Stop the Spread Business Information Line
The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces.
Businesses who have questions about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. Help is available from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
A listing of businesses permitted to open and sector specific restrictions is available on the Provincial website.
Ontario Small Business Support Grant
Applications are now open for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant. This provincial grant will help small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the new Province-wide Shutdown effective December 26, 2020. Visit the provincial COVID-19 Business Support page to start your application.
What you’ll Get
Starting at $10,000 for all eligible businesses, the grant will provide businesses with dollar for dollar funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover decreased revenue expected as a result of the Province-wide Shutdown.
Businesses will be able to use the support in whatever way makes the most sense for them. For example, some businesses could use the support to pay employee wages, while others may need support maintaining their inventory.
Eligibility
To receive the grant, a small business must:
- Be required to close or restrict services subject to the Province-wide Shutdown effective 12:01 a.m. on December 26, 2020
- Have fewer than 100 employees at the enterprise level
- Have experienced a minimum of 20 per cent revenue decline comparing April 2020 to April 2019 revenues (or alternate time periods for businesses that were not in operation in April 2019).
Businesses that are not eligible include those that were already required to close prior to the introduction of modified Stage 2 measures, and essential businesses permitted to operate with capacity restrictions (e.g., discount and big box stores selling groceries, supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, and beer, wine and liquor stores).
Businesses will have to have a business number in order to be eligible. If a business does not have a business number, they will be directed to apply for a business number before they can proceed with their application.
They also need to have information about the revenue decline and number of employees available and would have to attest to the information provided in their application.
Once the application is successfully submitted an eligible business can expect to receive payment within approximately 10 business days. Applications with incomplete or incorrect information, or that require additional review, will experience a delay and will not receive payment within 10 business days.
You can find other COVID-19 supports for business on the Provincial website.
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Directories
Resources for Businesses
In response to the provincial announcement regarding the Provincewide Shutdown beginning at 12:01 a.m. on December 26th, North Perth staff are currently reviewing the resources available to businesses.
This list of resources for businesses relating to the COVID-19 situation will be updated as new information and resources are introduced. Last Updated: July 20, 2020.
| Government Resources |
| Resource |
Description |
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New! On Monday, July 13th, the Province of Ontario announced Stage 3 of the Province’s reopening framework, which includes the opening of nearly all businesses and public spaces with public health and workplace safety measures and restrictions in place. Huron Perth Public Health entered Stage 3 on Friday, July 17, 2020.
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Ontario passed legislation temporarily halting or reversing evictions of commercial tenants and protecting them from being locked out or having their assets seized during COVID-19. The legislation applies to businesses that are eligible for federal/provincial rent assistance for evictions from May 1, 2020 until August 31, 2020.
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Ontario permits more businesses and services to reopen as part of Stage 2 Re-Opening effective June 12, 2020. |
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Provincial health and safety guidelines to protect workers, customers and the general public during the gradual reopening of the provincial economy. These resources are available for different sectors.You can also download posters about physical distancing best practices for your sector. Many new sectors have been added. |
| Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) |
This federal program offers financial support directly to small and medium sized businesses (including Tourism and Agriculture) is facilitated by Perth Community Future. This fund is specifically targeted to those that may require additional help to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but have been unable to access existing support measures. Eligibility and application on website under ‘COVID-19 funding’: www.perthcfdc.ca |
| Re-Open Ontario |
Ontario is planning for the next phase of responding to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – reopening our province. This webpage includes information on the Province's framework for re-opening the province. |
| Ontario Workplace PPE Supplier Directory |
Information for businesses on PPE suppliers as they resume their operations. Businesses are encouraged to access only the PPE they need to keep their employees and customers safe. |
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Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses
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The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government, has launched the CECRA. Ontario commercial landlords can apply for urgent rent assistance for small businesses. See Ontario.ca/rentassistance for eligibility. |
| Canada's Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses |
Outlines the Federal Government's support to individuals and businesses. Covers wage subsidy and loan programs, credit availability program, tax deferrals. |
| COVID-19: Support for Businesses |
Information and advice from the Ontario Government. |
| List of Essential Workplaces |
The listing of essential workplaces as released by the Government of Ontario on April 3, 2020. |
| Ontario Electricity Relief - Families, Small Businesses and Farms |
Details on the Province of Ontario suspending time-of-use rates for 45 days. |
| Ontario Specific Updates - COVID-19 |
Updates from the Ministry of Health. Find out how to protect yourself and how to recognize symptoms. |
| Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) |
A 75% wage subsidy for eligible businesses to retain employees. Program extended to August 29, 2020. Click here for the CEWS calculator, eligibility, how to apply etc. |
| Canada Emergency Bank Account |
A $40K Interest-Free loan for small business and non-profits with minimum $20K payroll in 2019. Apply through your lending institution. Expanded eligibility announced May 19th eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1.5 million. Eligible non-deferrable expenses could include costs such as rent, property taxes, utilities, and insurance.
