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Waterloo EDC is closely monitoring and assessing new developments pertaining to COVID-19 and its effect on Waterloo Region businesses. We are here for our community and are working to provide support in any way that we can.
We have gathered a listing of resources that can help support your business through this time of global uncertainty.
| General Information and Resources |
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Waterloo Region Weekly COVID-19 Community Update Each week, the Waterloo Region Covid-19 Committee meet online to provide updates on Covid-19 in the community. The meeting is livestreamed on YouTube and is open to anyone. Please visit the Region of Waterloo YouTube page every Friday at 11:30am to watch: https://www.youtube.com/user/regionofwaterloo
Stop the Spread Business Hotline Phone: 1-888-444-3659 This toll-free hotline was introduced to provide support for businesses as they transition during this period. This hotline can be used by businesses to inquire about the Province's recent emergency order or to learn how these measures will impact their business.
Region of Waterloo Public Health The Region of Waterloo Public Health website includes links to self assessments, closures, and testing summaries. To stay up to date with the latest developments, visit: https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/2019-novel-coronavirus.aspx
To stay up to date on the latest government announcements, follow the respective links below: Ontario Government: https://news.ontario.ca/newsroom/en Federal Government: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html
Virtual Care and Mental Health Tools for Canadians The Federal government is providing $240.5 million to develop, expand and launch tools to support Canadians and their mental health needs. This investment will be used towards creating digital platforms and applications, and to enhance the accessibility of virtual mental health supports. Some of the supports that will receive funding include
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| Businesses Re-Opening |
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Businesses Allowed to Reopen Under Strict Guidelines The Provincial government is allowing certain businesses to reopen as long as they follow the strict guidelines and measures. For more information on Ontario’s Re-opening Framework, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-after-covid-19 For a full list of businesses and services permitted to re-open please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-whats-each-stage For a detailed list of Provincial emergency orders, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/emergency-information
Starting February 16, 2021
Starting December 26, 2020
Starting November 23, 2020:
Starting July 17, 2020:
Starting June 12, 2020:
Starting May 19, 2020:
Starting May 16, 2020:
Starting May 11, 2020:
Starting May 9, 2020:
Starting May 8, 2020:
As of May 4, 2020 seasonal businesses and some essential construction projects have been permitted to reopen, including:
Ontario Releases Guide on How to Develop a Workplace Safety Plan The Ontario Government has created a framework for employers to use when creating their own workplace safety plan. The new downloadable toolkit offers tips on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as how to set your workplace up for return to work. The new guide is supported by 121 workplace resources. Find more information at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/develop-your-covid-19-workplace-safety-plan
Providing business with access to PPE To support businesses and workers, the government has launched a website portal for businesses to have access to a list of PPE suppliers. Find more information at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/how-your-organization-can-help-fight-coronavirus/#find-ppe
AccessPPE.ca This is a new not-for-profit local initiative that facilitates PPE purchases for businesses in Waterloo Region. The organization will oversee ordering and distribution of hard-to-find but essential supplies for independent health-care providers and organizations of all sizes to ensure a reliable supply at a reasonable price through large-volume orders. Find more information at: https://accessppe.ca/
Health and Safety Association Guidance Documents for Workplaces In partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, the Ontario Government has released over 90 technical sector guidance documents to support employers and employees in remaining safe in the workplace during the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit this link for more information: https://www.news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/health-and-safety-association-guidance-documents-for-workplaces-during-the-covid-19-outbreak.html
Re-opening Guidance and Best Practice Documents
Important steps for re-opening your business’ water supply As you begin to re-open your business, it is important to consider what may have been impacted while your business was closed. One of the biggest concerns from a municipal standpoint is the water supply for your business. To mitigate any water quality concerns – you should flush your buildings pipes, fixtures and taps. Run the cold water first and then the hot water for 20 minutes each time. You should be able to feel a consistent temperature afterward. For more information on reopening your water supply, please visit the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association at: https://cwwa.ca/covid-19-and-the-re-opening-of-buildings/
