COVID-19: RESOUCES FOR BUSINESS
GOVERNMENT ACTIONS TO DATE
The SCC recommended immediate action by government in the areas below to help offset business challenges. Find a full list of recommendations and government action on a provincial and federal level here.
FEDERAL BUSINESS RESOURCESCanada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
Canada Small Business Financing Program
The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for any one borrower, of which no more than $350,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment. Financial institutions deliver the program and are solely responsible for approving the loan. For more information download their PDF pamphlet or click here to find a lender near you.
Government of Canada Business Benefits Finder
The Government of Canada has introduced many COVID-19 supports to help businesses weather the storm. To get a tailored list of the ones that fit your business situation or to discover other federal, provincial and territorial programs and services designed to help Canadian businesses grow, try the interactive business benefits finder. You can also sign up for the notification feature to receive emails when there are changes to your favourite programs, when application deadlines are approaching, or when a new program that meets your needs is introduced.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
RRRF is a national $2 billion needs-based program delivered by the Government of Canada’s regional development agencies, including Western Economic Diversification Canada, to fill gaps by helping support businesses and organizations unable to access other federal pandemic support programs or continue to experience hardship after accessing these measures.
Find out more here.
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
Businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19 can access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs.
Find out more here.
Lockdown Support for Businesses
The Federal Government has announced the Lockdown Support program. This program is available to organizations that have been forced to temporarily close or temporarily have their business activities reduced due to lockdown. The 25% top-up available until June, 2021. Learn more here.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
On October 9, the government proposed the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to provide direct relief to businesses, non-profits, and charities that continue to be economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new rent subsidy would be available retroactive to September 27, 2020, until June 2021. Learn more here.
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
The Government of Canada announced the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF). LEEFF aims to provide bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers, whose needs are not being met through conventional financing, in order to keep their operations going. LEEFF will provide additional liquidity for Canada’s largest businesses, to allow them and their suppliers to remain active and position them for a rapid economic recovery. A fact sheet on LEEFF is available here.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Canadian employers whose businesses have experienced a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages, which can be applied for retroactively. This wage subsidy will enable employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, help prevent further job losses, and better position businesses to resume normal operations following the crisis. The maximum subsidy rate will remain at 75% for the claim periods from March 14 to June 5, 2021.
Organizations that do not qualify for CEWS may qualify for the previously announced 10% temporary wage subsidy.
Work-Sharing program
The federal government extending the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program from 38 weeks to 76 weeks. The Work-Sharing program is offered to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
This $25 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus.
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
The Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) has been expanded to mid-sized companies with larger financing needs. Support for mid-market businesses will include loans of up to $60 million per company, and guarantees of up to $80 million.
The SCC recommended immediate action by government in the areas below to help offset business challenges. Find a full list of recommendations and government action on a provincial and federal level here.
FEDERAL BUSINESS RESOURCESCanada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
Canada Small Business Financing Program
The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for any one borrower, of which no more than $350,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment. Financial institutions deliver the program and are solely responsible for approving the loan. For more information download their PDF pamphlet or click here to find a lender near you.
Government of Canada Business Benefits Finder
The Government of Canada has introduced many COVID-19 supports to help businesses weather the storm. To get a tailored list of the ones that fit your business situation or to discover other federal, provincial and territorial programs and services designed to help Canadian businesses grow, try the interactive business benefits finder. You can also sign up for the notification feature to receive emails when there are changes to your favourite programs, when application deadlines are approaching, or when a new program that meets your needs is introduced.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
RRRF is a national $2 billion needs-based program delivered by the Government of Canada’s regional development agencies, including Western Economic Diversification Canada, to fill gaps by helping support businesses and organizations unable to access other federal pandemic support programs or continue to experience hardship after accessing these measures.
Find out more here.
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
Businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19 can access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs.
Find out more here.
