London Business COVID-19 Portal

Updated September 18, 2020

London Business COVID-19 Portal

Updated September 18, 2020

Welcome to the London Business COVID-19 Portal

The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), London Chamber of Commerce, and London Small Business Centre have partnered to develop this resource hub for London businesses during COVID-19.

Things are changing on a minute-by-minute basis and we continue to hear about the need to better navigate the resources that are currently available.

You asked, we listened. To achieve this we're streamlining the information and resources available during COVID-19 and are capturing them on this portal. We are committed to work together and provide valuable resources for our business community.

It's our hope that through streamlining communication, we can be your one-stop shop for finding valuable, reliable, and up-to-date resources and information that are being shared at the local, provincial, and federal government levels.

Use the quick links on the right to navigate to important sections of this website.

We are all in this together. Stay healthy, stay safe, and stay resilient.

Open for Business

The Ontario government has released its plan to reopen businesses, services, and public spaces. Please note that the Canada - U.S. border will remain closed until September 21, 2020.

Here are the latest updates:

Announced July 13 - Third Stage of Reopening Starts Friday, July 17

Nearly all businesses and public spaces will be allowed to open in stage 3. The London region will move into stage 3 but some regions in Ontario will remain in stage 2. Not all businesses can reopen at this time. Notable changes with stage 3:

Indoor gathering limits increase to 50 people
Outdoor gathering limits increase to 100 people
Physical distancing requirements remain in effect
Social circles without distancing requirements remain at 10 people

Please note: As of July 17 face coverings in all indoor enclosed spaces are now mandatory across London and Middlesex County. Some individuals are exempt - you can read more about this update on the Middlesex-London Health Unit website.

Business Re-opening Services

* The Canadian Business Resiliency Network is offering a Business Reopening Toolkit. View printable templates and signage

* Deloitte is offering a COVID-19: Economic recovery dashboard monitors the health, social, financial and economic activity that will signal when a recovery is coming.

* FirstOnSite is offering COVID-19 Re-occupancy Services for Commercial Office Space.

* StevensE3 is offering a variety of social distancing solutions for businesses on their online store and are also happy to work with clients to develop custom solutions.

Government Resources

* Guidance for workplaces and businesses (Federal)

* Sector-specific guidance and posters: Find resources, best practices and other information to help you understand your rights and responsibilities during the COVID-19 outbreak. You can also download posters about physical distancing best practices for your sector. There is also guidance for transit agencies and passengers to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

* Rules for federally-regulated workplaces (Federal)

* The province continues to develop sector-specific safety guidance documents, with over 150 guides available.

New Funding Programs

The following are the latest funding and support program announcements at the local, provincial, and federal levels. You can find more funding programs in the Economic Relief section of this website.

Federal

The Business Resilience Service (BRS) allows SMEs and non-profits to connect with experienced business advisors from across Canada for guidance on which government relief programs will be most appropriate for them
Applications are now being accepted for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. Over the course of the program, property owners will reduce rent by at least 75 per cent for the months of April and May (retroactive), and June, for their small business tenants.
Government of Canada to Make EI Changes, Extend CERB, and Introduce 3 New Benefit Programs. Details Here.

Provincial

Recovery Activation Program (RAP) is a no cost, immersive, highly practical online workshop that helps businesses identify areas for digital overhaul. Ontario businesses can apply to access $40,000 in training, mentorship, and support.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) is being offered by FedDev Ontario and 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. In southern Ontario, $252.4 million is available as follows:

- $213 million for SMEs facing financial pressure; and

- $39.4 million to provide rural businesses with access to capital and business support, delivered by southern Ontario’s Community Futures

Development Corporations.

Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA) provides forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners experiencing potential rent shortfalls

Local

London companies can receive support from Digital Main Street through their following programs:

- Digital Service Squad to help businesses adopt and expand their technologies

- DMS Ontario Grants to help businesses with their digital transformation

- DMS Shop Here program to help small businesses and artists with selling online

- DMS Futureproof program to help businesses with identifying new markets and pivoting business models

Economic Relief

Federal

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global outbreak, outlined in their COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Details are below.

Which program is right for you?

· Navigate all of the Ontario and Federal Government's financial support for businesses in this overview

· Answer a few questions to get a personalized list of support from the Government of Canada

· If your business is located in Ontario, use this self-assessment developed by rtraction and Benjamin Glauss to help determine which financial help measures apply to your business. Fill out the assessment here

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES

Overview of all economic relief for sectors can be found here.

