Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Extension
CEBA has been extended to October 31, 2020, making the program accessible longer to Canadians. If you have already applied for CEBA and have questions, please contact the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201. Please note, in order to provider a quicker response time and improve the overall customer experience you will be asked to leave a call back number. An agent will return your call between Monday and Friday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm EST and can address the following types of questions:
What is the status of my application?
Why was my application declined?
Why was my submitted document rejected?
The CEBA Call Centre is experiencing significant call volumes. As a result, a return call may take more than 7 business days. Your call is important to us and we appreciate your patience as we continue to provide CEBA support to Canadian businesses.
Grant Window Application Opens August 31 - Get Relief For Your Small Business!
The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund will be managed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national Chamber network in support of other chambers and partners to help small Canadian businesses with their recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19.
If awarded, a relief grant can be used for any of the following activities:
- Purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, face shields, and latex gloves
- Renovating physical space to adhere to local, Provincial or Federal reopening guidelines
- Developing or improving e-commerce capabilities for your business.
Successful applicants will receive a relief grant of up to $5,000. We intend to support local businesses of all kinds from across the country (from retailers to barbershops to farmers).
The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund grant window opens on August 31. See the program guidelines in English and in French (the pre-application checklist will be available on August 28, 2020).
A limited number of grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded. Learn more about the program and eligibility criteria.
If you have any questions about the small business relief grant fun, please do not hesitate to reach out to daniyalazhar [at] occ.ca (Daniyal Azhar, Program Manager.)
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
Forms – Economic Development: https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033474/1100100033477
Forms: https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100010798/1100100010799
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) published details on their website of significant changes and an expansion of the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).
Even if a business could not access earlier versions of the wage subsidy, these changes allow for more types of businesses with any degree of revenue reductions to qualify.
Some new details include:
- The wage subsidy will move to a sliding scale, allowing businesses to receive a subsidy as long as they show some revenue loss. Businesses that have had a 50% or greater reduction in their revenue will qualify for up to a 25% top-up in addition to the base subsidy. This means a business could get as much as an 85% wage subsidy in July and August.
- The CEWS program has been extended until December 19, 2020, and businesses can apply retroactively for previous periods.
- These changes take effect for claim period 5 (July) and applications under the new criteria can begin on August 17th, 2020.
- CRA has added a calculator to the website to help businesses figure out their rate(s) of subsidy.
As Alberta’s CF RRRF program nears exhaustion and the number of applicants continues to grow, the wage subsidy could be an alternate source of federal relief funding. These changes could be particularly important for businesses that have resumed partial operations and/or where increased debt from a CEBA (Canadian Emergency Bank Account) loan maybe not be the best path forward for recovery.
This article from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business provides a summary of how these changes can help small businesses.
Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant opens Monday June 29
Starting June 29, eligible small- and medium-sized businesses, co-ops and non-profits can apply for funding so they can open their doors and get Albertans back to work. Read the News Release.Eligible job creators can apply for up to $5,000 through this program
- Must have 500 or fewer employees
- Full program details can be found in the program guidelines
- To manage the expected volume of applications, during the first week of application intake (June 29 to July 3), a specific application day has been designated for specific regions of the province.
Note: This is not a first-come-first-serve process. From July 4 onwards, organizations from all regions may apply at any time until application intake for the program closes.
- For the Calgary region, the application intake days are as follows (map can be found on page 13 of the program guidelines:
Application intake days by region are as follows:
- June 30, 2020: South (includes southern MDs, Counties, and all rural communities located within those boundaries, except Airdrie)
- July 1, 2020: Urban (includes Airdrie)
- July 2, 2020: Calgary
- July 3, 2020: Edmonton
- July 4, 2020, onwards: Anyone may apply at any time until the program closes
Application forms will be available when application intake opens at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 29 at the online application portal through the program webpage at www.alberta.ca/sme-relaunch-grant.aspx.
If organizations applying can ensure the individual applying has the ability to make the necessary attestations (a signing officer for the organization) and that they have a MADI (https://account.alberta.ca/).
