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.
On this page:
Key Programs
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program (CEWS) program helps employers retain and pay employees.
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.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to eligible businesses.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Details of the CERB income-support, which provides payments of $500 per week for up to 24 weeks.
Programs for 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.
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.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program (CEWS) program helps employers retain and pay employees.
WorkSafeBC Premiums
Details of waived WorkSafeBC premiums on wages paid to furloughed workers of employers receiving CEWS subsidies.
Buy BC Partnership Program
Funding to help the B.C.’s farmers and food and beverage processors move their products online.
B.C. COVID-19 Temporary Pandemic Pay
Information about the Government of British Columbia's temporary pandemic pay program.
Western Economic Diversification Canada Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
A $1 billion Government of Canada fund to help Canadian businesses mitigate the financial pressures brought on by COVID-19.
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
Support to help employers with annual revenues of more than $300 million weather the current economic downturn.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to eligible businesses.
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.
Canada United Small Business Relief Fund
A relief grant fund to help small businesses cover some COVID-19 related costs when reopening.
Programs for Individuals, Students, and Families
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
A new benefit to help people who can't work because they are sick or must self-isolate due to COVID-19.
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
A new benefit to support the self-employed and those working in the gig economy.
Employment Insurance (EI)
A new, simplified EI program to provide income support to eligible individuals who remain unable to work.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
A new benefit to help people who can't work because they are sick or must self-isolate due to COVID-19.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Details of the CERB income-support, which provides payments of $500 per week for up to 24 weeks.
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.
B.C. Temporary Rental Supplement (BC-TRS)
A temporary rent supplement that provides up to $500 per month.
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
All British Columbia student loan borrowers will temporarily have their repayments suspended until September 30, 2020.
ICBC Payment Deferral
Monthly payment deferral for up to 90 days with no penalty for those impacted by COVID-19.
Canada Student Loans
All student loan borrowers will automatically have their loan repayments and interest suspended until September 30, 2020.
Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
Support for students and new graduates who are not eligible for the CERB.
Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG)
Helps students gain valuable work experience and skills while helping their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
Other Programs and Resources
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.
Regional, Industry, and Community Programs
Other resources and programs to help individuals and businesses navigate COVID-19.
