COVID-19 Resources

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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 

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
Businesses Re-Opening

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

As of May 4, 2020 seasonal businesses and some essential construction projects have been permitted to reopen, including:

  • Lawn care and landscaping, car washes, auto dealerships, golf courses (open for preparation only, and marinas are permitted to reopen at this time)
  • Construction projects involving shipping and logistics, broadband, telecommunications, municipal projects, colleges and universities, child care centres, schools and site preparation/excavation are now permitted to operate

Starting May 8, 2020:

  • Garden centres and nurseries will be able to open for in-store payments and purchases

Starting May 9, 2020:

  • Hardware stores and safety supply stores will be permitted to open for in-store payment and purchases

Starting May 11, 2020:

  • Retail stores with street entrances will be permitted to offer curbside pickup and delivery

Starting May 16, 2020:

  • A number of seasonal services as well as activities and sports will be permitted starting as early as May 16. Examples include golf courses, marinas and private parks

Starting May 19, 2020:

  • The government announced retailers, seasonal businesses and community service providers who were permitted to open will now be able to expand their services

Starting June 12, 2020:

  • Waterloo Region has been given the green light to move towards Stage 2 of the Provincial gradual staged approach. Businesses that are able to re-open as of June 12 include restaurants with outdoor dine-in services, select personal care services (such as salons) and shopping malls. To find the full list of businesses reopening, please follow the link at the top of this section. For specific Waterloo Region resources for workplaces permitted to open, please visit https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/coronavirus-resources-for-workplaces.aspx

Starting July 17, 2020:

  • Nearly all businesses and public spaces will reopen in Stage 3
  • Highlights include: increased outdoor gathering limit of 100 persons and indoor gathering limit 50 persons (physical distancing required)
  • For a full listing of businesses allowed to open and more details, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-whats-each-stage

 

Waterloo Region Restaurants and Food Services

As a part of Stage 2 re-opening, Waterloo Region restaurants and food service businesses will be permitted to re-open. As we continue to navigate through the on-going pandemic, there are public health protocols and requirements that will need to be followed. For a full list of the Region of Waterloo recommendations and protocols, please visit: https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/re-opening-restaurants-and-food-services.aspx

 

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 

Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA)

July 31, 2020 update:

  • The government announced that the OCECRA program will be extended by one month to help eligible businesses pay rent for the month of August.

This program has been created by the Provincial and Federal governments to provide upwards of $900 million in urgent relief for small businesses and landlords. Applications are being accepted as of May 25, 2020 and will be accepted through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This program will be available until August 31, 2020.

Eligible businesses:

  • Businesses including non-profits and charitable organizations that are paying less than $50,000 per month in rent who have temporarily seized operations OR have seen a minimum 70% decline in revenues

Eligibility requirements for commercial property owners:

  • Commercial properties with small business tenants, a residential component, and residential mixed-use properties with a minimum of 30% commercial component are eligible
  • If the property owner does not have a mortgage secured by a commercial rental property, the owner should speak with CMHC. For property owners without mortgaged properties, the CMHC can provide different options such as applying funds against other forms of debt facilities or fixed cost payment obligations (i.e. utilities)

Eligibility requirements for small businesses

  • Eligible small business tenants must pay a monthly rent that does not exceed $50,000/month
  • The small business must be a non-essential business that has temporarily closed or has seen a 70% decline in pre-COVID revenues. The decline in revenue will be determined by comparing revenues in April, May or June to the same month in 2019. Businesses are also permitted to compare their revenue with the average of January and February 2020 revenues
  • Less than $20 million in gross annual revenues – this is to be calculated on a consolidated basis (at parent level)
  • Not-for-profits and charitable entities are also eligible for this program

Small business tenants and landlords would each be asked to pay 25% of the before profit costs and the Provincial and Federal governments would cost-share the remainder of 50%

The OCECRA will be providing loans for landlords and commercial property owners that have experienced rent shortfalls.

To receive the loan, the governments are asking property owners to reduce the rental cost of small business tenants by at least 75% for April to June 2020 and to forgo evictions during this period. The loans provided will be forgiven if the mortgaged property owner reduces the rent for their small business tenants by a minimum of 75% from April to June 2020. The forgivable loans would be sent directly to the mortgage lender of the commercial property.

Example:

  • Monthly rent for a small business is $10,000
  • Assume the landlord doesn’t make a profit
  • Landlord forgoes $2,500 (25% of rent)
  • Small business would be responsible for paying $2,500 (25% of the rent)
  • The government would cover the remaining $5,000, with $3,750 from the federal government (37.5% of rent) and $1,250 (12.5% of rent) from the provincial government

For more information on the details listed above, please see the official press release at: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-canada-emergency-commercial-rent-assistance-program.html

 

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

 

Off-Peak Electricity Rate for Small Businesses, Farm Customers and Residential Units
The government will be using the off peak rate of 12.8 cents-per-kilowatt-hour for small businesses and farms meaning businesses can continue to operate and pay less in hydro costs, a measure implemented to give more liquidity to businesses. This program has been extended until October 31, 2020.