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| Enhanced Work-Sharing Program |
Helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in business activity beyond the control of the employer. |
| Small and Medium –sized business unable to access support |
Businesses unable to secure funding under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Business Credit Availability Program can apply for financial assistance available through your Regional Development Organization / Fed Dev Ontario. |
| Federation of Canadian Municipalities - COVID-19 Resources for Municipalities |
Includes a comprehensive listing of resources from the federal government, provincial/territorial governments, associations, and other resources based on sector. |
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| Business Supports |
| Resource |
Description |
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Restaurant Canada Re-opening Guide
A Framework for Re-opening Stage 2
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New! The Restaurant Canada Re-opening Guide published May 21, 2020 is a reference for restaurants across Canada as they re-open. Directions specific to Ontario’s stage 2 should be followed per partitions, patios etc.
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| Perth County Podcast |
New! Perth County Economic Development and Tourism has launched a new Perth County Podcast. The goal of this podcast is to share information about programs and resources with the local business community.
To download the latest episode, visit Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, or any podcast platform.
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| Ontario Together - Help Fight Coronavirus |
Let the provincial government know if your business or organization can provide medical products such as ventilators, swabs, masks and eye protection. |
| Calling All Suppliers - Help Canada Combat Coronavirus |
Let the federal government know if you can supply products or services in support of Canada's response to COVID-19. |
| Canadian Chamber of Commerce - Canadian Business Resilience Network |
In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce established the Canadian Business Resilience Network to help Canadian businesses navigate the COVID-19 reality and prepare for recovery. |
| Pandemic Preparedness for Business Guide |
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce developed this brief guide to assist business planning and continuity efforts |
| Ontario Chamber of Commerce - Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit |
Guidelines and resources contained in this toolkit have been prepared to help businesses plan for and adapt to the disruption of COVID-19 and any future influenza pandemics. |
| Workplace Safety & Prevention Services - Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit |
A Business Pandemic Preparedness Sample Checklist provided by Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. |
| Resources for Retailers (Retail Council of Canada) |
Includes answers to frequently asked questions for retailers related to Coronavirus/COVID-19. |
| Small Business Help Centre (CFIB) |
Everything you need to know to keep your business safe, including FAQs, government relief measures, and free templates. |
| Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) |
Details on funding and supports for entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19. |
| Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) |
Offers Ready Money (quick cash or short-term) loans up to $20,000. Please call for more information 519-814-7570. |
| Resources for Business and Employees (World Health Organization) |
Advice and information for businesses and employees compiled by the World Health Organization. |
| Information for Workplaces and Employers (Huron Perth Public Health) |
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| Partners in Employment - How to Apply for EI Online |
A simplified version of how to apply to Employment Insurance. |
| Guidance for Food Premises (Ministry of Health) |
A best practices summary sheet for food premises from the Ontario Ministry of Health. |
| Business/Workplace Physical Distancing Measures Form |
A fillable form template created by the Municipality of North Perth for interested businesses/workplaces to use to share the physical distancing measures they have implemented. Please feel free to complete this form, print and post in your business. |
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| Agriculture Supports |
| Resource |
Description |
| Surplus Food Rescue Program |
New! The program aims to redistribute existing and unsold inventories of perishable food to vulnerable Canadians. Applications due by July 31, 2020.
