COVID Resources for Members
When it comes to COVID response, the news is changing so fast. In response, we have begun sending out weekly newsletters directly to the inbox of our members. These newsletters contain all of the supports available to businesses and landlords, changes to municipal regulations, financial tools from all levels of government and more. If you are a member and are not receiving these updates, please email us here. If you are not sure if you are a member, please email us to find out.
Re-Opening Guidelines and Resources
Re-Opening Guidelines for Retail
Re-Opening Guidelines for Restaurants
Government Programs and Funding
Federal Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses
The federal and provincial governments announced the Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA) to lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19. The program will provide forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners experiencing rent shortfalls in April to June by at least 75 per cent and commit to a moratorium on evictions for three months. Complete program details will be shared when finalized.
Interest-free loans available to businesses and not-for-profit organizations
The new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to help small businesses and not-for-profits whose revenues have been temporarily reduced. This credit is available to Canadian employers with $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019 and operating as of March 1. Business owners can apply for CEBA through their primary lender.
Wage subsidy supports employers affected by COVID-19
The new Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) provides a 75 per cent wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15. Eligible employers including individuals, taxable corporations, partnerships consisting of eligible employers, non‑profit organizations and registered charities can apply through the Canada Revenue Agency's My Business Account portal.
Wage subsidies available for employers hiring youth
The Government of Canada introduced temporary flexibilities to the Canada Summer Jobs program providing all funded employers a wage subsidy reimbursement of up to 100 per cent of the provincial minimum hourly wage. Project and job activities can include community programming and shifting towards the use of digital tools to deliver programming).
Other Resources to support to your Small Business:
City of Toronto Economic Support & Recovery for Businesses
This site will give you a list of Municipal, Provincial and Federal Programs, outline Bills & Tax Relief for Businesses, offer Credit, Mortgage & Banking Support for Businesses, address Employee Wage Support for Businesses and offers Digital/ Retail Support. Best of all, there is a live portal so you can speak directly to an advisor on what program is best for you.
Support Business / Hosted by Board of Trade and City of Toronto
This site is a landing page for Information, support and questions.
Digital Main Street Expansion
The City's Digital Main Street program, established to help local businesses to develop or increase their online services, has been expanded to include one-on-one virtual support during this unprecedented time. Local businesses, including not-for-profit and creative/cultural organizations, can complete the onboarding process to receive a free digital assessment and book a one-on-one virtual meeting with the Digital Service Squad.
Distantly.ca
Distantly.ca is a new, free tool where you can directly support your favourite local businesses – from a safe distance. All businesses can sign up, with no cost, to be listed on the site.
BusinessTO Newsletter
The City’s BusinessTO Support Weekly Newsletter has a wealth of resources, including updates and webinars on pressing issues.
Email us for other featured topics from our Newsletters
Printable Signage (from Public Health)
Night Listing Forms (from 14 Division)
Business Crime Prevention Guide
Mental Health Supports