Avoiding layoffs & rehiring employees

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Covers 75% of an employee's wages for employers of all sizes and across all sectors who have suffered a drop in gross revenues of at least 15% in March, and 30% in April and May
Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy: A three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deduction required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Work-Sharing Program: Up to 76 weeks of income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers
Have questions regarding EI Top-Up Benefits? Contact the Supplmental Unemployment Benefit Program at 1-800-561-7923 or email Sub-psc@servicecanada.gc.ca indicating the company name, business number (if applicable), and your question

Access to credit

Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP): Includes a New Loan Guarantee for SMEs, where 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 to small and medium-sized enterprises, and a New Co-Lending Program for SMEs, where Business Development Canada (BDC) is working with financial institutions to co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA): Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. LEDC, London Chamber of Commerce and SBC London have made a helpful resource with local financial institution contacts so you can easily apply via your bank.
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA): The program will help small businesses cover their rents for April-June, providing traditional and some forgivable loans to commercial property owners
Community Futures Network: $287 million to support rural businesses and communities by providing them with much-needed access to capital
Large employer emergency financing: Bridge financing for Canada's largest employers
National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP): $250 million to assist innovative, early-stage companies that are unable to access other COVID-19 business supports
$20.1 million in support for Futurpreneur Canada to continue supporting young entrepreneurs across Canada who are facing challenges
$675 million through Canada's Regional Development Agencies to give financing support to small and medium-sized businesses
The Trade Commissioner Service has experts worldwide who can provide access to funding and help mitigating COVID-19 impacts for businesses in global markets.

Creating new jobs & opportunities for youth

Youth Employment and Skills Strategy: $153.7 million to help youth develop the skills and gain the experience they need to successfully transition into the labour market
Student Work Placement Program: $80 million to support up to 20,000 post-secondary students across Canada to obtain paid work experience related to their field of study
Mitacs & The Business/Higher Education Roundtable (BHER): $40 million to support Mitacs in order to create 5,000 new job placements. BHER will create a further 5,000 to 10,000 new student placements
Canada Summer Jobs Program: Increased wage subsidy, extending date of employment to February 28, 2021, and more

Deferred payments

Defer the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020. This applies to SME's and self-employed individuals
The Canada Revenue Agency will defer tax payments until August 31 to help businesses with cash flow.

Indigenous businesses

$306.8 million in funding to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses. Financial support for Indigenous businesses will be provided through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the Métis capital corporations in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada.

Supporting financial stability

Immediate, temporary relief to sponsors of federally regulated, defined benefit pension plans in the form of a moratorium, through the remainder of 2020, on solvency payment requirements for defined benefit plans
Insured Mortgage Purchase Program: Government of Canada will purchase up to $150 billion of insured mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
The Bank of Canada is lowering interest rates to 0.25%, intervening to support key financial markets and providing liquidity support for financial institutions
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions announced it is lowering the Domestic Stability Buffer by 1.25% of risk-weighted assets.

SUPPORT FOR SECTORS

Overview of all economic relief for sectors can be found here

Agriculture, agri-food, aquaculture, fisheries

Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Quarantine Assistance Program: $50 million for farmers, fish harvesters, and all food production and processing employers to put in place the measures necessary to follow the mandatory 14-day isolation period required of all workers arriving from abroad
Through Farm Credit Canada (FCC), farmers, producers, agribusinesses, and food processors can access $5 billion in lending and will receive extensions to previous loans. Contact FCC to see if you're eligible to access this program
Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund: Short term financing, added storage capacity for unsold products, support of new manufacturing technologies to improve productivity, and more to support Canada's fish and seafood processing industries

Cultural, heritage and sports

COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund: $500 million for cultural, heritage and sport organizations that will help address the financial needs of affected organizations so they can continue to support artists and athletes
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will not issue letters requesting payment for Part I licence fees by broadcasters for the 2020–21 fiscal year

Air transportation

Waiving ground lease rents from March 2020 through to December 2020 for the 21 airport authorities that pay rent to the federal government

Tourism

Deferring payments on commercial leases and licences of occupation without interest until September 1, 2020 for tourism operators in national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas
For tourism operators and small businesses, regional development agencies (RDAs) could assist with access to federal funding and services.