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| Local Food Infrastructure Fund |
New! The fund supports community-based, not-for-profit organizations to improve their food systems through investments in infrastructure that are directly related to addressing food insecurities and increasing the accessibility of healthy, nutritious, and ideally, local foods within their community.
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| Perth County Podcast |
Perth County Economic Development and Tourism has launched a new Perth County Podcast. The goal of this podcast is to share information about programs and resources with the local business community.
To download the latest episode, visit Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, or any podcast platform.
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| The Agri-Food Open for E-Business |
Will help food producers, farmers markets, retailers, garden centres, greenhouses, nurseries, and agricultural associations develop online business, providing consumers with greater access to a wide variety of food and agriculture products. No application deadline.
This targeted application intake features two funding streams:
- Bring Your Business Online. Eligible organizations and businesses can apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to establish an online e-business and marketing presence. Funding under this stream will be quick and responsive for those needing immediate solutions.
- Develop Online Business Opportunities. Eligible organizations, businesses and collaborations can apply for cost-share funding of up to $75,000 to implement high-impact projects.
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| Ontario Federation of Agriculture - Statement on COVID-19 Pandemic |
The OFA has compiled key information and resources to help their members and community stay connected and up-to-date. |
| Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Information for Industry |
Questions and answers on Temporary Foreign Workers, Food Safety, Animal Health, Financial Supports, Food Supply, Trade Infrastructure. |
| Information and Tips on COVID-19 related to the Agricultural Sector (Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council) |
A dedicated webpage with the latest information, recommendations, employee management tips, tools (posters, policies) and links to authorities. |
| Canadian Federation of Agriculture - COVID-19 Resources |
CFA is providing members with weekly updates on the virus as it emerges. Check this page regularly. |
| Farm Credit Canada - Increase to Lending Capacity |
Latest updates and how to get in touch with FCC. |
| Mental Health and Wellness - OFA |
Mental health and wellness resources for those in the agriculture sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Free resources to help your farm business during COVID-19 |
As part of our partnership with CAHRC, OFA members receive a free annual membership to the AgriHR Toolkit, developed by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC).
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Business training
Visit the Business Training page on the Perth County website for a collection of training opportunities available to local businesses looking to learn more and adapt business models to offer services in a digital landscape.
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Applications are now open for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant. This provincial grant will help small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the new Province-wide Shutdown effective December 26, 2020.
What you’ll Get
Starting at $10,000 for all eligible businesses, the grant will provide businesses with dollar for dollar funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover decreased revenue expected as a result of the Province-wide Shutdown.
Businesses will be able to use the support in whatever way makes the most sense for them. For example, some businesses could use the support to pay employee wages, while others may need support maintaining their inventory.
Eligibility
To receive the grant, a small business must:
- Be required to close or restrict services subject to the Province-wide Shutdown effective 12:01 a.m. on December 26, 2020
- Have fewer than 100 employees at the enterprise level
- Have experienced a minimum of 20 per cent revenue decline comparing April 2020 to April 2019 revenues (or alternate time periods for businesses that were not in operation in April 2019).
Businesses that are not eligible include those that were already required to close prior to the introduction of modified Stage 2 measures, and essential businesses permitted to operate with capacity restrictions (e.g., discount and big box stores selling groceries, supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, and beer, wine and liquor stores).
Businesses will have to have a business number in order to be eligible. If a business does not have a business number, they will be directed to apply for a business number before they can proceed with their application.
They also need to have information about the revenue decline and number of employees available and would have to attest to the information provided in their application.
Once the application is successfully submitted an eligible business can expect to receive payment within approximately 10 business days. Applications with incomplete or incorrect information, or that require additional review, will experience a delay and will not receive payment within 10 business days.
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