Pandemic Information Share The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has created an online space for businesses and organizations of all sizes to share their pandemic-related good practices and resources. The intent behind the portal was for businesses to have access to resources as they begin to plan their own return to work as the Provincial Emergency Order is slowly lifted. The Pandemic Info Share portal can be accessed at: http://pandemic.ccohs.ca/
COVID-19: Tackling the Barriers The Provincial Government has developed a website to help businesses overcome some of the challenges they may be facing as they navigate through the COVID-19 crisis. This website is intended for businesses that are looking to re-tool their operations to produce health products or for businesses that are looking to modify their operations to meet the physical distancing requirements. Businesses will be able to submit roadblocks they are facing through this portal. The Government will then assess the submissions and will make temporary changes to Provincial rules and/or regulations to help boost Ontario’s supply chain. Access the website at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/frontline-business-help-us-support-you-during-covid-19
Have questions about the above programs? Our team has put together the following webinars to answer frequently asked questions about recovery and re-opening: |
| Business Operations |
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Main Street Relief Grant for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) This program provides up to $1000 for PPE costs to eligible small businesses across Ontario with 2-9 employees. For more information on this grant, please visit: https://www.app.grants.gov.on.ca/msrf/#/
Property Tax and Energy Cost Rebate Grants For businesses that have been required to shutdown as of December 26, 2020, the Ontario Government has created a rebate program to help alleviate property tax and energy costs faced by Ontario businesses. For more information on these grants, please visit: https://www.app.grants.gov.on.ca/msrf/#/
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS) As of Monday, November 23, the application portal for the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy was opened and will be available until June 2021. Applications are now being accepted for claim period #1 (September 27 to October 24, 2020). On October 9, 2020, the Federal Government replaced the original rent assistance program (CECRA) with the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS). This new program has been put in place to support businesses and landlords with rent and mortgage support until June 2021. This program will provide a sliding scale of support for up to 65% of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020. If a business is closed by a temporary public health order, CERS will provide a top up of 25%. This support will be given directly to tenants instead of the landlord, a change made from the original Rent Assistance program. Important to note: You no longer need to show a minimum 70% decline in revenues to access this subsidy. With the previous CECRA program, this was a requirement. Instead, the funding will be available on a sliding scale depending on the company’s revenue loss:
A detailed list of eligible businesses as well as instructions for applying can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs
Commercial Evictions The Ontario Government has passed a temporary ban on commercial evictions to protect commercial tenants from being locked out of their space or having their assets seized by their landlords. This ban puts a halt on evictions of businesses that are eligible for the federal/provincial rent program otherwise known as OCECRA.
Extension of Validation Periods for Driver, Vehicle and Carrier Products, Services and Health Cards Validation of the above products has been extended meaning that driver's licenses, licenses plates, photo cards and Commerical Vehicle Operator Certificates that may have expired, or are about to expire, have automatically been extended. This is an attempt to limit the number of in-person visits to Service Ontario. Find more information at https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-expands-coverage-for-care.html
Temporary Changes to Municipal Noise By-Laws This change was introduced to waive local noise by-laws to allow for truck deliveries to happen around the clock. Businesses that require shipments from a warehouse to a store can now do so at their convenience. This measure was put in place to help businesses meet the supply demand across the country without limitations.
Ontario 511 app for the Trucking Industry The Provincial government has developed and released a free 511 app to provide truck drivers with immediate access to safety recommendations and guidelines. Additionally, this app will provide truck drivers with access to over 600 cameras and up to date information on highway construction to allow for quick and efficient deliveries. Additional features of the app include a list of open rest areas, businesses open for food and fuel as well as hands free audio alerts. Download the 511 app on the Apple App Store and Google Play: https://511on.ca/#:Alerts
Insurance Mortgage Purchase Program Launch of an Insured Mortgage Purchase Program of up to $50 billion to provide stable funding to banks and mortgage lenders. In return, this will broaden the amount of support these institutions can offer to businesses and consumers with their mortgages.
