The Town of Orangeville’s Economic Development & Culture/SBEC office continues to support our community during COVID-19. We have compiled a list of resources that may be helpful for local businesses. Contact us for further guidance in navigating the various programs.

Keep the community informed of your business's operating status by adding a listing to the Town of Orangeville's Business Resiliency Map. 

General Resources

Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 Resources and Programs 

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) services, due dates and programs

Town of Orangeville Business Recovery Plan

Re-opening Ontario’s businesses, services and public spaces
The province of Ontario has published a framework for re-opening Ontario’s economy.

Effective July 17, Ontario announced stage three of reopening for certain regions including Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph. Nearly all businesses and public spaces are permitted to reopen, with public health and workplace safety restrictions in place. 

Workplace guidelines

Businesses must follow public health measures and sector-specific guidelines published by the Ministry of Health. Recommendations include promoting physical distancing and frequent hand washing, sanitizing surfaces, installing physical barriers, staggering shifts, and using contact-less payment options to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has launched an online customizable tool kit resource to help workplaces across Canada operate safely and prevent the spread of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anchored by the COVID-19: Workplace Health and Safety Guide, the online hub provides one-stop access to more than 40 free resources to reduce the spread and protect everyone in the workplace.

Face coverings

The Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit has issued specific requirements for local businesses including an order for mandatory face coverings in commercial establishments. On October 2, the province of Ontario mandated the use of face coverings in all public indoor settings across the province, such as businesses, facilities and workplaces, with limited exemptions. The Town of Orangeville has passed a by-law to extend enforcement of face covering requirements to local by-law and police officers. 

Ontario's Main Street Recovery Plan

Announced on October 7, the Ontario government plans to introduce the Main Street Recovery Act, 2020, proposed legislation that would support small businesses with a number of resources including grants to cover PPE costs and improved access to Small Business Enterprise Centres. Full details can be found at ontario.ca.

 

Financing and Cash Flow Support

 Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) provides financial contributions (interest-free loans) to help support fixed operating costs of SMEs, where business revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and they have been unable to access other Government of Canada measures.

In southern Ontario, the fund is available through FedDev Ontario. Additional relief funds were announced on October 2.

 

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

The Canada Emergency Business Account provides interest-free loans in the form of lines of credit of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000). These loans – guaranteed and funded by the Government of Canada – will ensure that small businesses have access to the capital. The program has been extended to December 31, 2020.

Small businesses and not-for-profit organizations are eligible if they can demonstrate their payroll is between $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019. The program has been expanded to include a sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll, and owner-operated small businesses that had been ineligible for the program due to their lack of payroll.

Other Sources of Financing Support
There are a variety of financing supports being offered to help businesses navigate through COVID-19. If you need support in determining where you could access financing for your business, please contact us.

Workforce Retention and Support
 

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) 

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) enables employers to re-hire workers, prevent further job losses, and ease back into normal operations. Canadian employers who have seen a drop in revenue due to COVID-19 may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of employee wages, retroactive to March 15. 

Complete the CEWS calculator to determine if your business is eligible. 

Recovery Benefits and Employment Insurance (EI)

Note that the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB) has now ended, but retroactive applications are still being accepted and processed for August 30 to September 26, 2020. 

The Government of Canada announced changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program and new recovery benefits that will better support Canadians. Information about transitioning from CERB to EI or one of the new recovery benefits can be found at canada.ca.

Rent Relief 

The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) aims to provide rent relief to commercial tenants facing financial hardship due to COVID-19.  

Applications for CECRA are open now through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy was announced on October 9, 2020 and would provide simple and easy-to-access rent and mortgage support until June 2021 for qualifying organizations. The rent subsidy would be provided directly to tenants, while also providing support to property owners. 

Other Relief Measures

Town of Orangeville

Penalties and interest on property taxes and water and wastewater have been waived until the end of December.

Orangeville Transit fares are also waived until the end of 2020. Riders are reminded to wear face coverings and practice physical distancing.

 

Orangeville Hydro

A COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business is available through Orangeville Hydro and provides eligible small businesses and registered charities with a one-time credit for half of the electricity charges that are overdue on the date of their application for CEAP up to a maximum amount.

 

Central Counties Tourism Reimbursement

Central Counties Tourism is offering reimbursement of 50% of PPE costs to eligible private or not-for-profit businesses in the hospitality and recreation sectors. Applicants may receive up to a maximum of $1,000 ($2,000 total expense). Plexiglass, sanitizing stations, masks, stickers and other supplies required to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 are all eligible expenses for reimbursement. Access the application here.