Energy

Emissions Reduction Fund: $750 million to support workers and reduce emissions in Canada's oil and gas sector, with a focus on methane

Non-profit and charitable

Emergency Community Support Fund: $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need

SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES

Overview of all economic relief for individuals and families can be found here

The one-week waiting period for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits has been waived
Service Canada is now offering critical services online. Learn how you can apply to these individual support programs or dial 1-800-O-Canada
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) supports Canadians by providing financial support of $2,000 for a 4-week period for up to 16 weeks to employed and self-employed Canadians who are directly affected by COVID-19. Apply for CERB here
A Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) is a $9 billion program that will provide students with financial support. College and university students currently in school, planning to start in September, or who graduated in December 2019 are eligible. More details to be announced here
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has allowed for ongoing Mortgage Payment Deferrals

Provincial

The Ontario Government has recently announced a number of updates to support employers and employees:

COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program - Residential (CEAP)
Electricity and natural gas utilities and unit sub-meter providers began accepting applications for CEAP on July 13, 2020.
COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program – Small Business (CEAP-SB)
Electricity and natural gas utilities and unit sub-meter providers will begin accepting applications for CEAP-SB on August 31, 2020.
The Workplace PPE Supplier Directory provides businesses with information on personal protective equipment (PPE) suppliers
Between April 1, 2020 and August 31, 2020, the province will not apply any penalty or interest on any late-filed returns or incomplete or late tax payments under select provincially administered taxes, such as Employer Health Tax, Tobacco Tax and Gas Tax
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in Ontario has created a financial relief package that allows businesses to defer premium reporting and payments until August 31, 2020
Effective June 1, 2020, Ontario introduced a COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8¢/kWh for TOU Regulated Price Plan customers, also effective 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This temporary rate will be in effect until October 31, 2020.
$1.5 million for a new Tourism Economic Development Recovery Fund
$83 million through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to provide grants to help eligible non-profit organizations
Increasing the Employer Health Tax (EHT) exemption for 2020 from $490,000 to $1 million. As an employer, this means relief of up to $9,945
Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit: If you are building, renovating or acquiring commercial or industrial buildings in designated regions in Ontario, you could be eligible to save up to $50,000 this year. You can apply for this tax credit when you file your tax return. Learn more about the tax credit and if your project qualifies.

Local

The City of London is providing immediate economic relief through the following - stay informed here on their website:

All interest and penalties for unpaid Interim 2020 Property Tax Installments that come due on March 31, 2020 will be waived for a period of 60 days
All interest and penalties for unpaid water and wastewater billings will be waived for a minimum period of 60 days
All Community Improvement Plan (CIP) loan repayments will be deferred on an interest-free basis for a minimum period of 60 days
In addition, due dates for final final 2020 property tax installments have been deferred by 60 days as of April 21, 2020
Flexibility in loading, unloading, and delivery times

Additionally, the Mayor's Economic Impact and Recovery Task Force have developed a brief and easy to navigate summary of the Provincial and Federal resources available to London's businesses. You can read the list here.

Local Funding Programs

London-Middlesex Restaurant Support Fund. A collaboration of McCormick, Pillar Nonprofit Network, the Middlesex London Food Policy Council, rTraction, and the Western Fair District, the fund will make micro-grants of $1,000 to qualifying independent operators in London and Middlesex County to help with the costs of re-opening in the midst of the pandemic.

Local Business Supports

Business + Workforce Services

· Need to get your business online? The LEDC has developed a guide to many London businesses offering eCommerce, website development, and marketing services

· TechAlliance has launched a Rebuild Roster, a new tool to bolster Southwestern Ontario technology companies by placing tech talent in view of hiring managers

· SBC's COVID-19 Business Support Squad provides free consultations to answer questions and provide strategic guidance to your small business

· The Business Support Initiative provides businesses with actionable work to open doors to new revenue streams and new opportunities

· Info-Tech Research Group has developed a COVID-19 Resource center, with a complimentary CIO Strategy for COVID-19 and upcoming webinars

Promotional Offers + Opportunities

· AdHOME is offering free advertising and marketing counsel for businesses of any size

· Alarmtech Systems for Life is offering a free, live remote consultation to design a security system that can be installed at your home / business

· The London Free Press launches a free business directory - if your business is open during COVID, add it to their directory

· Minuteman Press is offering to print free COVID-19 awareness posters and free advertising on their Bounce Back London website

· OntarioSEO is offering Local Google My Business Support, by providing a Free Google My Business Audit

· RBC is offering financial and informational resources.