Mortgage Default Management Tools This program was created to give lenders, the financial institutions, more access to tools to assist homeowners who may be affected by COVID-19. The intention of this program is to provide more flexibility for homeowners allowing them to defer mortgage payments on Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)-insured loans. Individuals can take advantage of this program immediately. Find more information at https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html#emergency_support_benefit |
| Workforce and Labour |
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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy – Program extended until June 2021 This program was created to help companies facing revenue losses, help prevent lay-offs and to encourage employers to rehire workers previously laid off.
Details (as of October 9,2020) The CEWS has now been extended until June 2021 to support businesses and to help alleviate some of the wage costs. The current subsidy rate of 65% has been frozen until December 19, 2020. After this period, the subsidy rate will gradually decrease. If your revenue drop was less than 30% you can still qualify, and keep getting the subsidy as employees return to work and your revenue recovers. Employers who were hardest hit over a period of three months get a higher amount. For more information and for eligibility requirements, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy.html
Eligibility:
Details: Businesses are asked to either use the accrual method of accounting to track revenue (as revenue is earned) or by using the cash method (as revenue is received), but NOT a combination of both. For charities and non-profit organizations, the calculation will include most forms of revenue, excluding revenues from non-arms length persons.
When to apply: Applications for the Wage Subsidy opened the morning of April 27 at 7AM EDT on Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) Business Account Portal. If you currently use a third party for accounting purposes and will be using their services to apply for the CEWS program, select “Represent a Client” when submitting your application. Legal Ramifications: The Canadian Government has announced that bad actors who take advantage of this program will face severe penalties. It is important that your business retains documentation to prove the decrease in revenue along with proof that employees were paid as a result of the Wage Subsidy funding made available. Diligent documentation is heavily suggested. Find more information at: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy.html
Small Business Wage Subsidy (10%) Eligible small businesses will have access to a temporary wage subsidy for 3 months. Businesses that do not qualify for the 75% Wage Subsidy can qualify for the 10% Wage Subsidy.
Find more information at: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/frequently-asked-questions-wage-subsidy-small-businesses.html
Work-Sharing Program This program is designed to help businesses and employees avoid layoffs when there is a reduction in the amount of business activity. Employees of the business must agree to work at a reduced schedule and share work over a period of time. Eligible businesses must have been in Canada for 2+ years, be a private business, publicly held or a not for profit, must demonstrate that this reduction of business activity is temporary and the reduction of business activity must have decreased by a minimum of 10%. Under this program, employment insurance benefits are provided as income support. Find more information at: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing.html
Canada’s Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) The CRA continues to accept and process retroactive applications for period 7 (August 30 to September 26, 2020. You can apply for period 7 via the CRA website. Moving forward, individuals who are eligible for EI benefits will now receive a minimum taxable benefit at a rate of $500 per week or $300 per week for extended parental benefits. Individuals can now access their Record of Employment online at: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/ei/ei-list/ei-roe/access-roe.html If you apply online, and you request direct deposit, you should receive your funds within 3-5 business days. For those unable to apply online, please call 1-833-966-2099. Find more information at: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/introduces-canada-emergency-response-benefit-to-help-workers-and-businesses.html
Foreign Workers coming to Canada The Government of Canada recently announced $50 million will go towards farmers, harvesters and all food production and processing. The Government will be providing $1,500 for each temporary foreign worker and the money will go to employers or those working with them. There is currently a travel exemption for temporary foreign workers as well as foreigners with student visas, provided that all follow the mandatory 14 day isolation period. Announced on May 14, 2020, the Federal government has implemented a policy (effective immediately) that will reduce the time it takes for a temporary worker to start a new job. A worker who is already in Canada and has secured a job offer, can get approval to start the job even while their work permit is being fully processed. This is expected to cut down the usual 10-week approval timeline to 10 days or less. Find more information at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/visitors-foreign-workers-students.html#change
Agri-food Sector: Portal connecting workers with employers This new portal was created to make it easier for businesses to match essential jobs and training resources through the provincial food supply chain. The intention behind this portal is to ensure that local grocery stores are fully shelved and that families are able to buy ample food. Individuals can look at the available job postings at the following link: https://www.ontario.ca/AgFoodJobs The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has put together a list of resources: https://ofa.on.ca/information-and-resources-covid-19/
