COVID-19

The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is receiving information on the impact of COVID-19 on business and our region from various sources. We will continue to populate this page as additional business information, surveys, resources and programs become available. See other News, Health and Public Notices for Leeds Grenville.

Please ensure your business information is up to date in our business directory and/or tourism directory.

Our office, along with the region's CFDC's, Small Business Centres, Employment Centres, Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Associations and more are here to help you, during the pandemic and always.

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Health and Safety

Who is a close contact at work?

Rapid Test Kits for Small to Medium Businesses

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Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Government of Ontario

World Health Organization

COVID-19

Financial Support

Small Business Relief Grant

Eligible businesses subject to closures as result of the provinces move to the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen will receive a grant of $10,000
Stream One Eligibility:
Businesses that previously qualified under the Ontario Small Business Support Grant won’t need to apply, you’ll receive an email in late January asking you to confirm your continued eligibility:
- Required to close due to public health orders that took effect 12:01 a.m. on January 5, 2022
- Still operational as of January 14, 2022
- have fewer than 100 employees
  It is anticipated qualified recipients to receive funds in early February
Stream Two Eligibility:
A newly formed business that did not previously apply for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant or were previously ineligible need to apply in early February. Items you will need:
- A Master Business Licence
- Information about the business including sector, affiliations, number of employees
- Banking information
- Supporting documentation to demonstrate a 20% or greater revenue decline through revenue for December 2021 and revenue for January 2022.
- It is anticipated qualified recipients to receive funds in late February.
- Deadline for application is March 11, 2022.

Now open for applications.

Eligible small businesses include:
- Restaurants and bars
- Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)
- Racing venues, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
- Performing arts and cinemas
- Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
- Meeting or event spaces
- Tour and guide services
- Conference centres and convention centres
- Driving instruction for individuals
- Before- and after-school programs

For updated information check webpage

Grassroots Growth Initiative

up to $100,000 per local agri-food marketing project to organizations to develop and implement marketing strategies that increase consumer demands for Ontario products
For details on eligibility objectives visit Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs webpage.

Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP)

Business, charity or non-profit that are part of the tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment or recreation sectors or affected by a qualifying public health restriction may be eligible for wage subsidy and/or rent subsidy due to a decline in eligible revenues
For additional program eligibility information visit the program webpage.

Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP)

Business, charity or non-profit who have deep losses due to COVID-19 may be eligible for wage and/or rent subsidy.
Qualifying entities, regardless of sector, may qualify when there is a 12-month average revenue drop from March 2020 to February 2021 of at least 50% and you have a claim period revenue drop of at least 50%
For additional program eligibility information visit the program webpage.

Digital Transformation Grant

Open to small businesses registered in Ontario and/or is incorporated with a brick-and-mortar location and 1-50 employees including those in shopping malls
$2,500 grant to assist with technology adaptation, including training and advisory support
Businesses who have previously received this funding are not eligible
Application period is now closed. Digital Service Consultations still available. For assistance see the Counties webpage.

Jobs and Growth Fund

Funding for businesses and organizations.
Eligible activities that support the transition to a green economy, foster an inclusive recovery, that preserve Canada’s competitiveness and future-proof SMEs through digital adoption and activities that strengthen capacity in sectors critical to Canada’s recovery and growth.
Businesses could receive interest-free repayable contributions for up to 50 percent of eligible costs.
Not-for-profit organizations could receive non-repayable contributions for up to 90 percent of eligible cost.
Application period is now open, continuous intake until funds are depleted.
For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit the FedDev webpage.

Tourism Relief Fund

Funding for tourism businesses, not-for-profit organizations, band councils or Indigenous organization and cooperatives to help aide in the creation of new tourism experiences, or enhance existing ones.
Projects are to focus on Product Development and Destination Development.
Business contribution will be either; non-repayable contributions up to $100,00 for up to 50 percent of eligible costs or fully repayable contributions up to $500,000 for up to 75 percent of eligible costs
Not-for-project organizations and Indigenous entities will be eligible for non-repayable contributions. Project contributions would not exceed $500,000
Application period is now open, continuous intake until funds are depleted.
For more information visit the webpage and application guide

Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CHRP)

Employers who continue to be impacted by COVID-19, may be eligible for one of the two subsidies to cover part of employee wages - Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program or the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program. Before October 24, 2021, eligible employers could claim either CRHP or Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Applications for period 22 are now open, covering the period of October 24 to November 20, 2021
Subsidy rate has increased from 20% to 50%
For more details see the CRHP webpage

