Business Tool Kit

The government established a Business Credit Availability Program to provide $40 billion of additional support through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada. Expected to roll out in mid-April, interested businesses can contact their financial institution. Credit and business supports are also available on the government's website.

Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) provides additional support through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada. For more information, visit their website.

Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) provides bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers, whose needs during the pandemic are not being met through conventional financing, to keep their operations going. To apply, visit the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporate website.

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) will provide 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. Banks and credit unions have implemented this program in collaboration with Export Development Canada.

Business owners can apply for support from the Canada Emergency Business Account through their banks and credit unions.

New developments with the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans program.

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans program will be expanded for:

• sole owner-operators;
• those dependent on contractors; and
• family businesses that pay employees by dividends rather than payroll.

CEBA will also be modified to become available to new businesses (those which have never filed a tax return) and companies which do not have a business account but operate through personal accounts.

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program starts May 25, 2020

An agreement in principle with all provinces and territories to implement the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses. This program will lower rent by 75% for small businesses affected by COVID-19.

To apply visit, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. 

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund helps businesses and organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, tourism and others that are key to the regions and local economies. This fund is specifically targeted to those that may require additional help to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but have been unable to access existing support measures.

Small business owners impacted by COVID-19 can apply for loans up to $40,000. To apply, visit Canada’s Regional Development Agency’s website. Businesses can apply through our local Lloydminster and Region Community Futures.

The Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) grant application period is from June 1-12, 2020. The CBRN Small Business Relief Fund will help 62 small Canadian businesses recover and support their resilience, for a total of $620,000 in funds. To apply, visit the Canadian Business Resilience Network.

Emergency Support Program for Saskatchewan Small Businesses

Saskatchewan small businesses will receive additional provincial support to help deal with current COVID-19 challenges through the new Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment. For more information, visit saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses.

The Site Rehabilitation Program provides grants to oil field service contractors to perform well, pipeline, and oil and gas site closure and reclamation work, creating jobs and supporting the environment.

First round grant application period:

Open until May 31, 2020, or until all funds have been allocated.

Second grant application period:

May 21 to June 18, 2020

Contractors have until December 31, 2022, to complete the work.

Food, Farming and Forestry Challenge.

Emissions Reduction Alberta’s new $40 million food, farming, and forestry challenge is now accepting applications. This funding opportunity will accelerate innovation in support of long-term competitiveness and stimulate growth in the critically important agriculture, agri-food, fibre, and forestry sectors. For more information or to apply, visit Emissions Reduction Alberta. Application deadline is August 27, 2020.

The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant

The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant offers financial assistance to Alberta businesses, co-operatives, and non-profit organizations facing restrictions or closures from public health orders, and experienced a revenue loss of at least 50 per cent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible job creators can apply for up to $5,000 through this program.

Application intake will open at 10 a.m. on June 29, and remain open until August. 31 2020, or for four weeks following the start of stage three of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy – whichever is later. A specific application day has been designated for specific regions of the province during the first week of application intake (June 29 to July 3) to manage the expected volume of applications. During this time, applicants are encouraged to apply on the application day that is specified for their region.

Beginning July 4, 2020, businesses, co-operatives and non-profits of all areas may apply until application intake closes.

Full program details in the program guidelines.

Bank of Montreal, CIBC, TD Canada, National Bank of Canada, RBC Royal Bank and Scotiabank have announced they will be allowing the deferral of mortgage payments. Contact your financial institution for additional information.

Organizations within rental facilities are encouraged to contact their landlord directly for more information on rent requirements.

Postmedia Supports is offering a Local Marketing Grant Program as another way to strengthen our communities and help boost economic growth, one business at a time.

The program has two components:

A full marketing grant program to select businesses in the hardest-hit sectors of our economy, including, but not limited to, the restaurant, tourism and hospitality sectors. A match program whereby local businesses can apply for matching media investments from $500 to $15,000 to complement their new programs. Our local experts will work directly with you to understand your business, set goals and implement a thoughtful marketing strategy to help grow your business. Grants ranging from $500-$15,000 per month per client are available for June, July and August 2020. Grant approval is solely at the discretion of Postmedia.

To apply, visit postmediasolutions.com.

Canadian Federation of Independent Business - Small business FAQ

BusinessLink - Current information and resources for small business.