Small Business BC Support
For the latest information on small business supports, resources and advisory services during COVID-19, please visit Small Business BC. Advisors are ready to help by phone at 1-800-667-2272, email and daily digital meetups.
See how COVID-19 impacts group benefits coverage.
Supports For Small Business
Governments and the private sector are providing a wide range of supports for small businesses in British Columbia affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan, the B.C. government is providing an additional $5 billion in income supports, tax relief and funding for people, businesses and services in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Please visit the links below for the most up-to-date information.
Need Access to Credit and Financing?
Government of Canada
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
CEBA will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to eligible small businesses. To qualify, small businesses will need to demonstrate they paid between $50,000 to $1 million in total payroll in 2019. Repaying the loan on or before December 31, 2022, will result in loan forgiveness of 25% (up to $10,000). The CEBA will be implemented by eligible financial institutions in cooperation with Export Development Canada.
Business Development Bank of Canada
Loans and Support from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Through the $10 billion Federal government Business Credit Availability Program, BDC has made available working capital loans of up to $2 million, postponement of payments and reduced rates on new eligible loans.
A new Co-Lending Program will bring BDC together with financial institutions to co-lend term loans to small and medium enterprises for their operational cash flow requirements. Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts up to $6.25 million under this new program.
Export Development Canada
Enhanced Financing through Export Development Canada (EDC)
Through the $10 billion Federal government Business Credit Availability Program, EDC has enhanced financing and insurance programs to ensure that impacted exporters have access to the credit and support they need.
EDC will guarantee new operating credit and cash flow term loans that financial institutions extend to small and medium enterprises, up to $6.25 million.
Farm Credit Canada
Financing Products through Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
Through an additional $5 billion received from the Federal government, FCC is offering loan payment deferrals and other financing products to the agriculture and food industry.
Financial Institutions
Speak to your Lender
Canada’s largest financial institutions (BMO, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC, Scotiabank, and TD Bank), as well as some credit unions like Vancity, are committed to working with small business banking customers on a case-by-case basis to provide flexible financing solutions.
Small businesses operating in rural communities may also check with their local Community Futures office for emergency loans and business advice.
Small Business BC
Resource: ‘Financing Options for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19’
Small Business BC has compiled an on-going list of financial supports for businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Need help paying your employees?
Government of Canada
Temporary Wage Subsidy Program
A 75% wage subsidy will be available to qualified businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020. This will help businesses to keep and return workers to the payroll. More details on eligibility criteria will start with the impact of COVID-19 on sales and will be shared before the end of the month.
Need help with taxes?
Government of Canada
Federal Business Taxes
General Sales Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) remittances and customs duty payments are deferred to June 30, 2020.
Income Tax: The Federal government is allowing all businesses to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18, 2020, and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as installments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act.
No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period. For self- employed individuals or those who have spouses or common-law partners that are self- employed, the deadline to pay any balance due for your individual federal income tax and benefit return has been extended from April 30, 2020, to September 1, 2020.
B.C COVID-19 Action Plan
Provincial Business Taxes
Businesses with a payroll of over $500,000 can defer their employer health tax payments until Sept. 30, 2020. Businesses with a payroll under this threshold are already exempt from the tax.
Provincial business tax filing and payment deadlines have also been extended until Sept. 30, 2020, for:
- provincial sales tax (PST);
- municipal and regional district tax;
- tobacco tax;
- motor fuel tax; and
- carbon tax.
The scheduled April 1, 2020 increase to the provincial carbon tax, as well as the new PST registration requirements on e-commerce and the implementation of PST on sweetened carbonated drinks, will be delayed with timing to be reviewed by Sept. 30, 2020.
B.C. COVID-19 Action Plan
B.C. Relief for Commerical Property Owners and Tenants
Business and light and major industrial property classes will see their school property tax cut in half for the 2020 tax year, providing $500 million in relief for the business that owns their property and for tenants on triple-net leases.
Looking for ways to pivot your business operations?
Government of Canada
Help Canada Combat COVID-19
Businesses are asked to contact the Government of Canada if they can supply products and services, or rapidly scale up production or re-tool their manufacturing lines to develop products made in Canada, that that will help in the fight against COVID-19.
