UPDATE – 2020-04-16
This resource page has now been transitioned across to our new B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service website. We will no longer be making any updates to this page, so please see the latest updates at covid.smallbusinessbc.ca or clicking the button below.
The immediate impacts of COVID-19 are being felt by businesses across British Columbia. As entrepreneurs try to figure out their own unique path forward, we’ve gathered the latest resources to help prepare small businesses to get through this challenging time.
This blog was last updated April 16th at 09:30am.
Latest Updates: April 16th
Small Business BC Launches B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service – April 16th, 09:30am
Working alongside our partners at the B.C. government, and Government of Canada, Small Business BC has launched the B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service. This one-stop resource has been created to answer questions about supports available to businesses from the provincial and federal governments, industry and community partners.
The Support Service will be operated by Small Business BC and advisors are available Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm (Pacific time) and Saturday from 10am to 4pm at 1-833-254-4357. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected], or raised on our live-chat feature available at covid.smallbusinessbc.ca.
Prime Minister Announces Expanded Access to CERB – April 15th, 10:25am
To help more Canadians benefit from the CERB, the government will be changing the eligibility rules to:
- Allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB.
- Extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their usual seasonal work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Extend the CERB to workers who recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job or return to work because of COVID-19.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Receives Royal Assent – April 14th, 9:55am
The Government of Canada’s Emergency Wage Subsidy support is a step closer to reality after receiving Royal Assent over the weekend. More details of the program are expected to be released in the coming days.
Canada Emergency Business Account Opens for Applications – April 9th, 2:20pm
The Government of Canada is committed to taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of their COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, they have created the Canada Emergency Business Account, which is now open for applications. Click the link above to find out eligibility criteria, and how to apply through your financial institution.
Applications Open for BC Temporary Rental Supplement – April 9th, 1:25pm
Renters who are experiencing a loss of income during the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for the Province’s new temporary rental supplement.
The program will provide $300 per month for eligible households with no dependents and $500 per month for eligible households with dependents. Eligible roommates will each be able to apply for the supplement.
Province of BC: New Virtual Mental Health Supports on the Way – April 9th, 12:00pm
To ensure British Columbians have increased access to vital mental health supports during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Province has announced $5 million to expand existing mental health programs and services and launch new services to support British Columbians.
“If you are feeling anxious, stressed, depressed or disconnected because of COVID-19, I want you to know that you are not alone,” said Premier John Horgan. “Our government is working to give you more options for mental health support as we all stay home to prevent the spread of this virus.”