Lockdown Support for Businesses
The Federal Government has announced the Lockdown Support program. This program is available to organizations that have been forced to temporarily close or temporarily have their business activities reduced due to lockdown. The 25% top-up available until June, 2021. Learn more here.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
On October 9, the government proposed the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to provide direct relief to businesses, non-profits, and charities that continue to be economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new rent subsidy would be available retroactive to September 27, 2020, until June 2021. Learn more here.
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
The Government of Canada announced the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF). LEEFF aims to provide bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers, whose needs are not being met through conventional financing, in order to keep their operations going. LEEFF will provide additional liquidity for Canada’s largest businesses, to allow them and their suppliers to remain active and position them for a rapid economic recovery. A fact sheet on LEEFF is available here.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Canadian employers whose businesses have experienced a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages, which can be applied for retroactively. This wage subsidy will enable employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, help prevent further job losses, and better position businesses to resume normal operations following the crisis. The maximum subsidy rate will remain at 75% for the claim periods from March 14 to June 5, 2021.
Organizations that do not qualify for CEWS may qualify for the previously announced 10% temporary wage subsidy.
Work-Sharing program
The federal government extending the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program from 38 weeks to 76 weeks. The Work-Sharing program is offered to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
This $25 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus.
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
The Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) has been expanded to mid-sized companies with larger financing needs. Support for mid-market businesses will include loans of up to $60 million per company, and guarantees of up to $80 million.
PROVINCIAL RESOURCES
Saskatchewan Government COVID-19 Resources
Saskatchewan Tourism Sector Support Program No. 2 (STSSP 2)
The STSSP provides financial assistance to eligible tourism businesses in the accommodations, attraction and tours, events, and major event facility sectors.
Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment Program No. 2 (SSBEP2)
The Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) provides a one-time grant for small and medium-sized enterprises directly affected by government public heath orders related to COVID-19. Grants will be paid based on 15 per cent of a business’s monthly sales revenue, to a maximum of $5,000.
Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (extended to June 30, 2021)
The RSTS was launched on June 18, 2020. The program operates as a temporary training subsidy to provide businesses with financial support to train employees as they adjust to the impacts of the pandemic and safely align business activities with the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan. The RSTS reimburses eligible private-sector employers 100 per cent of employee training costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per business.
RESOURCES SPECIFICALLY FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSBDC COVID-19 Supports for Canadian Business
What Supports to Access and How: Advisors for Small Business from Advocis Connect
Business Continuity Plan and Templates for Entrepreneurs – BDC
Support for Entrepreneurs Impacted by COVID-19 – BDC
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
This $25 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus.
Apply for the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB)
The CERB supports Canadians by providing urgently needed financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who have been directly affected by COVID-19. It provides a payment of $2,000 for a 4 week period (equivalent to $500 a week) for up to 16 weeks.
RESOURCES FOR EXPORTERSExport Development Canada
RESOURCES FOR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
COVID-19: Resources for Indigenous Governments, Organizations, Businesses and Individuals
Ten Strategies to Help Your Business Make it Through the Economic Storm – Metis Nation Saskatchewan, Northern Resource Group and SaskMetis Economic Development Corporation
Indigenous Peoples and COVID-19– Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.
In partnership with Indigenous Services Canada, SMEDCO is delivering a COVID-19 impact fund for Métis communities and microbusinesses. The Fund will provide Métis community owned businesses and Small / Microbusinesses in Saskatchewan that have experienced reduced revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with two streams of COVID-19 supports. Stream one focuses on providing access to business assessment, advisory, and recovery supports from professionals and stream two focuses on providing non-repayable contributions to support ongoing operations.
RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS
How to complete a Record of Employment
Guidelines for Saskatchewan WCB Claims Related to COVID-19
Managing Staffing and Leave
EI Information for Employers
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Work-Sharing Program and Temporary Special Measures
RESOURCES FOR WORKERS
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Saskatchewan Government support for workers
EI sickness benefits: What these benefits offer
RESOURCES FOR THE TECH SECTOR
Innovation Saskatchewan & the Ministry of Immigration & Career Training did a webinar on resources & supports available to founders, executives & employees in the TECH SECTOR during the COVID-19 crisis. Find it here.