Government of British Columbia
B.C. Restaurant Alcohol Delivery
Licensed restaurants are now temporarily allowed to use servers with a Serving it Right certificate to deliver liquor products alongside the purchase of a meal.
Government of British Columbia
Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Manufacturing
Distillers in British Columbia are temporarily authorized to manufacture alcohol-based hand sanitizers to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government of British Columbia
B.C. Farmers’ Markets Online
The B.C. government is providing $55,000 to the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, to help member markets move to an online model to continue providing consumers with locally grown and prepared food products.
Small Business B.C.
Resource: ‘Managing and Pivoting During a Time of Crisis’
Small Business BC provides practical ideas and inspiration to help you manage your business through this uniquely challenging time.
Other supports and resources available to small businesses
B.C. COVID-19 Action Plan
B.C. Longer-Term Economic Plan
$1.5 billion in provincial funding will support economic stimulus once the pandemic has passed. The BC government is working in partnership with the business and labour sectors to develop a long-term plan for economic recovery.
B.C. Hydro
B.C. Hydro COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program
BC Hydro is providing residential and commercial customers with the option to defer bill payments or arrange flexible payment plans with no penalty. Customers are encouraged to call BC Hydro at 1-800-224-9376 to discuss options.
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
ICBC Commercial Insurance
ICBC customers on a monthly Autoplan payment plan, who are facing financial challenges due to COVID-19, can defer their payment for up to 90 days with no penalty. Apply online or call 1-800-665-6442.
Government of British Columbia
Understanding Changes to the Employment Standards Act
In response to COVID-19, the Employment Standards Act has been updated to provide new unpaid, job-protected leave for British Columbians unable to work due to personal illness, injury or specified reasons relating to COVID-19.
Private Sector Organizations
Other Goodwill Supports
Private sector organizations such as Facebook are offering cash grants and other supports to help small businesses through difficult times.
Supports for Workers, Individuals, and Families
Governments are providing supports directly to workers, individuals, and families facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Employers are encouraged to inform their workers of the supports available to them.
Have you been impacted by COVID-19?
Government of Canada
Enhancements of Employment Insurance (EI)
The Federal government has waived the one-week waiting period for individuals in imposed quarantine that claim EI sickness benefits. The requirement to provide a medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits has also been waived.
There have been some revisions to EI for 2020. Click here to read more.
Government of Canada
EI Work Sharing Program
For Canadians who lose their jobs or face reduced hours as a result of COVID’s impact, this program provides EI benefits to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours as a result of developments beyond the control of their employers. The eligibility of such agreements has been extended to 76 weeks, eligibility requirements have been eased, and the application process has been streamlined.
Government of Canada
Canada Emergency Response Benefit
(Previously called the Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit)
The Federal government will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months to:
- workers who must stop working due to COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
- workers who are sick, quarantined or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
- working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
- workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
- wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.
Application details will be available through My CRA and My Service Canada, beginning the first week of April.
B.C. COVID-19 Action Plan
Emergency Benefit for Workers
Provides a tax-free $1,000 payment to British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected by the outbreak. The benefit will be a one-time payment for British Columbians who receive federal Employment Insurance (EI), or the new federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit as a result of COVID-19 impacts. This includes workers who have been laid-off, who are sick or quarantined, parents with sick children, parents who stay at home from work while child care centers and schools are closed, and those caring for sick family members, such as an elderly parent. The workers can be EI-eligible and non-EI eligible, such as the self-employed. The benefit will be paid to B.C. residents, in addition to their federal income supports.
B.C. COVID-19 Action Plan
Enhanced Climate Action Tax Credit
In July 2020, eligible families of four will receive up to $564 and eligible individuals will receive up to $218 in an enhanced payment. This boosts the regular climate action tax credit payment of up to $112.50 per family of four and up to $43.50 per adult.
Government of Canada
Enhanced Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The maximum annual CCB payment amounts will be increased, only for the 2019-20 benefit year, by $300 per child. The overall increase for families receiving CCB will be approximately $550 on average; these families will receive an extra $300 per child as part of their May payment.
