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.

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.

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.

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
Applications now Available for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit

Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit (CRCB)
Applications now available for the Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
We cover up to 65% of an employee’s wages for qualifying eligible employers, with this subsidy rate in effect until December 19, 2020. The wage subsidy supports you to keep and re-hire your employees and avoid layoffs.

Business Benefits Finder

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

The CEWS is available until June 2021.

Government of Alberta Jobs Now Program

The Alberta Jobs Now program will provide up to $370 million to help private and non-profit businesses with job supports to get thousands of Albertans back to work.

Employers can apply for funding to offset the cost of hiring and training unemployed or underemployed Albertans in new or vacant positions.

This federal-provincial investment is the largest job training program in Alberta’s history. It will support our province’s recovery, help businesses re-open or grow their workforce, and give Albertans an opportunity to gain the skills they need in today’s job market.

To apply, visit Alberta Jobs Now

Application guidelines are available at Alberta Jobs Now application guidelines.

First intake: May 20 to August 31, 2021

Second intake: September 15 to December 31, 2021

Third intake: to be announced later

Critical Worker Benefit

Alberta Jobs Now Program

Paid Vaccination Leave

Investing in Alberta

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.

Accelerated Site Closure Program

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.