Resources to help your small business navigate COVID-19
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce understands that as a small-to-medium-sized business, you are a cornerstone of the Canadian economy. Not only do SMEs make up the majority of all businesses in Canada, fueling both our economy and innovation, but you are also at the heart of communities and neighbourhoods across the country.
We also recognize that you have been especially hard hit by the global pandemic. Below, you’ll find resources that make it easier for you to find financial support, plan for your business, and support the health and well-being of you and your employees.
Financial Support
- Not sure which federal financial supports you’re eligible for? Start with the Benefits Finder, which guides you towards programs that may help based on your answers to a few short questions. The tool is available for both businesses (including non-profits and charities) and individuals.
VIDEO: Covid-19 and Financing Available
- Are you a non-essential business facing lockdowns or further COVID-19 restrictions limiting your ability to operate? Our Director of Tax and Financial Policy Patrick Gill, offers you some advice.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
- If you’ve experienced a drop in revenue due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages, retroactive to March 15, 2020. This subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers, prevent further job losses, and ease back into normal operations.
Please note that from July onwards, the subsidy rates will vary and will directly correspond to your revenue losses over the same time period (in addition to a change requiring you to top-up employees).
- The government has a FAQ page available here.
- Details on the most recent changes to CEWS can be found here.
- How much support can you get through CEWS? Find out using the Government of Canada’s CEWS Calculator.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
- If you’ve experienced a drop in revenue due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your rent or property expenses, retroactive to September 27, 2020. This subsidy will provide payments directly to tenants without requiring participation of landlords, or to property owners.
There is also a special lockdown top-up support available for businesses who have been significantly impacted by public health orders.
- Find out if you are eligible here.
- Calculate your rent subsidy amount here.
- Learn how to apply here.
- Additional details and support can be found here.
WEBINAR: Business Planning in a Time of Uncertainty-TD
- Join Dale Durand, Business Succession Advisor, Wealth Advisory Services at TD and learn how to effectively manage and increase your corporate and personal cash flows through these extraordinary times.
Member Discounts and Affinity Programs
- Find savings opportunities with affinity programs and discounts.
Business Support
WEBINAR: How to manage your workplace during a global pandemic
- Priya Sarin, Partner at Sherrard Kuzz LLP, discusses tips and tools for businesses grappling with common workplace challenges during the pandemic, including: managing health and safety, absenteeism and work refusals, accommodating human rights, workplace restructuring, and implications of a vaccine.
- The new rules will inform how your operations and health and safety standards must be adapted to the current situation.
Provincial Breakdown of Resources
- Get a breakdown of resources by provinces, HR & employee support & much more with our CBRN tips and Advice.
- Make A Change Canada has been helping Canadians from coast to coast realize their full potential, delivering remote employment services and technology skills training since 2005.
5 things companies should be thinking about next
- Karen White, VP of Crisis and Issues Management at NATIONAL Public Relations discusses five things to be thinking about once we enter the recovery phase of the pandemic.
WEBINAR: Crisis Comms in a time of a pandemic
- Join Mark Boutet and Larry Markowitz of NATIONAL Public Relations as they discuss the basic principles of crisis communication, and how to maintain your brand during these challenging times.
Health & Safety
COVID-19 Prevention-Sourcing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- In order to protect staff, customers, and the general public, many businesses are now required to use PPE for their operations, or will be required to use PPE when they are allowed to reopen. Additionally, many manufacturers and suppliers who do not traditionally produce PPE are now doing so.
To aid in connecting suppliers, manufactures, and businesses in need of PPE, CBRN has partnered with RRP Canada. The RRP Canada portal allows producers to be matched with those businesses in need of PPE.
- The COVID Alert App helps us break the cycle of infection. The app can let people know of possible exposures before any symptoms appear. That way, we can take care of ourselves and protect our communities.
- COVID-19 has placed a significant amount of pressure on employees, employers and families. Isolation, fear for the well-being of loved ones and financial strain are creating disruptions to all our lives. During these difficult times and through what may be a hard and long winter, supporting your mental health, your employee’s mental health and the wellbeing of family and friends is more important than ever. Canadians can obtain credible information and access services to support their mental health and wellbeing through a number of resources. Remember to frequently check in by phone or video with older Canadians, family members, neighbours or friends who may be isolated at home and more susceptible to mental health issues.
- Join Carmen Bellows, Registered Psychologist and Director of Mental Health Solutions at Sun Life Canada to discuss how businesses can develop and maintain positive mental health environments.