 

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

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (75%) – Application extended to December 2020 

This program was created to help companies facing revenue losses, help prevent lay-offs and to encourage employers to rehire workers previously laid off.

 

Proposed Changes (more updates coming soon)

On July 17, the Federal government announced proposed changes to the CEWS to broaden the reach of the program. Proposed changes include:

  • Extension of the CEWS until December 19, 2020
  • Making the subsidy accessible to a broader range of employers by including employers with a revenue decline of less than 30% and providing a gradually decreasing base subsidy to all qualifying employers
  • Introduce a top-up subsidy. This would allow for up to an additional 25% for employers that have been most affected

Find more information at: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy.html

 

Eligibility:

  • The Government has launched a calculator to determine eligibility. To determine if you would be eligible for the CEWS program, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy/cews-calculate-subsidy-amount.html
  • Eligible employers include businesses of all sizes, including taxable corporations, partnerships as well as non-profit organizations and charities.
  • This subsidy will cover employees that are on the payroll including part-time and full-time employees.
  • The subsidy will be available to eligible employers that see a drop of at least 15% of their revenue in March 2020 and 30% in the following months.
  • To measure the loss, employers are expected to compare their March 2020 revenues with their March 2019 revenues, for example. Businesses are expected to do that same comparison for April and May as well.
  • Since that may not be feasible for not-for-profits, high-growth companies and new businesses, the Government is allowing businesses to compare their March, April and May 2020 revenues with the average revenue earned between January and February 2020.

Details:

  • The Government will provide businesses with a 75% subsidy on the first $58,700 normally earned by employees which represents a weekly income of $847. There is no cap on the overall amount of wages claimed.
  • The pre-crisis remuneration for an employee would be based on the average weekly pay they received between January 1 and March 15, 2020.
  • 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.
  • NOTE: employers are expected to at least make the effort to top up the 25% of salary costs remaining.

When to apply: 

Applications for the 75% Wage Subsidy opened the morning of April 27 at 7AM EDT on Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) Business Account Portal. Funds should be available in your account by May 7. 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.

  • If you are eligible for both subsidies, you are not able to stack the two programs.
  • This subsidy is intended to be equal to 10% of remuneration paid during that period, up to a maximum of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.
  • Businesses can reduce their remittance of income tax withheld on their employees' remuneration.

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)

This program is a combination of the previously announced Emergency Support and Emergency Care Programs. This program will provide $2000/month per individual, and was extended for an additional 8 weeks on June 16, 2020.

The CERB will cover:

  • Workers who must stop working as a result of COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave through their workplace.
  • Workers who are sick, are taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19 or are quarantined themselves.
  • Working parents who need to stay home without pay to take care of their children that are sick or may need additional care due to the recent school closures.
  • Workers who are still employed but are not being paid because there is not sufficient work and they have been asked not to come to work.
  • Wage earners and those that are self employed (including contract workers) - who would not typically be eligible for EI benefits.
  • Seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to take on regular season work as a result of COVID-19.
  • Workers who have recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to return to work or find a job.
  • Frontline workers in hospitals, nursing homes, those supporting the food supply or providing essential retail services will soon be eligible for a salary top up if they earn less than $2,500/month. More details are expected in the coming week.

NOTE: if you have already applied for EI benefits prior to the announcement of the CERB, your application will be converted to CERB so no additional work is needed.

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/

 

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:

  • Wage subsidy was increased so that private and public sector employees can also receive up to 100% of the Provincial/Territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee.
  • End date for employment was extended to February 21, 2021.
  • Employers will be able to hire part-time employees as well.

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

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.

 

  • EDC Mid-Market Guarantee and Financing Program
    • This loan is intended to provide relief to businesses with revenues between $50 million and $300 million to help sustain their operations. EDC will work with your bank to guarantee 75% of new operating credit and cash flow loans – which can range from $16.75 million to $80 million.
    • These loans are available to exporters, international investors and businesses that sell their products or services within Canada.
    • Find more information at: https://www.edc.ca/en/covid-19-business-resources.html
  • BDC Mid-Market Financing Program
    • This loan program is intended to provide operational and liquidity needs and will offer junior loans ranging from $12.5 million and $60 million for medium sized businesses which will be co-managed by BDC and your primary bank. The Bank anticipates that qualifying companies will have annual revenues greater than $100 million.
    • Find more information at: https://www.bdc.ca/en/pages/mid-market-form.aspx
  • EDC Loan Guarantee for Enterprises
    • EDC will provide guarantees to financial institutions so they can issue operating credit and cash flow term loans. This will allow financial institutions to issue operating credit with 80% of it being guaranteed by EDC. This program is available for businesses that have been impacted by COVID and were financially viable pre-COVID.
    • EDC BCAP guarantees up to $6.25 million to cover rent, payroll and other operating costs.
    • Find more information at: https://www.edc.ca/en/campaign/bcap-guarantee.html
  • BDC Co-Lending Program
    • This loan is also intended to provide businesses with operational cash flow needs. This loan will provide up to $12.5 million for operational cash flow requirements. Similar to the EDC program, this program is available for businesses that have been impacted by COVID and were financially viable pre-COVID.
    • Find more information at: https://www.bdc.ca/en/pages/mid-market-form.aspx

