when when the emergency commenced and had not been able to operate or operated at a reduce level. Must also be able to demonstrate a loss or reasonable expectation of reduction of business due to COVID-19
Where to apply
Applications to be submitted to local Community Futures branch
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Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) [Federal]
Description
Provides funding through loans of up to $40,000 to regional economies across Canada that will help to mitigate the financial pressure experienced by business and organizations to allow them to continue their operations, including paying their employees, and help prepare businesses for a successful recovery
Who does this aim to benefit?
Regional economies impacted by COVID-19
What can the aid be used for?
Funding to mitigate financial pressure and preparation for recovery
Duration of benefit
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, subject to availability
Eligibility Requirements
Available to businesses that have not recieved the CEBA, are not located in rurual area serviced by a Community Futures organization and are not a sole proprietor
Where to apply
Applications for this fund will be accepted through your Regional Development Agency
Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program (MISTFWP) [Federal]
Description
Provides the employer in the farming, fishing, or food production sector with a maximum non-repayable contribution amount of $1,500 for each temporary foreign worker
Who does this aim to benefit?
Employers in farming, fish harvesting, and food production and processing sectors
What can the aid be used for?
Funding to assist with the incremental costs associated with the 14-day isolation period
Duration of benefit
Applications accepted until September 15, 2020
Eligibility Requirements
Canadian employers in the farming, fish harvesting, and foord production and processing sectors. Eligible activities that fall within this funding are wages and benefits, off site accomodations, transport to and from site, food, health and safety supplies, and other incremental costs directly associated with the 14 day quarantine
Where to apply
Submit application to Mandatory Isolation support for Temporary Foreign Workers Profram at the Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
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Relief Measures for Indigenous Businesses [Federal]
Description
Interest-free loans of up to $30,000 and non-repayable contributions of up to $10,000 for Indigenous businesses
Who does this aim to benefit?
Indigenous Businesses
What can the aid be used for?
Intended for immediate liquidity needs
Duration of benefit
Available now, no official end date currently
Eligibility Requirements
Small to medium-sized indigenous businesses that are current of former clients of an Aboriginal Financial Institution
Where to apply
Contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution
CW Articles on the Topic
BC Agri-Business Planning Program [Provincial]
Description
B.C. agriculture, seafood and food processing business owners are encouraged to apply if their revenues have decreased by at least 30% as a result of COVID-19. The funding available includes up to $5,000 in business planning services and coaching for individuals, and up to $20,000 for groups, from a qualified business consultant, to develop an immediate and long-term recovery plan.
Who does this aim to benefit?
BC agriculture, seafood and food processing business owners
What can the aid be used for?
Provides funding for business planning services and coaching services.
Duration of benefit
Funding for the B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program is provided through the Canadian Agriculture Partnership Agreement (CAP), which is in effect from October 1, 2018 to March 31, 2023. You cannot receive support for the same eligible activities under this program more than once during the CAP funding cycle.
Eligibility Requirements
“Who is eligible: Business entities including sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations or other associations of persons (including cooperatives) who meet the following three eligibility criteria:
- You have been impacted by an external event such as COVID-19 which reduces your revenue by at least 30%.
- You are either:
-
Primary Agriculture and/or Seafood Producers (aquaculture and commercial fisheries)
- Producing fresh food, or agricultural and seafood products which are 100% grown, caught, or raised in B.C.
- You reported total annual gross revenues greater than $30,000/year in the previous year to Canada Revenue Agency
- Agriculture, Food and Beverage, and/or Seafood Processors
- Processing food, beverage, or agricultural and seafood products which are processed and packaged in B.C. with 51% or more of the direct cost of producing the product in its final form (i.e. the sum of raw materials, direct labour, variable processing, and packaging) originating in B.C. When the main raw materials are available in sufficient quantities from B.C. producers, they must be used.
