Financial support programs available for businesses

​Our province and much of the rest of the world are back to dealing with significant business and social restrictions.
For this week’s Voice of Business column, we’re providing an overview of some of the support programs available from our federal and provincial governments to assist local businesses through another series of challenges. Some of these programs are brand new while others have been around for a while but may have been updated or enhanced. The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and chambers across the country have been busy advocating for many of these programs, updates, and enhancements and we’re encouraged to see our governments continue to support our hardest hit businesses.
Government of Canada Expanded Access to the Lockdown Program
The Government of Canada is expanding access to the Local Lockdown Program to include employers subject to capacity-limiting 
restrictions of 50 per cent or more. They are also reducing the current-month revenue decline threshold 
requirement to 25 per cent. Eligible employers will receive wage and rent subsidies from 25 per cent up to a maximum of 75 per cent, depending on their degree of revenue loss. The 12-month revenue decline test continues to not be required in order to access this support.
This will apply from December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022.
Expanded Worker Lockdown Benefit
The Canada Worker 
Lockdown Benefit is being expanded to include workers in regions where provincial or territorial 
governments have introduced capacity-limiting restrictions of 50 per cent or more. This benefit will provide $300 per week in income support to eligible workers who are directly affected by a 
COVID-19-related public health lockdown, and who have lost 50 per cent or more of their income as a result.
This program includes self-employed individuals. 
This will apply from December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022.
Wage and Rent Subsidies
The Government of Canada changed some of its 
programs in the fall to a more targeted approach. Businesses can apply for wage or hiring subsidies as well as rent subsidies. 
Support is available through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program as well as the Hardest-Hit Businesses Recovery Program. Eligible businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector are eligible for up to a 75% 
subsidy for wages and rent with other hard-hit 
businesses eligible for up to 50%.
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program
The Government of Canada is offering low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs for businesses 
heavily impacted by COVID-19. Businesses can apply until March 31, 2022.
Additional programs:
• Canada Recovery Sickness 
Benefit – this program provides $500/week for up to six weeks for workers who are limited in their ability to work either from contracting 
COVID-19 or other health restrictions relating to 
COVID-19. This program includes self-employed individuals. 
• Jobs and Growth Fund – the federal government is looking to invest in businesses that support the transition to a green economy, foster inclusive recovery, improve digital adoption, and strengthen critical sectors.
• Indigenous Business Support – financial support is being offered to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis community or collectively-owned businesses and microbusinesses affected by COVID-19 that do not qualify for other relief programs.
• Various sector-specific support programs – the Government of Canada has rolled out a series of 
sector-specific programs offering support for 
businesses. Check Canada’s COVID-19 Economic 
Response Plan for more details.
Government of Ontario
Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program
Starting in mid-January, businesses will able to apply for a rebate for a portion of their property tax and energy costs incurred while subject to public health restrictions. Eligible businesses required to reduce capacity to 50 per cent, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 per cent of their costs. Businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100 per cent of their costs. A full list of eligible business types will be 
available through a program guide in mid-January. 
Payments to eligible businesses will be 
retroactive to December 19, 2021.
Tax Payment Relief
The Province is offering a six-month interest and penalty-free period for making payments for most provincially administered taxes, running from January 1 to July 1. The goal of this program is to free up short-term cashflow.
Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit
Businesses in the City and County of Peterborough are eligible for the Regional 
Opportunities Investment Tax Credit of up to $90,000 if they are building, 
renovating or acquiring an eligible commercial or industrial building. The tax credit will be available to claim on your corporate income tax return.
Pausing Commercial Evictions
The Province is temporarily stopping or reversing 
evictions of commercial tenants and protecting them from being locked out or having their assets seized during COVID-19. This applies to businesses that were eligible for the previous Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses program or who have been approved for the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS).
For the full list of COVID-19 related business support programs, up-to-date news on public health measures, and links to resources, visit the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 portal at peterboroughchamber.ca/covid-19.