This is a challenging time for small business and we will continue to update you with useful resources. Please take Care and be safe.

Useful Links

• City of Toronto COVID-19: Business & Sector Resources

• Canada’s COVID-19 Support for businesses

• Ontario COVID-19: Help for businesses

• TABIA (Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas) has put a comprehensive site together for small businesses during this crisis.

• The Toronto Board of Trade in partnership with the City of Toronto have this site to answer your questions.

• Toronto Police frequently asked questions about Covid-19

• Digital Main Street Programs for Small Businesses

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

To help assist employers across the community keep and re-hire employees our Government has created the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Applications opened on April 27, 2020 and employers across the country can now apply. 

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)

On October 9, the government proposed the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to provide direct relief to businesses, non-profits, and charities that continue to be economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new rent subsidy would be available retroactive to September 27, 2020, until June 2021. 

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

Originally launched on April 9, 2020, CEBA is intended to support businesses by providing financing for their expenses that cannot be avoided or deferred as they take steps to safely navigate a period of shutdown, thereby helping to position businesses for successful relaunch when the economy reopens.

This $55 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits.

Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000).

As of October 26, 2020, eligibility for CEBA has expanded by removing the previous March 1, 2020, condition for having an active business chequing/operating account. With this removal, eligible businesses can now apply after opening a business chequing/operating account with their primary financial institution. 

CEBA is available from more than 220 financial institutions across the country. Visit our complete list of financial institutions that currently offer CEBA.

All applications are administered through your financial institution.  For more information go to CEBA

ShopHERE program gets local businesses and artists selling online fast

ShopHERE, free, quick and easy initiative is helping Toronto’s independent businesses and artists build and promote their very own Shopify online stores in a matter of days. The City program brings together over 100 volunteer web developers, business students and corporate partners to provide one-on-one support with set-up, optimizing and marketing their online stores. 

Crossroads of the Danforth BIA Office

Phone: 416-693-8300
Email: info@crossroadsbia.ca