Small Business Financial Help
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Canadian government and Ontario government have announced financial assistance programs for individuals and businesses, including farm businesses as well.
Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Quarantine Assistance Program -The federal government announced $50 million to help farmers, fish harvesters, and all food production and processing employers with temporary foreign workers (TFWs). This will help with the costs associated with the measures necessary to follow the mandatory 14-day isolation period required of all workers arriving from abroad. Up to $1,500 per TFW will be provided to employers or those working with them to ensure isolation protocols are fully met.
Who is eligible: Employers with TFWs who are following the guidelines laid out by the government and who’s TFWs are following the upon-arrival 14-day isolation protocol.
How to apply: Application details will be released soon.
Canada’s $5 billion increase to Farm Credit Canada’s lending capacity – Farm Credit Canda (FCC) received an enhancement to its capital base that will allow for an additional $5 billion in lending capacity. The measures will provide farmers and food processors with the financial flexibility during these challenging times.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) – This benefit is to support businesses and help them keep their employees. This benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of COVID-19.
Who is eligible: People who have stopped working because of reasons related to COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020.
Economic Development Canada FAQ’s: What Canadian Exporters need to know about COVID-19 – Export Development Canada is there to help Canadian businesses.
Ontario Federation of Agriculture – Access to updates, resources and announcements on COVID-19. Information and resource page is constantly updated with new and current information.