Expanding Opportunities for the Ontario Food Terminal and the Agri-Food Sector Ontario has introduced changes to legislation allowing Ontario Food Terminal to increase the range of products it sells. This is all part of a new project developed by the Government known as the Main Street Recovery Plan. For more information on this program, please visit: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/59190/expanding-opportunities-for-the-ontario-food-terminal-and-the-agri-food-sector
Canada Summer Jobs Program – information for existing applications The Government of Canada has made temporary changes to the Summer Jobs Program to help employers hire summer staff and to provide young Canadians access to jobs. The applications for this program closed on February 28, 2020 but the Government has made changes on how the program will operate. Changes made:
Find more information at: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html
Job Protection for Workers The Province is introducing legislation to protect workers in Ontario. This legislation makes it clear that employees are not required to provide a medical note if they take a leave. Further the link below outlines the new rules in greater detail. The government has announced a new regulatory amendment that puts non-unionized employees on Infection Disease Emergency Leave during the COVID-19 outbreak any time their hours of work are temporarily reduced. This will ensure that businesses aren’t forced to terminate employees after their Employment Standards Act temporary layoff periods have expired. Find more information at: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/premier-ford-announces-job-protection-for-workers-during-the-covid-19-situation.html
Have questions about the above programs? Our team has put together the following webinar to answer frequently asked questions about workforce and labour programs: |
| Loans |
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Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) Guarantee
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) – Various Enterprise Loans $65 billion has been pulled together for businesses under stress as a result of COVID-19. This program will be supported by Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC). Both organizations have eligibility requirements which can be found on their respective websites. To access these loans, business owners must speak with their financial institution who will then assess their situation and release the necessary funding. If the business does not have a relationship with a Canadian financial institution, they can speak with BDC and EDC, respectively. As of May 11, 2020, mid-sized companies with larger financing needs are eligible. These businesses will be eligible for loans of up to $60 million per company with guarantees of up to $80 million.
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) The purpose of this program is to protect Canadian jobs and to provide much needed support for Canada’s largest employers whose needs during the COVID-19 pandemic are not being met through existing supports. The LEEFF program is open for large for-profit businesses - with the exception of those in the financial sector – and certain not-for-profit businesses, including airports, with annual revenues of $300 million or higher. To qualify, businesses must be looking for minimum financing support of $60 million and have significant operations in Canada with a large employee base. The LEEFF program will require strict limits on dividends, share buy-backs and executive pay. Successful applicants will be required to publish annual climate-related disclosure reports that include how their future operations will support environmental sustainability and Canada’s climate goals. Note: businesses in the midst of restructuring or insolvency will not be eligible for this support program. Find more information at: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/05/11/prime-minister-announces-additional-support-businesses-help-save
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) October 14 Update: For businesses that are eligible for the CEBA, there is now an additional interest-free $20,000 loan available, in addition to the initial $40,000 loan previously announced. Half of this additional financing would be forgivable if repaid by December 31, 2022. Additionally, the application deadline for the CEBA has been extended to December 31, 2020. This program was created to provide businesses with payrolls of less than $1 million access to interest-free loans of up to $40,000. Eligible businesses include sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, family owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payouts, small businesses, and not for profits. These businesses will need to provide proof that they paid between $20,000 and $1.5 million in total payroll for 2019. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25% (up to $10,000) Sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, business that rely on contractors and family owned corporations that pay employees through dividends, have a separate set of criteria that needs to be met. Applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 would need a business operating account at a participating financial institution, a CRA business number with a 2018 or 2019 filed tax return and eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1.5 million. Eligible non-deferral expenses could include costs such as rent, property taxes, utilities and insurance. These loans are guaranteed and funded by the Government of Canada. Small businesses and not-for-profits should contact their financial institution to get access to this loan. Banks have started to roll out applications for this loan so please speak with your financial advisor. Find more information at https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-businesses.html
BDC Capital Bridge Financing Program BDC Capital, the investment arm of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has developed the BDC Capital Bridge Financing Program. Current VC backed funding rounds may be matched on a dollar by dollar basis in the form of a convertible note and up to $3 million. This program is ideal for high potential companies who have Venture Capital investor syndicates that are willing to support. Note: you do not have to be in BDC’s portfolio to access this program. Eligibility requirements:
Interested businesses should contact BDC Capital at VCReliefProgram@bdc.ca for further details.
Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) RDAs including FedDev Ontario are implementing a 3 month deferral for companies in repayment of their existing loans and this will take effect April 1, 2020. Access to FedDev funding can be found at https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/07677.html Phone FedDevOntario at 1-866-593-5505
New capital to Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and Community Futures Network
For more information on the funding available through RDA’s please visit https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/h_07662.html For more information on Community Futures please visit https://www.cfontario.ca/
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Term Loans Through this program, businesses will be eligible for term loans up to $2.5 million, with no fees and an 18-month interest only option will be available over a 10 year period. Find more information at: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/covid-19/program-details.html or call the Customer Service Centre at 1-888-332-3301
COVID-19 Support Program This $5 billion program was created to allow Farm Credit Canada to assist businesses with cash flow challenges. Existing members of Farm Credit Canada can ask for deferrals of principal and interest payments up to 6 months or a deferral of principal payments of up to 12 months. Who is eligible:
How to apply: Contact your existing FCC relationship manager or speak with the customer service centre at 1-888-332-3301. Find more information at: http://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/covid-19.html
Waterloo Wellington Community Futures (WWCF) Loan The WWCF has a loan assistance program that is available for rural businesses located within Wellington County, Wellesley Township, Woolwich Township, North Dumfries Township and Wilmot Township. This will provide businesses with a loan for cash flow purposes for up to $15,000 and a 6% interest rate. Find more information at: https://www.wwcf.ca/wwcf-emergency-fund-assistance-loan/
Financial Institutions If you receive financing through a financial institution, speak with a representative to hear what they are offering in terms of loans and payment deferrals. Banks across Canada are introducing programs to support businesses and are flexible with terms due to the nature of the situation.
Have questions about the above programs? Our team has put together the following webinar to answer frequently asked questions about loan programs: |
| Funding Programs |
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Ontario Small Business Support Grant The Ontario government recognizes that small businesses and their employees have been impacted by this Provincial lockdown that started on December 26, 2020. To support these small businesses, the Ontario government has created a new grant that will provide a minimum of $10,000 and up to $20,000 to eligible small business owners to help navigate this challenging period.
Digital Main Street Initiative The Ontario government, in partnership with the Federal government, has launched a $57 million program which will help small businesses reach more customers through the Digital Main Street Platform. Businesses will be able to take advantage of three programs to support their digital transformation. For more information on each program, please visit: digitalmainstreet.ca/Ontario
Canada’s Food Production and Processing Sector The Federal government has launched a $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund (EFP). This program will prioritize projects on two primary objectives:
Eligible businesses include for-profit organizations, indigenous groups and cooperatives. Applications for this program are now closed. To learn more, please visit: https://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/emergency-processing-fund/, email aafc.epf-fut.acc@canada.ca or call 1-877-246-4682.