- You reported total annual gross revenues greater than $30,000/year in the previous year to Canada Revenue Agency
-
Primary Agriculture and/or Seafood Producers (aquaculture and commercial fisheries)
- You, as the owner(s) of the business, are a resident(s) of British Columbia
Where to apply
Application can be found at:
Issues/Notes/Considerations
Individual projects must be completed within 90 days and group projects must be completed within 120 days. All projects started after April 30, 2020 must be completed by February 15, 2021.
Temporary Emergency Funding (Child Care) [Provincial]
Description
Temporary Emergency Funding (TEF) is available to licensed child care providers who have a 2020/21 funding agreement through the Child Care Operating Funding Program (CCOF). This funding is intended to help providers who are open continue to support essential service workers and families in their community and help those who need to temporarily close get back up and running when they are able.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Licensed group child care providers and smaller home-based child care providers
What can the aid be used for?
Licensed child care providers staying open can receive funding to keep operations going, and may receive seven times their average monthly spending from government Licensed child care providers who close will be eligible to receive two times their average monthly government funding.
Duration of benefit
Until August 31, 2020.
Eligibility Requirements
Full eligibility criteria can be found here:
Where to apply
Application can be found at:
Connecting BC Internet Funding [Provincial]
Description
Internet service providers throughout the province can apply for grants of up to $50,000 – or 90% of their expenses – to cover the cost of equipment, including antennas, electronics or other types of devices that relate to the performance or range of their network. Grants will be funded through the existing Connecting British Columbia program.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Rural, remote and indigenous communities
What can the aid be used for?
Funding will cover the cost of equipment, including antennas, electronics or other types of devices that relate to the performance or range of their network.
Duration of benefit
As of September 15, 2020, all three intakes are closed.
Eligibility Requirements
Rural, remote and indigenous communities.
Where to apply
Application can be found at:
Issues/Notes/Considerations
Submissions will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis, with funding decisions made within three to five business days. Internet service providers must complete their projects by June 30, 2020.
Island Coastal Economic Trust [Provincial]
Description
Offering Rapid Response Capital and Business Programs including the Small Capital Restart Funding Program.
Who does this aim to benefit?
Projects that support short-term business and industry restart and sustainability
What can the aid be used for?
Funding will cover 50% of expenses of the cost of eligible activities, including standard capital expenditures and technology and equipment that are required for new digitally focused revenue generation.
Duration of benefit
Available now, no official end date
Eligibility Requirements
Full eligibility requirements can be found here:
Where to apply
Application can be found at:
Amplify BC [Provincial]
Description
$7.5 million to help B.C.’s music industry continue to create and operate during the pandemic through Creative BC for Amplify BC.
Who does this aim to benefit?
BC Artists, live music presenters, and music companies in four 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
Different areas have difference application dates:
Eligibility Requirements
Must be within one of the four specified areas.
Where to apply
Application can be found at:
Payment Deferrals [Municipal, Provincial, and Federal]
Description
Every level of government has implemented some form of deferral for various taxes and fees
(including late fees). Each tax and fee is different – check with the relevant authority before
submitting payment to ensure you are receiving the full benefit of the available deferrals.
See for example:
The Province of BC’s “Provincial Tax & Revenue Changes” website: www2.gov.bc.ca
The Canadian Government’s “Changes to taxes and benefits” website:
www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update
For municipal property tax due dates and penalty dates, please contact your municipality or review your tax notice.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
Description
The Fund aims to help western Canadian businesses cope with the financial hardship resulting from COVID-19
Who does this aim to benefit?
Small/Medium Businesses/Rural Businesses/Women-owned or women-led businesses
What can the aid be used for?
The Fund will help to:
mitigate the financial pressure experienced by businesses and organizations to allow them to continue their operations, including paying their employees;
support projects by businesses, organizations and communities to prepare now for a successful recovery.
Duration of benefit
Does not specify
Eligibility Requirements
Eligbility will be determined upon filling out the questionnaire at:
Where to apply
Information on applying can be found at: