Resources

COVID-19 Updates: Support & Resources for Small Businesses

We hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during the COVID-19 health pandemic.

We are actively collaborating with business organizations and advocating to all levels of government on response and recovery efforts. We are in this together, and it’s encouraging to see how communities are connecting, taking positive action and providing hope. Please see below for resources to provide support. We will continue to update this information, and we wish you good health.

Announcements of Municipal and Provincial Support

The Province announces measures to strengthen the commercial rent relief program.
WorkSafeBC announces additional support for employers impacted by COVID-19
The Province has released the initial set of WorkSafeBC guidelines that will help businesses and organizations develop their plans to reopen safely
BC to give restaurants a liquor discount and expedite patio approvals.
Both the City of Vancouver and the Province declared a state of emergency to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
Metro Mayors ask province to provide urgent COVID-19 fiscal support to cities, relief for renters and landlords.
Premier Horgan announced a $5-billion aid package including income supports, tax relief and direct funding for people, businesses and services.
Province announces relief for BC Hydro customers – 3 months of bills forgiven and waiving bills for April to June 2020 for small biz forced to close due to COVID-19.
Vancouver Police announce measures to combat property crime due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Announcements of Federal Support

Prime Minister Trudeau announced eligibility expansion for the Canada Emergency Business Account.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Finance Minister Morneau announced that the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program will be extended and broadened.
Prime Minister Trudeau announced the provinces and federal government have come to an agreement for commecial rent relief for small businesses. The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program will lower rent by 75% for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.
New measures to support businesses owner and commercial property owners. This includes expanding the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), and announcing its intent to introduce the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA).
More support for small businesses including wage subsidies, deferrals and loan programs.
$82-billion aid package to help Canadians and businesses cope with the global COVID-19 pandemic, including income supports, wage subsidies and tax deferrals.

Key Resources for Businesses

Please see COVID-19 Update & Resources for more information about COVID-19 and resources, and see below for key resources for businesses.

Reopening Guidance*

*Businesses must develop a safety plan and display safety posters at their business.

General Guidance for Reopening (WorkSafeBC)
Safety Plan
Safety Poster #1
Safety Poster #2

Specific Guidelines

Small Business Guides

Covid-19 Canadian Small Business Guide – helpful explanations of the various programs available for small businesses along with actions you can take and deciding factors. (Zenbooks)
Covid-19 Supports for Canadian Businesses – compilation that focuses on federal and provincial support measures, including access to capital and other liquidity support; minimizing the impact from layoffs; and additional resources. (BDC)

Business Sector Industry Associations