A list of resources, as of March 26th, that businesses considered either ‘small’ or with less than 50 employees can access to deal with COVID-19 related financial struggles.
Please find below a list of resources and information. Included is a list of general small business support resources, in addition to recently announced measures. This list is not guaranteed to be comprehensive and constituents will need to contact the individual programs for application information and to confirm eligibility.
Ontario Resources
Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659
Businesses with questions about closures can contact this government information line with questions.
Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID‑19
Announcements relating to businesses and tax deferrals provided under section 4 of the Action Plan.
The WSIB’s new Employer Relief Package
Allows businesses to defer premium reporting and payment to August 31, 2020.
Ontario List of Essential Workplaces
Read the list of essential workplaces in response to COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus). If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
Get support, information and advice to run your small business.
Niagara Resources
Business Support - Economic Development Niagara
A Niagara Economic Rapid Response Team has been launched and is gathering up to date information relating to COVID-19 developments. Businesses can make inquiries with their local Economic Development Offices or [email protected]:
Federal Resources
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Department of Finance Canada action plan with information for businesses including issues such as:
· Avoiding layoffs
· Access to credit
· Support for farmers
· Supporting financial stability
General Business Resources
Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise
Centre provides information and advice on starting or growing a business. Businesses can contact [email protected] or 905-356-7521 ex. 5130 to inquire about any services available during this time.
Community Futures Development Corporation
These offices offer services and financing to small and medium startup companies. Businesses can search an interactive map to find their local office.
Small business: advice, support services, regulations
Guide to getting advice, grants, support and information in government regulations.
Ministry of Finance Credits, Benefits and Incentives
A list of tax credits for businesses.
Ontario incentive programs and services
Invest in Ontario has a list of incentives and programs available through the Government of Ontario and elsewhere.
FedDev Ontario Small Business Services
Guide to starting and financing a small business.
Government of Canada: Business grants and financing
Guide outlines grants, loans, private and public sector financing and how to leverage personal assets. The following funding directory allows businesses to filter information based on their personal business attributes and needs.