Information about government and other funding options and financial supports for businesses dealing with the fallout from COVID-19.
Provincial and federal governments moved fast to help businesses and individuals stay in business and ease the financial pain brought on by the shutdown of the economy during COVID-19. This section includes links to all the major programs that can hep you and your business. Keep track of important dates relating to some of these programs so you can plan ahead.
If you can't find an answer to your specific question through the links below, the B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service is a community-led resource that is here to answer your questions. Call our COVID-19 business support line at 1-833-254-4357 (HELP) or email covid@smallbusinessbc.ca.
This page contains a regularly-updated list of the government and other financial supports available. You can also search by Government of B.C. Programs and Government of Canada Programs.
On this page:
- Key government programs
- Government programs for businesses
- Government programs for individuals, students, seniors, and families
- Other programs and resources
Key Government Programs
BC Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant
This program will provide grants between $10,000 and $30,000 to small- and medium-sized B.C. businesses that have been hard hit by COVID-19. An additional $5,000 to $15,000 grant is available to eligible tourism-related businesses.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to eligible businesses.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provides easy-to-access rent and mortgage support until June 2021 for qualifying organizations affected by COVID-19.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program (CEWS) program helps employers retain and pay employees.
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
A new benefit providing $500 per week for 26 weeks to support the self-employed and those working in the gig economy.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
A $1.5 billion Government of Canada fund to help Canadian businesses mitigate the financial pressures brought on by COVID-19.
Government Programs for Businesses
B.C. COVID-19 Temporary Pandemic Pay
Information about the Government of British Columbia's temporary pandemic pay program.
B.C. Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant
This program will provide grants of between $10,000 and $30,000 (up to $40,000 for tourism businesses) to small- and medium-sized B.C. businesses that have been hard hit by COVID-19.
Black Entrepreneurship Program
A four-year, $221 million program to help Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) support to help enable access to capital for Canadian businesses.
Buy BC Partnership Program
Funding to help the B.C.’s farmers and food and beverage processors move their products online.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to eligible businesses.
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
A Government of Canada program to lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19. CECRA has now ended, and was replaced with CERS.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provides easy-to-access rent and mortgage support until June 2021 for qualifying organizations affected by COVID-19.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program (CEWS) program helps employers retain and pay employees.
Canada United Small Business Relief Fund
A relief grant fund to help small businesses cover some COVID-19 related costs when reopening.
CanExport SMEs program
The Government of Canada has pivoted the CanExport SMEs program to help small businesses access global markets when international travel is restricted due to COVID-19.
Expanded Work Sharing Program
Details of Work-Sharing Program temporary special measures to support employers and workers affected by COVID-19.
Financing Products through Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
Loan payment deferrals and other financing products for the agriculture and food industry.
Indigenous Community Business Fund
Support for Indigenous businesses that do not qualify for other Government of Canada COVID-19 relief measures.
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
Support to help employers with annual revenues of more than $300 million weather the current economic downturn.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
A $1.5 billion Government of Canada fund to help Canadian businesses mitigate the financial pressures brought on by COVID-19.
WorkSafeBC Premiums
Details of waived WorkSafeBC premiums on wages paid to furloughed workers of employers receiving CEWS subsidies.
Government programs for Individuals, Students, Seniors, and Families
B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers
A tax-free $1,000 payment to British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected by the outbreak. This benefit closed on December 2nd, 2020. Applications are no longer being accepted.
B.C. Recovery Benefit
A one-time, tax-free payment of up to $1,000 for individuals and families in B.C.
B.C. Student Access Grant
A new needs-based grant to remove barriers to post-secondary education and training and provide non-repayable financial support for students in B.C.
B.C. Student Loans
StudentAid BC is providing emergency student financial assistance, adapting policy and streamlining processes to support students.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
The CERB income-support, which provided payments of $500 per week for up to 24 weeks, has now ended. Apply retroactively for the final period (August 30 to Sept 26, 2020) through the CRA.
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
A new benefit to support the self-employed and those working in the gig economy.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
A new benefit that provides income support if you must stop work to care for dependants.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
A new benefit to help people who can't work because they are sick or must self-isolate due to COVID-19.
Canada Student Loans
Changes to Canada Student Grants and Loans to help students facing financial challenges from COVID-19 access post-secondary education.
CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, select CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program rebates are doubled for a limited time to support the restart of B.C.’s economy and help homeowners save energy. Register for a promo code by March 31st, 2021.
Employment Insurance (EI)
A new, simplified EI program to provide income support to eligible individuals who remain unable to work.
ICBC Payment Deferral
Monthly payment deferral for up to 90 days with no penalty for those impacted by COVID-19.
Senior’s Supplement
Seniors receive a $300 supplement on their Senior's Supplement for each month from April to December. No action is required on your part. Low-income seniors receiving the senior’s supplement will receive an additional recovery benefit of $150 per month from January 2021 to March 2021. See more supports for Seniors.
Other Programs and Resources
Alternatives to Government Funding for Small Businesses
A list of community resources, private grants, and other non-governmental supports that could provide some much-needed financial help.
Regional, Industry, and Community Programs
Other resources and programs to help individuals and businesses navigate COVID-19.
Support for Indigenous Peoples
A range of supports to help Indigenous peoples during COVID-19.
Tax Updates & Deferrals
Information about changes in Provincial and Federal Taxes.
