COVID-19 Business Support

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Resources for 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
Stage 3 Guidelines for Re-Opening	New! On Monday, July 13^th, 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.
Ontario Pauses Commercial Evictions	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.
Stage 2 Guidelines for Re-Opening	Ontario permits more businesses and services to reopen as part of Stage 2 Re-Opening effective June 12, 2020.
COVID-19 Workplace Safety Tools and Posters	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.
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses	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.
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.

Business Supports

Resource	Description
Restaurant Canada Re-opening Guide A Framework for Re-opening Stage 2	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.
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.
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)
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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).

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.