· Attache Group Inc. provides cyber security awareness training for end users

· FirstOnSite is offering Tips and Emergency Response for Hibernating Commercial Buildings

Staying Connected

· The Council of Canadian Innovators has launched a dedicated COVID-19 Tech Group on Slack for Canadian technology workers

· RH Accelerator has launched RHA Online - a free service for the founder community to support companies with responding to the COVID-19 crisis

Virtual Learning

· Check out KPMG's COVID-19 Podcast about the trends and challenges of business continuity

· The Achievement Centre is offering free access to online learning around sales and leadership

Working Remotely

· Consys Group Inc. has prepared a quick assessment tool to assist with determining how remote-work ready your business is

· Western IT Group is offering no-charge consultations to review your organizations business continuity planning (BCP)

· tbk is offering free work-from-home consulting to companies as they transition into a remote model. Email tbk at workfromhome@tbkCreative.com

· Techdoz has launched London Tech Tools to help businesses in the community settle into their new technology lifestyles

· ManagePoint is offering free IT consulting via email or teleconference

· Dagi is offering one-month free connection to work from home with free set-up

Support Local Businesses

Take a look at local businesses that have went digital. You can support these businesses via online orders, take-out, delivery, or purchasing gift cards to use at a later date:

· Support London Businesses, started by rTraction, allows you to explore a number of stores in London that you can continue supporting digitally

· Explore businesses that are currently operating & offering take-out, delivery, porch-drop, virtual tours, virtual experiences or online events on Tourism London's website and in Downtown London's list. You can also view a list and map of takeout options here.

· SlyFox Digital Marketing's list of sanity savers highlights local business pick up and delivery

· I Love Local is a new initiative to support brick and motar stores by purchasing digital vouchers

· GIFTforward is an initiative supported by Ivey Business School students to help local businesses by offering gift cards that customers can buy through their platform and use once these businesses are allowed to re-open

#ShopLdnOnt

Follow the local hashtag shopldnont to learn about local businesses, make some online purchases, and show your appreciation by liking/sharing/rating! Get in touch with Shop LdnOnt directly to have your business added: Instagram / Facebook

Always rate, like, share, and buy from local businesses online when possible!

Can Your Business Help?

Locally

Attention manufacturers! Please contact Jason Bates at jbates@emccanada.org if you can provide any of the following:

Clean rooms for the production of COVID-19 supplies
Additional warehouse space for pandemic supplies for Healthcare Material Management Services (HMMS)

Provincially

Please visit the Ontario Together website if you can offer emergency products and innovative solutions or volunteer to support our response to COVID-19
Several temporary rules and regulations have been put in place. Learn how to request a temporary rule or regulation change to help your business respond to COVID-19
Ontario Centres of Excellence has launched a COVID-19 Collaboration Platform for Ontario innovators to come together and respond to support this collective effort. If you have a solution or need collaborators to make your solution possible, visit the hub here.

Nationally

Calling all suppliers - help Canada combat COVID-19 by supplying N95 masks, gloves, gowns, IT support services, and more
The Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19 directly supports businesses to rapidly scale up production or re-tool their manufacturing lines to develop products made in Canada that will help in the fight against COVID-19
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada is investing $50 million for companies that can help manufacture critical COVID-19 supplies
NRC is seeking a low-cost sensor system for COVID-19 patient monitoring, made in Canada filtration material for the manufacture of N95 respirators and surgical masks, and point of care / home diagnostic kit for COVID-19
Tender Opportunity Cloth Face Masks for RCMP – deadline May 28, 2020.

Health & Safety Resources

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) has helped us gather a number of health and safety resources to support your business through COVID-19., around the following topics:

What steps you can take right now to keep your employees / workplace safe
What to do if an employee is diagnosed with COVID-19
What the 'new normal' of health and safety at a workplace may look like and how you can implement preventative measures upon returning to work

Section 1: COVID-19 Resource Information

WSPS’ main Covid-19 Portal: This link will direct you to WSPS’ main Covid-19 portal. Listed below are examples of specific resources:

Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659
Take the COVID-19 Self-Assessment
Business Preparedness Pandemic Checklist. - Links to official sources (Public Health, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, etc.)
Link to a page of business resources (government, planning and sector-specific information)
Links to COVID-19 and infection control information – including some great awareness resources from the Government of Canada
Link to a new “Working Remotely” page that features information on ergonomics, mental health and online learning
9 Suggestions To Help Avoid Work Refusals.
WSIB Covid-19 Injury Related Claims
Risk-informed decision-making guidelins for workplaces & businesses during COVID-19
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Track your COVID-19 Compliance in Real-Time
Post-Pandemic Business Playbook

Section 2: Mental Health in Times of COVID-19

Mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic
Psychological Safety Blog
COVID-19: Psychological Health & Safety: Tips and insights to help manufacturers address mental health in the workplace throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
WSPS “Working Remotely” page that features information on ergonomics, mental health and online learning.
Mental Health Poster
Government of Canada Wellness Together Canada portal
The Conference Board of Canada has a series of videos you can access for support
WSPS eLearning Sessions (free of charge)

Section 3: Information & 'How-To' Posters

About coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Infographic
Help reduce the spread of Covid 19
Physical Distancing – Actions for reducing the spread of Covid-19
Surgical Mask vs. N95 Respirator
How to Self-Isolate
How to Self-Monitor
Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings
Public Health Ontario’s How to Handwash Poster
Public Health Ontario Multilingual “How To” Posters
Mental Health Poster

Section 4: Occupational Specific Health & Safety Guidelines

Here you will find guidelines for a variety of industries and roles, including Agricultural, Truck Driving, Equipment Operators, Food Retail Sector, Office Sector, Restaurant Services, Grocery, Warehousing and more. Scroll to bottom of page – located under ‘downloads’

The Ontario Government also recently released health and safety guidelines for employers.

Section 5: Health & Safety Duty Consultant
Sources: WSPS, Federal & Provincial Government, National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOHS), Public Health Ontario

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) has, and will continue to be, a leader in providing impactful hazard risk management solutions. We have extended our core business hours and have a Duty Consultant on call from 7am – 7pm to Monday to Friday. You can reach the Duty Consultant via email at dutyconsultant@wsps.ca or telephone 1-877-494-9777. There is no charge for this service.

Section 6: Free COVID-19 related eCourses

WSPS Covid-19 related eCourses (no charge):

Other Free WSPS eCourses indirectly related to Covid-19 (no charge):

Section 7: Emergency Specific Information

Emergency information related to Covid-19 providing information on:

Staying Protected
How to self-isolate
Safely providing care
Return from travel
Symptoms and treatment

Section 8: Local London Resources

·Take a look at several London businesses that are providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting services to keep employees and workplaces safe in LEDC's list.

· Driven to understand what these impacts may be and how the government can support those in need, Pulse InfoFrame in London is running an online study – called the healthie™ Global Pandemic Mental Health Assessment - to learn how COVID-19 is affecting communities mentally and emotionally

· Have non-emergency concerns about safety during COVID-19? Call London Police Services at 519-661-5670 - officers are available on this number 24/7

About Us

About LEDC

The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is the lead economic development agency for London, Canada. LEDC works with business, government and community partners to attract business investment, develop a connected and supportive business climate and grow London's talented workforce.

Please contact us on our website or using the contact form below to learn more about how we can provide support during COVID-19.

About London Chamber of Commerce

The London Chamber of Commerce is a politically independent, membership based, volunteer driven, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to lead and serve the London business community. We work hard on behalf of members, offering insightful and meaningful policy contributions, leading initiatives that positively influence London's social and economic landscape.

Please contact us on our website or using the contact form below to learn more about how we can provide support during COVID-19.

About London Small Business Centre

The London Small Business Centre is a not-for-profit organization that provides training and support to starting and growing businesses. From concept, through start-up and early growth stages, the Centre is a one-stop source for information, guidance and professional advice on starting and running a successful business.

Please contact us on our website or using the contact form below to learn more about how we can provide support during COVID-19.

London Business COVID-19 Portal

London Business COVID-19 Portal

Welcome to the London Business COVID-19 Portal

Open for Business

New Funding Programs

Economic Relief

Federal

Provincial

Local

Local Business Supports

Support Local Businesses

Can Your Business Help?

Health & Safety Resources

Webinars & Courses

On-Demand Webinars

On-Demand Webinars

Helpful Articles & Resources

About Us

Contact Us

Connect with LEDC, London Chamber & SBC London