RESOURCES FOR FARMERS AND THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR
Advance Payments Program
Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Alleviating Industry Financial Pressure – Farm Credit Canada
GENERAL RESOURCES
Pandemic Preparedness – Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Public Health Agency of Canada’s webpage on general COVID19
Avoid COVID-19 Fraud
World Health Organization
Personal Protective Equipment Suppliers in Saskatchewan
March survey: Please find the recap of the COVID-19: Business Impact Survey here.
April: Please find the recap of the COVID-19: Current State of Business Survey here.
Saskatchewan Tourism Sector Support Program No. 2 (STSSP 2)
The STSSP provides financial assistance to eligible tourism businesses in the accommodations, attraction and tours, events, and major event facility sectors.
Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment Program No. 2 (SSBEP2)
The Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) provides a one-time grant for small and medium-sized enterprises directly affected by government public heath orders related to COVID-19. Grants will be paid based on 15 per cent of a business’s monthly sales revenue, to a maximum of $5,000.
Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (extended to June 30, 2021)
The RSTS was launched on June 18, 2020. The program operates as a temporary training subsidy to provide businesses with financial support to train employees as they adjust to the impacts of the pandemic and safely align business activities with the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan. The RSTS reimburses eligible private-sector employers 100 per cent of employee training costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per business.
RESOURCES SPECIFICALLY FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSBDC COVID-19 Supports for Canadian Business
What Supports to Access and How: Advisors for Small Business from Advocis Connect
Business Continuity Plan and Templates for Entrepreneurs – BDC
Support for Entrepreneurs Impacted by COVID-19 – BDC
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
This $25 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus.
Apply for the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB)
The CERB supports Canadians by providing urgently needed financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who have been directly affected by COVID-19. It provides a payment of $2,000 for a 4 week period (equivalent to $500 a week) for up to 16 weeks.
RESOURCES FOR EXPORTERSExport Development Canada
RESOURCES FOR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
COVID-19: Resources for Indigenous Governments, Organizations, Businesses and Individuals
Ten Strategies to Help Your Business Make it Through the Economic Storm – Metis Nation Saskatchewan, Northern Resource Group and SaskMetis Economic Development Corporation
Indigenous Peoples and COVID-19– Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.
In partnership with Indigenous Services Canada, SMEDCO is delivering a COVID-19 impact fund for Métis communities and microbusinesses. The Fund will provide Métis community owned businesses and Small / Microbusinesses in Saskatchewan that have experienced reduced revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with two streams of COVID-19 supports. Stream one focuses on providing access to business assessment, advisory, and recovery supports from professionals and stream two focuses on providing non-repayable contributions to support ongoing operations.
RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS
How to complete a Record of Employment
Guidelines for Saskatchewan WCB Claims Related to COVID-19
Managing Staffing and Leave
EI Information for Employers
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Work-Sharing Program and Temporary Special Measures
RESOURCES FOR WORKERS
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Saskatchewan Government support for workers
EI sickness benefits: What these benefits offer
RESOURCES FOR THE TECH SECTOR
Innovation Saskatchewan & the Ministry of Immigration & Career Training did a webinar on resources & supports available to founders, executives & employees in the TECH SECTOR during the COVID-19 crisis. Find it here.
RESOURCES FOR FARMERS AND THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR
Advance Payments Program
Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Alleviating Industry Financial Pressure – Farm Credit Canada
GENERAL RESOURCES
Pandemic Preparedness – Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Public Health Agency of Canada’s webpage on general COVID19
Avoid COVID-19 Fraud
World Health Organization
Personal Protective Equipment Suppliers in Saskatchewan
March survey: Please find the recap of the COVID-19: Business Impact Survey here.
April: Please find the recap of the COVID-19: Current State of Business Survey here.
Nipawin & District Chamber of Commerce
Box 177, Nipawin, SK S0E 1E0
Ph: 306 862 5252
nipawin.chamber@sasktel.net