FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
As a Canadian employer who has seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages, retroactive to March 15, 2020. The government has extended the wage subsidy to June 30, 2021.
​Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) Application Period Extended to January 29, 2021; Temporary Flexibilities also Extended for 2021

For CSJ 2020, the Department introduced temporary flexibilities to respond to the needs of employers and youth in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following temporary flexibilities will continue to be in place for CSJ 2021:
  • Wage subsidies: Funded public and private sector employers will be eligible to receive a wage subsidy reimbursement of up to 75% of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage. Under regular rules, private and public sector employers are only eligible to receive up to 50% of the provincial or territorial minimum wage.
  • Part-time employment: All funded employers may offer part-time placements (for example, fewer than 30 hours per week). Under regular rules, all CSJ-funded employment has to be full time (a minimum of 30 hours per week).
  • Employment period: All funded employers may offer job placements between April 26, 2021 and February 26, 2022. Under regular rules, all CSJ-funded positions have to be completed during the summer months.
  • Changes to project and job activities: All funded employers may amend project and job activities if the proposed project is impacted by COVID-19 restrictions after an agreement is signed. In such cases, the employer should contact Service Canada to discuss potential amendments. All changes must be approved by Service Canada.
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Full Details and Application Form
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
The RRRF provides liquidity support to businesses and organizations affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19, that are unable to access other federal relief measures, or require additional support.

UPDATE:
  • The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) has been extended and expanded in southern Ontario. The expanded parameters include increases in contribution amounts and forgivable portions and the timeframe for eligible costs. These parameters are available to new applicants and existing recipients.
  • Key new features for RRRF liquidity support:
    • As of January 20, 2021, conditionally repayable loans for eligible applicants will increase from $40,000 to $60,000.
    • Recipients who have already received RRRF conditionally repayable financial assistance may apply for a top-up to a maximum total amount of $60,000 (also conditionally repayable).
    • Repayable RRRF funding may support fixed operating costs incurred during the pandemic, up to a maximum of $1 million.
    • Organizations such as chambers of commerce, business sector associations and other economic development organizations that provide support to businesses are eligible to apply for the RRRF for non-repayable loans.
What features have not changed?
  • Financial assistance is interest-free.
  • Support under $100,000 will be advanced in a single payment directly to organizations.
  • Financial assistance covers up to 100 percent of eligible costs. Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) will deliver the RRRF in their regions; working closely with Community Futures organizations, businesses and innovators in their communities.

Applications accepted under two streams:  
 Regional Economy: 
  • This stream supports provides $213 million in support to southern Ontario SMEs that do not qualify for, or have been declined for, current Government of Canada COVID-19 relief measures.
  • If you are a rural business seeking $60,000 or less in support, you are encouraged to apply for RRRF support through Community Futures (see below).
  • Apply: FedDev Ontario website 
 
Community Futures:
  • This stream supports businesses in rural and smaller communities through additional funding for the existing Community Futures Program (CFP).
  • In order to provide targeted assistance to the small towns and communities they serve, CFDCs, who will deliver this stream of funding, will focus on assisting “main street” businesses, such as retail shops, restaurants and corner stores, etc., and businesses of strategic importance to their communities, with loans up to $60,000. 
  • Apply: Community Futures Peterborough

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)                                         Learn more
This $55 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits.  Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 33 percent (up to $20,000). ​Businesses should contact their financial institution to apply for a CEBA loan.
  • UPDATE:
    • As of December 4, 2020 approved CEBA applicants can now receive a $60,000 loan.
    • CEBA applicants who have received the $40,000 CEBA loan may apply for the CEBA expansion, which provides eligible businesses with an additional $20,000 of financing.
    • All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.
    • *NEW* All applicants can now check the status of their CEBA Loan online at https://status-statut.ceba-cuec.ca/. Please wait 5 to 7 business days after finalizing your application before checking your loan status on this loan status website or with the call centre. If you try before the 5 to 7 business days you will not receive an update. The loan status website will be able to address the following types of questions.
  • CEBA FAQ
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
  • This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.
  • If you are eligible for the base subsidy, you may also be eligible for lockdown support if your business location is significantly affected by a public health order for a week or more.
  • CERS FAQ
  • ​Apply for the CERS
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) 

Loan Guarantee for SMEs
Through the Business Credit Availability Program, Export Development Canada (EDC) is working with financial institutions to guarantee 80% of new operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  • This financing support is to be used for operational expenses and is available to both exporting and non-exporting companies.
  • This program is now available at various banks and credit unions.
  • This support is available until June 2021.
  • More information about the loan guarantee

Co-Lending Program for SMEs
Through the Business Credit Availability Program, Business Development Canada (BDC) is working with financial institutions to co-lend term loans of up to $6.25 million to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements.
  • The program offers differing maximum finance amounts based on business revenues.
  • This program is now available at various banks and credit unions.
  • This support is available until June 2021.
  • More information about the co-lending program
Tourism Resilience Fund Program 
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, together with partner Community Futures Peterborough will be administering non-repayable financial support ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 for eligible tourism-dependent businesses in the City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.
Funding for Indigenous SMEs
The federal government is providing $306.8 million in funding to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses.
  • The funding will allow for short-term, interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, which offer financing and business support services to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses.
  • Financial support for Indigenous businesses will be provided through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the Métis capital corporations in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada.
  • Note: Indigenous peoples can also access all other government benefits.
  • Learn more about funding for Indigenous SMEs​
Indigenous Community Business Fund
The federal government is providing 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.
  • Note: Indigenous peoples can also access all other government benefits.
  • Apply for the Indigenous Community Business Fund
Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
The federal government is supporting Black business owners and entrepreneurs through the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund that will provide loans of between $25,000 and $250,000.
  • This initiative is part of the Black Entrepreneurship Program, in which we are investing up to nearly $93 million.
  • More details on eligibility requirements and how to apply will be available soon
Support for Self-Employed Individuals

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
The CRB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for workers who have stopped working or had their income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
The CRSB provides $500 per week for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who:
  • Are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
  • Are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
  • have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.
  • Apply for the CRSB

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
The CRCB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers:
  • unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19
  • because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.
  • Apply for the CRCB
Transition from CERB to Employment Insurance (EI)
The Government of Canada announced changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program and new recovery benefits.
​Tips from Federal Minister of Small Business
  1. ​Visit Canada Business Resilience Network for information about supporting your employees and your business. It will be constantly updated. 
  2. Download the Canada Business App to find tailored supports to address your specific needs and questions about COVID-19.​
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
Ontario Business Support Grant
​Starting at $10,000 for all eligible businesses, the grant provides businesses with funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover decreased revenue expected as a result of the Provincewide Shutdown.
Ontario's Main Street Relief Grant: PPE support
Eligible small businesses will get one-time grants of up to $1,000.
Property Tax and Energy Cost Rebates
For businesses that were required to shut down or significantly restrict services due to provincial public health measures (modified Stage 2 restrictions or, going forward, in areas categorized as control, Lockdown or Provincewide Shutdown). This provincial application-based grant provides a rebate to eligible businesses in respect of property taxes and energy bills.
Businesses struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of COVID-19 may also be eligible for the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business (CEAP-SB), which you can apply to through your utility provider.
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175 George Street North, Peterborough, ON, K9J 3G6
Phone: (705) 748-9771  |  (705) 743-2331  
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