 

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)

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:

  • Canadian, backed by a VC firm
  • Raised a minimum $500,000 before applying for the program
  • Have been impacted by COVID-19

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

  • $962 million in new capital will be provided to Regional Development agencies and Community Futures networks
  • $675 million will go towards financing support for small and medium sizes companies that have not been eligible for the current support programs
  • $287 million will go towards supporting the rural businesses which can be accessed through the Community Futures Program

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:

  • Food processors, agri-businesses and farmers
  • Eligible farmers who have an outstanding Advance Payments Program loan that is due on or before April 30th will receive a Stay of Default, extending their repayment for an additional 6 months

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

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:

  • Emergency COVID Response to assist companies that need to alter their facilities to meet health and safety protocols as required by Public Health
  • Strategic investments to help businesses improve, automate and modernize their facilities

Eligible businesses include for-profit organizations, indigenous groups and cooperatives. Applications are being accepted until 12a.m. on July 31, 2020 or earlier if funding is fully allocated before that date. 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:

  • Emergency Processing Fund - $77.5 million will go towards helping food processors obtain the necessary PPE, adapt to the changing health protocols and to help automate their businesses
  • AgriRecovery Initiative – up to $125 million will go towards funding initiatives to support food processors with additional costs they have seen as a result of COVID-19
  • Surplus Food Purchase Program – an initial $50 million investment will go towards helping food processors redistribute existing and unsold inventories to organizations helping feed Canadians in need

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:

  • Farmers markets
  • Retailers
  • Garden centres
  • Greenhouses
  • Nurseries
  • Agricultural associations

Applications will have two streams:

  1. Bring your Business Online: For businesses looking to migrate their services online, they can apply for up to a $5000 grant. This money will start to flow immediately once the application is processed.
  2. Develop Online Business Opportunities: eligible organizations, businesses and collaborations can apply for cost-share funding of up to $75,000 to implement high-impact projects. This stream is intended for businesses that need help understanding how they can utilize an online store and understanding what goods and services they are able to sell.

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:

  • All members of staff as of March 1, 2020 are eligible for support. As long as the employee receives a T4 or T4A, they will be supported.
  • You do not need to have a formal payroll. You just need to show that you pay employees.
  • To be eligible for this program you must acknowledge that you attempted to apply for the CEWS and were deemed ineligible. If you use the CEWS calculator and determine that you do not meet the CEWS requirements, that is sufficient proof for the IAP program,
  • This program may affect SR&ED so please speak with your accountant to take into account other financial programs.
  • For successful applications, the first payment in May will be 80% of the total amount you are eligible for. The second and final payment will be made in June for the remaining 20%

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

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

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:

  • Disposable N95 masks
  • Disposable surgical masks
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Vinyl gloves
  • Gowns
  • Bottles of hand sanitizer
  • Other prevention products

In addition to this list of supplies, the Government is also asking for a number of support with services:

  • Guard/security services
  • Nursing services
  • Food services
  • Laundry services
  • Accommodation maintenance services
  • Personal services
  • IT support 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:

  • Health System
  • Community Health
  • Safe living
  • Diagnostics and Therapeutics
  • Emergency Response

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/

 

Medical Manufacturing

The government is looking for businesses who are able to manufacture medical equipment. Many businesses across Canada are pivoting their manufacturing facilities to help provide for our front line workers.

Those who are looking to help can find more information at https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/maintaingrowimprovebusiness/manufacturers-needed.html

 

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:

  • personal protective equipment
  • sanitization products
  • diagnostic and testing products
  • therapeutics
  • disease tracking technology

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:

  • Made in Canada filtration material for the manufacture of N95 respirators and surgical masks
  • Low cost sensor system for COVID-19 patient monitoring
  • Point of Care and Home Diagnostic Kit for COVID-19

As of May 28, 2020, two new Innovative Solutions Canada challenges have been posted:

  • An intelligent clearing house
  • Magnetic reagents for detection of COVID-19 and other RNA molecular diagnostic kits

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:

  • Rapid response: real time insights for pandemic decision making
  • Scrubbing your scrubs: finding ways to re-use COVID-19 protective gear
  • Super sanitize: cleaning sensitive equipment and workspaces

Applications for this program will close on June 23, 2020.

Find more information at: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-nationaldefence/programs/defence-ideas/understandingideas/sandbox/covid19-challenges.html

 

Contact Us

We are here to help. Let us know how we can best support you during this time of uncertainty. Email us at info@waterlooedc.ca for more support.

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