Other information applicants require include (have this handy to complete the application):
- Legal Business Name
- Corporate Access Number (CAN)
- Permanent Establishment Address
- Financial Details of monthly revenue for: Pre-COVID: April 2019, May 2019, or February 2020
- Average monthly 2019 seasonal revenue for organizations operating seasonally
- COVID: April 2020 or May 2020
- Social Insurance Number (for Sole Proprietors only)
- Banking Information:
- Financial Information including Branch, Transit and Account Numbers
- Financial Institution Address
If you have specific questions about the program, email inquiries can be sent to: SMErelaunch.program [at] gov.ab.ca
Phased Relaunch Strategy Released
A phased relaunch was announced by the provincial government balancing safety with a gradual reopening of closed businesses and services. The plan outlines early actions, requirements to move to the next stage, and details for the three stages. Prepare your business, research OHS best practices and know government guidelines.
Click here to request personal protective equipment from the Government of Alberta or email Pessecc-logistics [at] gov.ab.ca.
If you can not find your answers online contact the Minister of Health at health.minister [at] gov.ab.ca or for business inquiries contact bizconnect [at] gov.ab.ca.
Please note that the following relaunch stages may change based on government guidelines. Click here for up to date information.
Related information
COVID-19: It's Important to Take Care of Our Mental Health
We hope that this update finds you and your family healthy and keeping well as we seek to manage through these challenging times. As you know, COVID-19 has placed a tremendous amount of pressure on employees, employers and families. We are going through unprecedented and unsettling times as the world wrestles with the health and economic impacts of the virus. It is more important than ever before to take care of our health and that of our loved ones.
As healthy entrepreneurs lead to a healthy economy, BDC remains committed to helping entrepreneurs do well – and be well.
As we are all finding ways to do our part, we wanted to share with you our resources that are intended to offer you a range of services on mental health and well-being. We hope that through them, you will be informed, educated, inspired and guided. To access the resources, please click here.
COVID–19: CECRA for Small Businesses
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses provides much needed relief for small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. It offers forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners so that they can reduce the rent owed by their impacted small business tenants by at least 75% for the months of April, May and June, 2020. Click here for more information.
Update: New BDC Co-Lending Program Finalized
BDC has finalized the details of its new $20-billion Co-Lending Program, as part of the BCAP previously announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on March 27, 2020. Financial institutions will progressively roll out the program to businesses today and in the coming days.
To access these loans, business owners must contact their primary financial institution which will assess their situation, structure the financing and disburse the capital as appropriate.
To read the full press release, click here.
Provincial & Federal Government Information
For the latest information for Albertans on COVID-19, including updates on government actions: Alberta Government COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Economic Resonse Plan
Government of Canada, Public Health Agency
Government of Canada, Awareness Resources
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)
The Emergency Financial Assistance web page now includes information on the federal and provincial supports/programs and a link to the COVID-19 page for more information.
Community and Social Services
Funding criteria and forms for the emergency funding to charities, non-profits and civil society organizations are now posted online.
If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. If you are eligible, visit the EI sickness benefits page to apply.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing or you are in self-isolation or quarantine, do not visit or enter any Service Canada office. As an alternative, you may access our services online or by calling 1 800 O-Canada.
Business Resources
1. Supporting Employers & Employees
Alberta Government Resources
A summary of measures to protect employers and employees from the economic disruption of COVID-19 and position Alberta for recovery: COVID-19 support for employers and employees
Federal Government Resources
Employment and Social Development Canada
Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers – Revenue Canada FAQ for Small Business and MNP Tax Guidance
Find help for your business - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. This site filters and lists available Federal programs and business supports:
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan - scroll to the Support for Business section
Employment Insurance benefits and leave - Employment and Social Development Canada
Work-Sharing program - Employment and Social Development Canada: adjustment program designed to help 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.
