Information about government and other funding options and financial supports for businesses dealing with the fallout from COVID-19.
This page contains a regularly-updated list of the government and other financial supports available, including programs that are part of the StrongerBC Recovery Plan.
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.
Latest Update - July 14th, 2021: Applications to the Launch Online Grant Program are now closed. Adjudication of already submitted applications will continue until all funds are fully allocated. Each applicant will be informed of the outcome of their application.
On this page:
- Key Government Programs
- Government Programs for Businesses
- Government Programs for Individuals, Students, Seniors, and Families
- Other Programs and Supports
Key Government Programs
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provides easy-to-access rent and mortgage support for qualifying organizations affected by COVID-19. Available until October 23, 2021.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program (CEWS) program helps employers retain and pay employees. Available until October 23, 2021.
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
A benefit providing $500 per week for 26 weeks to support the self-employed and those working in the gig economy. Available for 54 weeks until October 23, 2021.
Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP)
Provides eligible employers with a subsidy of up to 50 per cent of incremental remuneration paid to eligible active employees between June 6th, 2021, and November 20th, 2021. Proposed extension until May 7, 2022.
Government Programs for Businesses
BC Major Anchor Attraction Program
One-time emergency funding to major anchor attractions and tour bus companies that service tourism attractions. Applications now closed.
Buy BC Partnership Program
Funding to help the B.C.’s farmers and food and beverage processors move their products online. Applications for Buy BC funding are accepted each Fall (October-November). Successful projects start April 1 of the following fiscal year.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
CEBA provided interest-free loans of up to $60,000, with up to $20,000 forgivable if repaid before December 31st, 2022. Applications now closed.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provides easy-to-access rent and mortgage support for qualifying organizations affected by COVID-19. Available until October 23, 2021.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program (CEWS) program helps employers retain and pay employees. Available until October 23, 2021.
Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP)
Provides eligible employers with a subsidy of up to 50 per cent of incremental remuneration paid to eligible active employees between June 6th, 2021, and November 20th, 2021. Proposed extension until May 7, 2022.
Canada United Small Business Relief Fund
A relief grant fund to help small businesses cover some COVID-19 related costs when reopening. Applications currently closed.
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. Effective March 15, 2020 and extended to September 24, 2022.
Financing Products through Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
Loan payment deferrals and other financing products for the agriculture and food industry.
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
Guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million for eligible businesses to cover operational cash flow needs. Applications open until December 31, 2021.
Indigenous Community Business Fund
The program will provide funding to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities and collectives to support community-owned businesses affected by COVID-19.
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis until all funding has been allocated.
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
Support to help employers with annual revenues of more than $300 million weather the current economic downturn.
Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Through the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP), Export Development Canada (EDC) is working with financial institutions to guarantee 80% of new operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million. Available until December 31, 2021.
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. 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.
Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
The fund will provide loans of up to $250,000 to support Black business owners and entrepreneurs across Canada. It also offers micro-loans ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
A benefit providing $500 per week for 26 weeks to support the self-employed and those working in the gig economy. Available for 54 weeks until October 23, 2021.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
A benefit that provides income support if you must stop work to care for dependents. Proposed extension until until May 7, 2022.
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. Proposed extension until until May 7, 2022.
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 Supports
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.
