The fight against COVID-19 will take a community effort. Here are some additional business supports that could help you navigate this challenging period.
Support for Indigenous Peoples
Financial supports for Indigenous peoples
The Government of Canada has announced several supports to help Indigenous peoples during COVID-19.
Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Resources for Women Entrepreneurs During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted women entrepreneurs. In response, the Government of Canada has created several dedicated resources for women entrepreneurs.
Support for Black Entrepreneurs
Black Entrepreneurship Program
A four-year, $221 million program to help Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
Vancouver Foundation LEVEL BIPOC Grants
Flexible, general operating grants of $50,000 for BIPOC-led organizations in BC to support their work in racial equity and racial justice.
Small Business BC Resources for Black Entrepreneurs
A collection of resources compiled by Nerissa Allen, Co-Founder & President of Black Business Association of BC.
Support for People With Disabilities
Resources for People With Disabilities.
Find COVID-19-related Federal, Provincial, and other supports for people with disabilities.
Support for Seniors
Resources for Seniors
The Province of B.C. and the Government of Canada have announced several supports to help Seniors during COVID-19.
Non-Governmental 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 Programs and Resources
Resources for Businesses Based in Northern British Columbia
Northern British Columbia has several dedicated supports to lean on through the Northern Development Initiative Trust.
Resources for Vancouver Island-Based Businesses
Vancouver Island Economic Alliance has created several programs to assist businesses in surviving COVID-19.
Resources for Gulf Islands-based Businesses
Immediate support for businesses on Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and the Gulf Islands is also offered through the Island Coastal Economic Trust. Supports include the Small Capital Restart Fund and the Tourism Resiliency Program.
Resources for Rural Small Businesses
Small businesses operating in rural communities can check with their local Community Futures office for emergency loans and business advice.
WAIT Queue Management System - Cowichan Valley
Businesses in the Cowichan Valley have access to the WAIT Queue Management System, which helps retailers automate lineups during COVID-19. It includes contact tracing features.
Columbia Basin Trust - Small Business Working Capital Loan Program
Low-interest loans up to $40,000 to local small businesses in the Columbia Basin, to help them meet their immediate needs, through the new Small Business Working Capital Loan program.
Industry-Specific Programs and Other Resources
Resources and Programs for Non-Profits
Financial programs and other supports for non-profit organizations during COVID-19.
Resources and Programs for British Columbia's Fishing Industry
The Government of Canada has taken steps to support workers in the fishing industry who are feeling the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources and Programs for British Columbia's Creative Industries
British Columbia’s arts sector can call on several dedicated supports and resources during COVID-19.
Resources and Programs for British Columbia's Agricultural Industry
Government of Canada and B.C. government support for farmers and agri-food businesses facing financial hardship due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources for Import and Export Businesses
Information and resources to tackle common challenges facing international trade businesses, as well as tips on how to service the new COVID economy.
Find various resources for other industries:
- General Industry Resources for Re-opening in Phase 2
- Resources for British Columbia’s Restaurants, Breweries, Wineries and Distillers
- Resources for British Columbia's Tourism Industry
- Resources for British Columbia's Tech Industry
- Resources for British Columbia's Apparel Industry
Community Programs
Futurpreneur
Futurpreneur announced new measures to support the young Canadian business owners within its network during these unprecedented times. These include temporary loan relief, interest rate cuts, peer-to-peer support, a national collaboration Slack channel, and an up-to-date digital resource guide.
Women’s Enterprise Centre (WEC)
WEC is committed to supporting women-owned businesses through the COVID-19 crisis with free webinars, digital resources, and one-on-one appointments with a business advisor where you can discuss your situation, review your cash flow, and generate ideas for how you can navigate this difficult time. In July, 2020, WEC received $2 million in additional loan funds for women entrepreneurs.
Community Futures
Community Futures offers entrepreneurs loans up to $150,000 that are designed to help businesses grow. Their processes are streamlined so that they can move at the speed of small business.