Under the federal government’s new Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP), Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) can now provide more than $10 billion of additional financing to customers facing economic challenges caused by COVID-19. COVID-19 Resource Guide for Businesses
The Business Link - Resources for small businesses affected by COVID-19
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)
2. Business Preparedness
General Small Business Resources
Tips for Alberta Business and Community Leaders - Economic Developers Alberta (EDA)
Alberta Pandemic Preparedness checklist for business
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Pandemic Preparedness website
Continuity Plan Toolkit for Entrepreneurs - Business Development Canada (BDC)
3. Business Travel and Events
Government of Canada, Travel Notices
Risk informed decision-making for mass gatherings - (Government of Canada)
4. Doing Business Internationally
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions - (Export Development Canada)
COVID-19: Managing the impact on global supply chains - (Watch Webinar On demand)
Export Development Canada. For all customer inquiries:1-800-229-0575 or tradeadvisor-conseiller [at] edc.ca ( )
Changes to Canada Summer Jobs Program to Help Businesses and Young Canadians Affected by COVID-19
April 8, 2020 Ottawa, Ontario
The Government of Canada is taking unprecedented action to support workers, businesses, and all Canadians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, young people are facing serious challenges finding work. To build the foundations of strong communities, we need a strong workforce that includes good job opportunities for youth. That is why the government is working to help employers adapt to the realities of COVID-19, and supporting young Canadians as they begin to look for summer employment.
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program that will help employers hire summer staff and provide young Canadians access to the jobs they need during this unprecedented time. This program will help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age.
Canada’s small businesses increasingly depend on the employment of young Canadians. The changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program will help small businesses hire and keep the workers they need so they can continue to deliver essential services.
The temporary changes to the program for this year include:
- an increase to the wage subsidy, so that private and public sector employers can also receive up to 100 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee
- an extension to the end date for employment to February 28, 2021
- allowing employers to adapt their projects and job activities to support essential services
- allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis
These changes will help youth stay connected to the labour market, save money for their future, and find quality jobs in safe, inclusive, and healthy work environments.
Today’s announcement builds on the government’s action taken for young Canadians during this crisis. This includes a six-month, interest-free moratorium on Canada Student Loans, and a 75 per cent wage subsidy for businesses that will help more employers keep part-time employees and workers over the coming months. Despite these important steps, there is still more to do for students and young Canadians. The Government of Canada will continue to look for ways to support all Canadians, including students and young people, as we weather this pandemic together.
The Canada Summer Jobs program provides opportunities for youth to develop and improve their skills within the not-for-profit, small business, and public sectors, and supports the delivery of key community services. By adapting the program this year, the Government of Canada is making sure that we have the resources needed to support Canadian workers, businesses, and communities dealing with the social and economic impacts of COVID-19.
Quotes:
“Small businesses and community organizations are the backbone of our economy, and a critical lifeline for communities across this country. They are facing economic hardship and unprecedented service demands during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that is why we are taking action now to get them the financial help they need to keep their doors open and support their communities.”
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“In these extraordinary times, we realize the impacts small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and public sector employers have on our economy and our communities. Our role is to support them. This is why the Government of Canada has made changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program, so that we can help employers help their communities through good quality, safe job placements for youth.”
The Hon. Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
Quick Facts:
- The changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program complement the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, which committed $107 billion in support to Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of COVID-19.
- The Canada Summer Jobs call for applications for the 2020 season closed on February 28, 2020. In response to the economic impacts created by the COVID-19 situation, we will work with Members of Parliament to identify organizations that provide essential services in the community and could provide youth jobs but did not apply for the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020.
- The Government of Canada has earmarked $263 million in funding for the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020. This funding will help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age, and we will be working with employers to explore work options that reflect the latest public health advice.
- Job placements could begin as early as May 11, 2020, and end as late as February 28, 2021.
- Youth will be able to search for jobs available in their communities through the Job Bank website and app.
In previous years, private and public sector employers were only eligible to receive a wage subsidy of up to 50 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum wage. The increase to the wage subsidy for private and public sector employers will be for this year only.
Associated Links:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Prime Minister announces support for small businesses facing impacts of COVID 19
Canada Summer Jobs
PMO Media Relations: media [at] pmo-cpm.gc.ca
This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca
