Toronto-wide Municipal Supports:

 

• The BusinessTO Support Centre: The BusinessTO Support Centre is available to help businesses respond to COVID-19 with a focus on completing applications for government assistance programs. You can schedule a one-on-one meeting or attend a webinar. Click Here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-economic-support-recovery-for-businesses/covid-19-business-resources/?accordion=digital-support-for-businesses
• Digital Main Street: Digital Main Street can help businesses set up video conferencing and other digital services. Click Here: https://digitalmainstreet.ca/resources-for-small-businesses-during-covid-19/

   

  ShopHere Initiative*

  Mayor Tory has announced the launch of ShopHere, a new initiative to help Toronto’s independent businesses and artists set-up their online stores with the help of volunteer web developers, business students and corporate partners. The free program provides businesses one-on-one support with building an online store to start selling their goods and services right away. The ShopHERE program is open to any business or artist that meets the eligibility requirements.ShopHERE is part of the Digital Main Street Program program, which offers tools, resources, connections to trusted digital vendors, online learning, and a Digital Service Squad that provides one-on-one virtual assistance. Digital Main Street was created by the City of Toronto and Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas in 2016 and was recently expanded as part of the Mayor’s Economic Support and Recovery Task Force’s short-term economic support and recovery plan for Toronto’s businesses.

   
  Please visit Digital Main Street’s website for more information: https://digitalmainstreet.ca/shophere/ 
   
   

Ontario-wide Provincial Supports:

 

• Provincial Government’s Framework to Reopen Businesses in Ontario: The Government of Ontario has released a framework for reopening the province that provides guidelines for the safe and gradual reopening of businesses, programs, services and public areas. Click Here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-after-covid-19
• Provincial Government’s Health & Safety Guidelines for Workplaces: The Government of Ontario released guidelines to support both employers and employees in the workplace during COVID-19. The types of businesses being addressed include restaurant, food processing and services and manufacturing. Click Here: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/4/health-and-safety-association-guidance-documents-for-workplaces-during-the-covid-19-outbreak.html
• Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA): For more information about this initiative, Click Here: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-provides-urgent-relief-for-small-businesses-and-landlords.html
• Technology Assessment Program for Southern Ontario manufacturers: Administered by Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, the Technology Assessment Program will support manufacturers looking to complete a technology assessment to improve their systems, processes and equipment. Click Here to Apply: https://cme-mec.ca/technology-assessment-pre-qualify-now/

 

Canada-wide Federal Supports:

 

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): For more information about this program, Click Here: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy.html
• Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA): For more information about this program, Click Here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#businesses
• Business Credit Availability Program: The Government of Canada launched the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) to help Canadian businesses obtain financing during this current period of uncertainty. Businesses should contact their primary lender to apply or request additional information. Click Here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#businesses
• Funding for Companies Producing COVID-19 Equipment & Supplies: Next Generation Manufacturing Canada is investing at least $50 million in funding to support companies as they prepare to produce critically needed technologies, equipment and medical supplies. Businesses interested in leading a COVID-19 Response Project can apply online. Click Here: https://cme-mec.ca/technology-assessment-pre-qualify-now/
• Collaborating in the Fight Against COVID-19: Many MaRS-supported start-ups are collaborating in the fight against COVID-19. From manufacturing ventilators to providing mental health therapy, businesses are using technology to help communities. To find out more about the MaRS COVID019 Coalition, Click Here: https://www.marsdd.com/covid19/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=content_promotion&utm_content=MaRSNews0607