COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses

With constant updates related to the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping on top of all the information available can be overwhelming, especially when you’re also trying to run a small business. Our team has been combing through the information available online and has curated some resources we think will be most useful for small business owners.

We will continue to update these resources with new information as it becomes available.

Official Updates on COVID-19

World Health Organization

Latest updates from the WHO

Public Health Agency of Canada

Government of Canada COVID-19 public health (updated daily)

Prime Minister of Canada

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada Up-to-date messages from the PM’s office.

Trackers and Maps

COVID-19 Canadian Tracker Tracks confirmed cases and provides links to provincial public health resources

Esri Canada: COVID-19 Canadian Outbreak Tracker GIS Hub providing data-driven overviews of the pandemic for the country, with links to provincial and international resources.

Canadian Business Resources

Canadian Government

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses Overview of government programs provided for Canadians and businesses, including info about deferred tax filing, support for paying employees, accessing credit and more.

Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) Through this program, Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) will provide more than $10 billion in direct lending and other types of financial support at market rates to businesses with viable business models whose access to financing would otherwise be restricted.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) This program will give qualified workers who have lost income due to COVID-19, including those who have reduced work hours, are caring for ill relatives or are now staying at home to care for children, etc., up to $2,000 per month for up to four months.

Trade Commissioner Service

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian businesses Overview of support for businesses. Includes links on deferred tax filing, support for paying employees, accessing credit and considerations for events and business travel.

Business Development Bank of Canada

Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus Overview of relief measures available for entrepreneurs, including capital loans, payment postponements and more for eligible businesses.

Business continuity plan and templates for entrepreneurs Templates and tools to help entrepreneurs create and maintain their business continuity plans.

How to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your business (video) Advice for entrepreneurs on how to manage their business through this crisis period.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

B usiness Pandemic Preparedness Offers guides and best practices to help entrepreneurs prepare and manage operations and business continuity in their pandemic planning.

Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)

Coronavirus and small business Offers a robust FAQ page so business owners can find the information they need. Also links to government resources and useful templates for communicating company policies with employees and guides for customer communications.

Export Development Canada

Canadian exporters impacted by COVID-19 Export companies require unique liquidity options. This resource helps Canadian exporters navigate their options, along with trade insights as the situation progresses.