Government of Canada
Enhanced Goods and Services Tax Credit (GSTC)
A one-time special payment by early May 2020 through the GSTC for individuals who file their income tax and benefit return before June 1, 2020. This will double the maximum annual GSTC payment amounts for the 2019-20 benefit year. The average boost to income for those benefitting from this measure will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples.
Government of Canada
Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) & Registered Pension Plans (RPPs)
Required minimum withdrawals from RRIFs will be reduced by 25% for 2020, in recognition of volatile market conditions and their impact on many seniors’ retirement savings. This will provide flexibility to seniors that are concerned that they may be required to liquidate their RRIF assets to meet minimum withdrawal requirements. Similar rules would apply to individuals receiving variable benefit payments under a defined contribution RPP.
Government of Canada
Mortgage and Credit Product Assistance
The federal government, through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), is providing increased flexibility for homeowners facing financial difficulties to defer mortgage payments on homeowner CMHC-insured mortgage loans. CMHC will permit lenders to allow payment deferral beginning immediately.
Financial Institutions
Speak to you Lender
Canada’s largest financial institutions (BMO, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC, Scotiabank, and TD Bank), as well as some credit unions like Vancity, are committed to working with personal and small business banking customers on a case-by-case basis to provide flexible solutions. Support will include up to a six-month payment deferral for mortgages, and the opportunity for relief on other credit products.
B.C. COVID-19 Action Plan
Support for Renters and People Experiencing Homelessness
In response to the pandemic and resulting financial stress, B.C. has increased funding for housing supports and is working to ensure people can maintain their housing in the event of job or income loss.
The B.C. government is providing temporary relief for renters of up to $500/month for 4 months through BC Housing, imposing a moratorium on evictions (with some exceptions) while B.C.’s emergency order is in place, and placing a freeze on new annual rent increases by landlords. Benefiting people with low to moderate incomes, the temporary rent
supplement will be available to renters who are facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis but do not qualify for existing rental assistance programs.
B.C. Rent Bank
Rent Bank Programs
For renters in some parts of the province, it is possible to receive emergency help for rent payments and one-time interest-free loans.
Government of Canada
Canada Student Loan Assistance
The Federal government is placing a six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans for all individuals currently in the process of repaying these loans.
B.C. COVID-19 Action Plan
B.C. Student Loan Assistance
Starting March 30, 2020, the BC government is freezing B.C. student loan payments for six months.
Government of Canada
Tax Filing Deadline for Individuals Extended
The deadline for individuals to file income tax and benefit returns has been deferred until June 1, 2020. The deadline to pay any balance due for individual income tax and benefit returns for 2019 has been extended from April 30, 2020, to September 1, 2020. This means individuals will not be assessed any penalties or interest if the balance due is paid by September 1, 2020.
Government of Canada
Support for Indigenous Communities
Indigenous Services Canada is working closely with First Nation partners to protect the health and safety of First Nations and support First Nations communities in responding to the public health crisis resulting from COVID-19.
B.C. Hydro
Support for B.C. Hydro Communities
BC Hydro customers have the option to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty. Residential customers facing temporary financial hardship and possible disconnection of their service due to job loss, illness, or loss of a family member may be eligible for BC Hydro’s Customer Crisis Fund, which provides access to grants of up to $600 to pay bills.
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
Support for ICBC Customers
ICBC customers on a monthly Autoplan payment plan, who are facing financial challenges due to COVID-19, can defer their payment for up to 90 days with no penalty. Apply online or call 1-800-665-6442.
Government of Canada
Emergency Travel Assistance
Global Affairs Canada is establishing an emergency loan program of $5,000 to help Canadians who need immediate financial assistance to return to Canada. Canadians abroad who need urgent assistance can email [email protected].
B.C. COVID-19 Action Plan
Support for Parents with Children in Child Care
The BC government has taken steps to support the child care sector while ensuring parents who must work during the COVID-19 pandemic continue to have access to child care.
Municipalities and Service Providers
Other Supports
Some municipalities and service providers are announcing adjustments day by day. Look online to see if supports like these are available in your community:
- Deferred municipal utility payments
- Waived local transit fares
- Payment and international roaming options from your telecommunications provider
- Freezing or refunding membership fees at facilities such as gyms
This listing of supports may not be comprehensive and is subject to change. Please contact support providers directly for eligibility and application details.