Community Building Fund - Capital Stream

Support for non-profits, Indigenous communities and Municipalities in the community sport and recreation sectors
Funds are for the repair, renovation or retrofitting of existing sport and recreation facilities that the community needs by extending the life and maximizing the use of existing facilities (e.g. playgrounds, splashpads, etc.) or COVID-19 related public health requirements that supports future preparedness
Organizations can apply for up to 100% of their total project cost up to a maximum of $500,000, with the exception of municipalities with a population over 20,000 that can only apply for up to 80% of their total project cost. Minimum request amount is $10,000.
Application period is now closed
For further details on the fund, please visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation webpage

Community Building Fund - Operating Stream

Support for non-profits and Indigenous communities in the community with a significant presence in the arts and culture, heritage, tourism, sport and recreation sectors that operate facilities and/or deliver experience or program in Ontario that are open to the public
Eligible expenses include salaries, innovation and web/virtual costs, equipment, rent/lease and fixed operating costs to a maximum of $250,000
Application period is now closed
For more information on eligibility and how to apply visit Ontario Trillium Foundation webpage.

Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)

Government guaranteed, low-interest loans for amounts between $25,000 and $1 million per legal entity to a maximum of $6.25 million with repayment terms of up to 10 years.
Loans intended for small and medium-sized businesses that have seen their revenues decreased by 50% or more in three months, within the eight-month period prior to application as a result of COVID-19. They must also be able to show their financial institution they have previously applied for either the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy or Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
For more information visit BDC webpage and watch the available webinar on the program.

Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program

Previously listed as Property Tax and Energy Cost Rebate Grants
Eligible businesses will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 per cent up to 100 per cent of costs pending on the degree to which the business is subject to public health restrictions for property tax and energy costs incurred. A full list of eligible business types will be made available in mid-January 2022.
Online applications are now open.
Payment to eligible businesses will be retroactive to December 19, 2021
See media release and program guide.

Resilient Communities Fund

Application period is open from March 9 until April 6, 2022 at 5 pm ET.
Only one grant per eligible organization will be awarded.
For further information on eligibility, activities supported and how to apply visit Ontario Trillium Foundation web page.

Government of Canada

Online tool for financial help during COVID-19

Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)

Provides emergency funding to support large Canadian enterprises facing financial challenges due to COVID-19.
Open to Canadian employers who have a significant impact on Canada’s economy, demonstrates approximately $300 million or more in annual sales and requires minimum loan of $60 million.
For information and application visit their webpage.

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

CRCB has been extended until May 7, 2022 for employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care.
For more details visit webpage.

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

Program deadline has now closed.
Previous applicants can check application status online on webpage or call 1-888-324-4201

For more information.

Main Financial Institutions:

EDC Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

EDC guarantees a new one-year term or operating line of credit for 80% of its value, up to $6.25M allowing businesses to deal with payroll and operating cost issues and enabling their financial institution to take on less risk. Available for all Canadian companies, including non-exporting businesses that sell domestically.
Apply now.

Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP)

Program is now open until May 7, 2022
For more details visit webpage
Employers who continue to be impacted by COVID-19, may be eligible for one of the three subsidies to cover part of employee wages
Compare to find out which subsidy is best for your business

Employment Insurance (EI)

For more information on program changes see webpage.

Work-Sharing Program

Government of Canada program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity. Provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporary reduced work week while their employer recovers. It’s a three-party agreement with employer, employees and Service Canada.
Maximum length of a work sharing agreement has extended from 38 weeks to 76 weeks (regardless of how many weeks a business used prior to March 14, 2020) followed by a possible new 26-week subsequent agreement. Program special measures have been extended until September 25, 2022.
Information on eligibility and application.

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund

This fund is closed.
Connect with your local CFDC to review alternate supports.

Farm Credit Canada Covid-19 Support Program

Payment deferrals and credit line program provides additional lending capacity to producers, agribusinesses and food processors.
Deferral of principal and interest payment up to 6 months or a deferral of principal payments up to 12 months for existing loan as well as access to an additional credit line of up to $500,000, secured by general security agreements.
For additional information contact your local FCC office and visit COVID-19 support program website.

Local Resources & Reports

Business Support Working Group