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGEN) Funding NGEN will invest $50 million to support companies as they prepare to produce medical equipment and products to join the fight against COVID-19. This fund will be used towards the rapid production of critical items identified by the Government of Canada such as virus screening kits, gloves, gowns and masks, amongst others. Find more information at: http://www.ngen.ca/covid-19-response
Accelerator Centre COVID-19 Seed Funding Program The Accelerator Centre (AC) has introduced a program aimed towards Southern Ontario-based companies working on COVID-19 solutions. This cohort of companies will go through the AC JumpStart program, which is support by FedDev Ontario. Selected candidates will receive $30,000 in seed funding and $10,000 in-kind business supports to help accelerate the launch of products and services to support the fight against COVID-19. Over a 10 month period, selected companies will receive 60 hours of remote one-on-one mentorship with business leaders. Applications are encouraged from a wide range of sectors including but not limited to automation, food supply, personal protective equipment and labour force training. Eligible companies do not need to be housed or affiliated with the Accelerator Centre at this time. As the AC JumpStart program is supported by FedDev Ontario, eligibility requirements will follow FedDev Ontario’s mandate which can be found at: http://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/h_00109.html?OpenDocument Applications have closed as of April 28. Businesses can find more information at: https://www.acceleratorcentre.com/covid-19
Supporting Canada’s Farmers, Food Businesses and Food Supply On May 5, 2020 the Federal government announced a $252 million investment to support farmers, food businesses and food processors. In addition, the government is investing an additional $200 million in borrowing capacity for the Canadian Dairy Commission. The following is a breakdown of the $252 million investment:
Additional notes: For businesses facing significant revenue declines, the Federal and Provincial governments are working towards increasing interim payments from 50% to 75% through AgriStability. Both the Provincial and Federal governments are looking at opportunities to explore the AgriInsurance program. Areas of concern include labour shortages. Find more info at: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/05/05/supporting-canadas-farmers-food-businesses-and-food-supply
Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund $100 million is available to support proven, viable companies in the agribusiness and agri-food sector. Eligible businesses include companies involved in primary production, agri-tech, manufacturing, packaging and distribution. The intent behind this program is to return these companies to a good financial standing, if they have been greatly impacted by COVID-19. Applications will be supported to a maximum of $10 million. This fund will be administered through convertible debt investments and other flexible financing solutions. Find more information at: https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2020/05/farm-credit-canada-backed-fund-offers-innovative-and-flexible-solutions-for-uncertain-times.html
Ontario and Canada protecting Agri-Food Workers The Federal and Provincial Governments are investing $2.25 million in provincially licensed meat processing plants. This funding is intended to provide these businesses with monetary support as they begin to implement COVID-19 health and safety measures. Applications for this funding are open and will be administered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). For more information on this program, please call 1-877-424-1300 or visit: http://omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/index.htm
$2.5 million to help Agri-Food businesses move online during COVID-19 Pandemic Local communities rely on the agri-food sector to feed their families and many agri-food businesses make a steady income selling to local communities making this a very important funding program. The Provincial and Federal Governments are investing up to $2.5 million to help businesses in the Agri-food sector expand to offering online services. Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Provincial and Federal governments are launching the second stage of health and safety measures to help farmers. The funding will be used for purchasing PPE, cleaning and disinfectant supplies and helping redesign the workspace, as needed. Support is also being provided for farmers who have experienced unexpected costs in transportation and housing as a result of the on-going COVID-19 situation. Eligible businesses include:
Applications will have two streams:
Applications are being accepted immediately. Fodo and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) will expedite the approval process. Find more information at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/index.htm or by calling 1-877-424-1300
Ontario Together Fund This $50 million program was created by the Provincial Government to support businesses that are looking to provide innovative solutions or re-tool their current operations to address the challenge of COVID-19. Find more information at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-your-organization-can-help-fight-coronavirus?_ga=2.230609119.2132639978.1585582556-1305037528.1580157468 On July 10, the Province announced it will be supporting the Ontario Made program from Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME). This new program was created to promote the many world-class goods that are made across the province by helping consumers easily identify, access and purchase local products. This program is made possible through the $50 million Ontario Together Fund. For more information on Ontario Made, please visit: https://www.supportontariomade.ca/
