Last updated: March 16, 2022
Note: This program has been extended to July 31, 2022.
In Ontario, employers are legally required to provide employees with up to three days of paid infectious disease emergency leave for reasons related to
Learn more about this change to the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and what employers need to know.
Note: The HASCAP Guarantee has been extended until March 31, 2022.
Small- and medium-sized Canadian-based businesses hard hit by COVID-19 can access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million.
Apply through your primary financial institution. See more program details here, including a downloadable one-page reference sheet to aid in the conversation with your financial institution.
BCAP will provide more than $10 billion of additional support to businesses experiencing cash flow challenges. The funds will be distributed through programs by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and by Export Development Canada (EDC).
How to access program: Businesses seeking support through BCAP should first contact their financial institutions for an assessment of their situation. Financial institutions will refer to EDC and BDC their existing clients whose needs extend beyond what is available through the private sector alone.
Working capital loans (offered through BDC)
Co-lending program for SMEs (offered through BDC)
Additional EDC supports:
EDC also provides support through their insights, tools and advice offerings like Export Help Hub. Through a MyEDC account Canadian businesses can access free services and information. Standard EDC programs are also available to support Canadian companies with international trade.
Note: The repayment deadline to qualify for partial loan forgiveness has been extended to December 31, 2023.
This program is winding down and stopped accepting new applications on June 30, 2021. See the CEBA website for deadlines for document and information submissions.
There is zero interest charged on a CEBA loan until December 31, 2023. By repaying 75% of your loan on or before December 31, 2023, you can keep the remaining 25% (up to $10,000). If the loan cannot be repaid by December 31, 2023, it can be converted into a three-year term loan with an interest rate of 5%. Contact your primary financial institution to apply.
Note: On October 24, 2021, the CERS and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) were replaced with two new programs, each offering wage and rent support:
If you were eligible for the CEWS, you can still apply for past claim periods until 180 days after the claim period has ended.
This federal program targets businesses created after January 2020 and supports regional job creation and positions local economies for long-term growth. Eligible businesses could receive interest-free, repayable contributions for up to 50% of authorized costs; Indigenous-led businesses could receive interest-free, repayable contributions for up to 100% of project costs.
Note: This program has been extended to September 24, 2022. You may be eligible to apply for a subsequent new 26-week agreement.
This program helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer.
Note: On October 24, 2021, the CEWS and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) were replaced with two new programs, each offering wage and rent support:
If you were eligible for the CEWS, you can still apply for past claim periods until 180 days after the claim period has ended.
This is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset all or part of the GST or HST that they pay. It may also include payments from provincial and territorial programs.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce provides information on support programs, toolkits and resources to help businesses manage operations throughout the pandemic and plan their recovery.
Regional Development Agencies: Support for business during COVID-19
Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) can assist small- or medium-sized businesses that need assistance. They provide:
If you are already receiving RDA funding, you may be eligible to receive additional funding and/or flexible arrangements.
Canada’s Regional Development Agencies:
Hockeystick has compiled a list of active funders that is broken down by type of funding: equity, lenders, government and programs.