For the latest information for Albertans on COVID-19, including updates on government actions: Alberta Government COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant
Government of Canada, Public Health Agency
Government of Canada, Awareness Resources
The Business Link - Resources for small businesses affected by COVID-19
Alberta Government Release: Additional COVID-19 support for Alberta small business
Small businesses in Alberta will be able to benefit from a new financial relief program that will put more money in the hands of job creators and provide more security for workers and their families.
Starting in mid-April, the Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit will provide funding to eligible small and medium businesses most affected by the pandemic and ongoing public health restrictions. Payments will be calculated based on 15% of the eligible business’s monthly revenue, up to a maximum of $10,000. Businesses can use these funds as they see fit to help offset the costs of re-opening, and implementing public health measures including:
• physical barriers
• purchasing personal protective equipment and disinfecting supplies
• paying rent and employee wages
• replacing inventory
• expanding online business or e-commerce opportunities
To be eligible for the Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit, applicants must:
• be a businesses, cooperative or non-profit organizations with fewer than 500 employees
• demonstrate a revenue reduction of at least 60%
• report the levels of provincial and federal support received, to ensure no more than 80% of revenue was covered by these support
Payments under the Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit will be available in April 2021 following the conclusion of the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant program.
• Organizations eligible for the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant can apply for funding through this program until March 31.
• Detailed information on program parameters will be included in the program guidelines closer to the launch date in April.
• Money received under this program does not need to be repaid.
Indigenous Community Business Fund
First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities and collectives can access funding to support their community-owned businesses whose revenues have been affected by COVID-19.
About the program:
The Indigenous Community Business Fund will provide $117 million in non-repayable financial contributions to help support operating costs for First Nation, Inuit and Métis community-or collectively-owned businesses and microbusinesses whose revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund seeks to provide support for businesses that do not qualify for other Government of Canada COVID-19 relief measures.
It is intended to relieve financial pressure and allow these businesses and microbusinesses to strengthen operations and support their viability during the pandemic, with the goal of positioning them for recovery.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Indigenous communities: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1581964230816
Indigenous Community Business Fund: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1596809415775
COVID-19: It's Important to Take Care of Our Mental Health
Alberta Government Mental health and Coping
The Mental Health Help Line is available 24/7 to provide advice and referrals to community supports near you. Call: 1-877-303-2642
Text4Hope: A tool supporting mental health and wellness in a time of stress and isolation.
HOW TO CONNECT: Text4Hope works with any cellphone. Text: COVID19HOPE to 393939 to subscribe. More info. (AHS)
Online resources:
Mental health and coping with COVID-19 (CDC)
Talking with children about COVID-19 (CDC)
Help in Tough Times (AHS)
Helping Others (CMHA)
Helping Yourself (CMHA)
Help Right Now (CMHA)
5 Ways I Help Myself When My Job is to Help Others (NAMI)
Your Personal Health Meter (CMHA)
Your Stress Index (CMHA)
CFIB Small Business Resources
CFIB Helpline - Call at 1-888-234-2232 - Open to all business owners including non-CFIB members for advice on managing COVID-19 situations in the workplace. Call at 1-888-234-2232.
Helpline to all business owners including non-CFIB members for advice on managing COVID-19 situations in the workplace. Call at 1-888-234-2232.
Keeping your employees safe - (Canadian Federation of Independent Business)