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) - APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED The Federal Government announced they will provide an additional $250 million in funding to the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP). This new program will be labelled Innovation Assistance Program (IAP). This program was created to fill the gaps of existing support programs which made many small businesses ineligible. In general, this will support early stage start-ups and high growth start-ups, even if in the pre-revenue stage with up 500 employees. If you were deemed ineligible for the CEWS program, this program is meant to supplement the $847/week in support that the CEWS program will be providing. Existing IRAP recipients as well as new applicants will be eligible. There is no stacking permitted with this program. You cannot combine this with the Wage Subsidy program Additional notes:
Companies interested in utilizing this program can register for updates at: https://nrc.canada.ca/en/support-technology-innovation/register-nrc-irap-innovation-assistance-program?utm_campaign=IRA |
| Taxes |
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Income Tax All payments of income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18th and before September 30th will be deferred until after August 31st, 2020. Canadians now have until June 1st to file their taxes for the 2019 year. Find more information at https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html#emergency_support_benefit
Employer Health Tax (EHT) Exemption On March 26th, the Provincial Government announced that they will be cutting business taxes by $355 million for approximately 57,000 businesses through a temporary increase to the EHT exemption. The EHT is a payroll tax that employers pay based on their total remuneration - which has a top rate of 1.95%. This program applies to private sector employers with a total Ontario Remuneration of $5 million and under. These businesses under the current EHT exemption are eligible for up to $490,000 in returns. This new program aims to increase that maximum amount to $1 million.
Deferral of all Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax & customs duties owed for imports Businesses (including self employed individuals) can defer all goods and services tax and harmonized sales tax until June 2020, including custom duties owed for imports. Whether you are a monthly filer or annual filer, the Government has remittance plans for your business. This measure will put more money in the pockets of businesses by providing the equivalent of $30 billion in interest-free loans to Canadian businesses. Find more information at https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/additional-support-for-canadian-businesses-from-the-economic-impact-of-covid-19.html#_Deferral_of_Sales |
| Businesses Supporting the Cause |
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Ontario Together This website was created to help businesses and their employees work with the province to meet the challenges of COVID-19. Through this website portal, companies can submit their proposals for quick creative solutions for the Province’s supply challenges. Over 14,000 submissions have been received and nearly $90 million in purchases of critical equipment have been made. The Government’s next challenge will call for ideas on how to support remote learning. There is no date on when this challenge will be open. Find more information at https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-your-organization-can-help-fight-coronavirus
COVID-19 Supplier Purchasing Program The Government is seeking to purchase goods from suppliers based on a growing list of needs to support our frontline workers. If you think your company can support the fight against COVID-19, please visit https://buyandsell.gc.ca/calling-all-suppliers-help-canada-combat-covid-19 The following is a list of needs:
In addition to this list of supplies, the Government is also asking for a number of support with services:
Digital Technology Supercluster – COVID-19 Program This program provides the Digital Technology Supercluster with $60 million in funding to invest in projects that support the development and deployment of products, services or technologies. These projects are intended to support governments and communities in the following areas of need:
Eligibility: Projects that meet the needs listed above will receive funding. Digital technology solutions that will improve the health and well being of Canadians will be considered. A project proposal is required to receive this funding. Find more information at: https://www.digitalsupercluster.ca/new-covid-19-program/
National Research Council of Canada – COVID-19 Challenge Program This program is composed of the government, academic, and private sector partners, seeking to address a range of needs. Medium term needs include:
If you think your business can step in and help the cause, please visit https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/research-collaboration/nrc-covid-19-response Innovation Solutions Canada will launch a request for proposals over the next few weeks to address some of the medical challenges being faced, to fund development solutions and to buy successful products and services needed to address COVID-19. The first three Challenge Streams have been posted:
As of May 28, 2020, two new Innovative Solutions Canada challenges have been posted:
Please visit the following link to learn more about these challenges: https://nrc.canada.ca/en/corporate/nrc-covid-19-response
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) This program involves a multi-departmental initiative seeking innovative solutions to fight COVID-19. Current challenges include:
Applications for this program are now closed. Find more information at: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-nationaldefence/programs/defence-ideas/understandingideas/sandbox/covid19-challenges.html |
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