COVID-19 Business Funding Programs
The Government of Canada has a number of support programs to help businesses and individuals recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The below list is not exhaustive – for more program information visit Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
- For the most up-to-date business support information, please visit Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
- To find support for a specific industry sector, visit Industry Support | Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
- For supports for individuals and families, please visit the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 website.
Download the Federal and Provincial Funding Programs Overview PDF
BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP LOAN FUND | Government of Canada
The program provides loans of up to $250,000 to Black business owners and entrepreneurs so they can grow their businesses and succeed now and into the future.
CANADA RECOVERY HIRING PROGRAM (CRHP) | Government of Canada
Provides support through the wage and rent subsidy programs to offset a portion of the extra costs employers take on as they reopen, either by increasing wages or hours worked or hiring more staff.
JOBS AND GROWTH FUND | Government of Canada
The Jobs and Growth Fund provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. For York Region businesses, the fund is delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
LARGE EMPLOYER EMERGENCY FINANCING FACILITY (LEEFF) | Government of Canada
The Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) provides bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers, whose needs during the pandemic are not being met through conventional financing, in order to keep their operations going.
HARDEST-HIT BUSINESS RECOVERY PROGRAM | Government of Canada
As a business, charity, or non-profit in Canada who has faced deep losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for a wage subsidy, a rent subsidy, or both through the program. This program replaced the Canada Emergency Wage and Rent Subsidies.
TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY RECOVERY PROGRAM | Government of Canada
Provides support through the wage and rent subsidy programs, to hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and restaurants, with a subsidy rate of up to 75 per cent. This program replaced the Canada Emergency Wage and Rent Subsidies.
TOURISM RELIEF FUND (TRF) | Government of Canada
Provides financial assistance to support tourism businesses and organizations to adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth.
Business Reopening Guidance & Safety Resources
The business reopening guidelines are set by the Ontario Government, which is currently following the ‘Roadmap to Reopen‘ framework. It is the responsibility of each business to ensure they are following the guidelines of the Ontario Government and York Region Public Health to protect the health and safety of their employees and customers. Additional COVID-19 resources including PPE supplier directories, in-store signage, etc. are available through these links:
- Resources to Prevent COVID-19 in the Workplace | Ontario Government
- Workplace PPE Supplier Directory | Ontario Government
- Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace | Regional Municipality of York
- COVID-19 Vaccinations | Regional Municipality of York
York Region’s Economic Strategy team is committed to supporting our business community. Should you need additional information please contact us.