COVID 19 - Support for your Business - Invest Brampton | City of Brampton Economic Development Office

The City of Brampton is committed to supporting businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As always, the Brampton Economic Development and Culture Office, including the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre team, are available to support our business community.

Although City of Brampton facilities are closed, the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre services are still available virtually. Whether your business is getting ready to reopen, or you’re pivoting operations to service the new COVID economy, we are here to help. We’ve got the tools and resources you need. Find out more here Brampton Back to Business

Sector Managers are working closely with our business community to understand how they are being impacted and how we can support them. Our team is here to help.

Innovation & Technology – Devin Ramphal devin.ramphal@brampton.ca
Advanced Manufacturing – Daryl VanMoorsel daryl.vanmoorsel@brampton.ca
Life Sciences and Food & Beverage Processing – Martin Bohl martin.bohl@brampton.ca
Tourism Office – Laura Lukaski, Manager of Tourism laura.lukasik@brampton.ca
Film Office – Michael Ciuffini, Film & Tourism Specialist michael.ciuffini@brampton.ca

RECENT NEWS AND UPDATES

City of Brampton responds to COVID-19

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is immediately declaring a third provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA).

Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a province-wide Stay-at-Home order requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely.

In addition, the province is strengthening public health and workplace safety measures for non-essential retail under the provincewide emergency brake. The measures include, but are not limited to:

Limiting the majority of non-essential retailers to only operate for curbside pick-up and delivery;
Restricting access to shopping malls to limited specified purposes; and
Restricting discount and big box stores in-person retail sales to essential goods.

More measures and details are available in the official news release.

The City of Brampton is working hard to protect the health and wellbeing of our community. Learn more

Calculating capacity limits
The Retail Council of Canada has developed a tool to help you calculate your store capacity during the COVID-19 restrictions. Access the store capacity calculator.

Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open

For more information on the Grey-Lockdown Level in Brampton – Click Here

Ontario Building on Supports for Employers During COVID-19
New Ontario Small Business Support Grant to Provide
up to $20,000 for Eligible Businesses –Read more

Additional Supports Available for Businesses Affected by COVID-19 Public Health Measures

On November 16, applications will open for the Main Street Relief Grant to help eligible small businesses with 2-9 employees with the cost of PPE.
Find out if your business is eligible

Applications Open for Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy
This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.
Find out if your business is eligible

Get help with COVID-19 costs
Businesses in modified Stage 2 regions (control or lockdown) can apply for rebates to help with fixed costs, such as property tax and energy bills.
Find out if your business is eligible

Keeping businesses and workplaces safe during COVID Find out more

Businesses should review sector-specific guidance and find out what can open before reopening to understand how to protect workers, customers and the general public from COVID-19.

Refer to the province’s step-by-step template on how to develop a COVID-19 safety plan specific to your workplace.

Businesses should put measures in place to reduce the risk of workplace exposure of COVID-19. Measures include increasing physical distancing, adjusting work spaces, changing how we work, using PPE, and following hygiene and cleaning practices.

Brampton Mandatory Mask or Face Covering By-law

Starting Friday, July 10, non-medical masks or face coverings will be required in all indoor public spaces in Brampton. This by-law will remain in effect until 12:01 am on October 1, 2020. This means that, with a few exceptions, all customers or visitors entering a public indoor premise in Brampton are required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering.

Information and Resources for Businesses

Peel Response to Provincial COVID-19 New Grey-Lockdown Measures – Questions & Answers

Peel Region Coronavirus Business Resources

Province of Ontario: Framework for Reopening

A Framework for Reopening our Province lays out the government’s approach to the next chapter in the ongoing fight to defeat COVID 19. It outlines the principles the government will use to reopening businesses, services and public spaces in gradual stages.

Learn More

Province of Ontario: Sector Specific Industry Guidelines & Resources

Ontario is releasing safety guidelines to protect workers, customers and the general public from COVID-19 as it prepares for a gradual reopening of the provincial economy.

Learn More

Region of Peel: Helping businesses and workplaces reopen safely

Learn More

Province of Ontario: List of Essential Workplaces

Read the list of essential workplaces in response to COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus). If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, click learn more or call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

Learn More

News & Announcements

Federal: CANADA | Regional Relief and Recovery Fund – Program Guidelines

CANADA | The Prime Minister announces the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy

CANADA | The Prime Minister announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide direct support to Canadian workers and businesses.

CANADA | Canada Emergency Response Benefit | The Government of Canada providing immediate benefits to help protect Canadian workers and businesses from the global impacts of COVID-19. Starting April 6, you can apply online. 
Provincial: ONTARIO | Ontario Moving Toronto and Peel Region into Stage 2

ONTARIO | Further Eases Restrictions on Retail Stores and Essential Construction

ONTARIO | Ontario Helps Manufacturers Ramp Up Production of Personal Protective Equipment

ONTARIO | New Workplace Safety Guidelines to Help Business Adapt the New Environment

ONTARIO | Ontario’s Plan to Reopen the Province

ONTARIO | Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 | The Ontario government will provide $17 billion in additional resources to ensure our health care system, communities and economy are well positioned.

ONTARIO | Ontario Enabling Financial Relief for Businesses | The Ontario Government is enabling $1.9 billion in relief for employers to reduce financial strain during COVID-19. Allow insurance premium payment deferrals for six months.

ONTARIO | Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, the Ontario government is ordering at-risk workplaces to close-down at 11:50 pm on March 24, while encouraging businesses to explore opportunities to continue operations through the work-from-home models. Ontario Closing At-Risk Workplaces to Protect Health and Safety | See List of essential workplaces | Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659

ONTARIO | The Province of Ontario announced steps to protect workers who take leave from work. Learn more about the proposed job protection legislation here.

Government Financial Support Programs & Funding Resources

Latest Government Supports and Information

Announcement | Ontario Frontline Business Support | Temporary Rule and Regulation Change to help Respond to COVID -19
Announcement | Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy
Announcement | Ontario Provides Relief for Small Businesses and Landlords
Announcement | Ontario Joins forces with the Private Sector. New $50 million Ontario Together Fund to support the development of essential equipment and supplies.
Announcement | To support Ontarians through the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, the Government of Ontario is providing immediate electricity rate relief for families, small businesses and farms paying time-of-use rates.
Announcement | The Canadian Government announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
Canada’s Regional Development Agencies | What they are doing to help business during the COVID-19 pandemic (PDF)

Available Funding, Resources and Best Practices

Ontario | New Tool to Support Trucking Industry
Ontario Temporary Business Rules and Regulation Changes to Respond to COVID-19
Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy
Small Business and Landlord Relief
Economic Resources for Canadian Businesses
Futurpreneur Canada | National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) | $270 million for innovators and start-ups
Community Futures Network of Canada | $962 million for regional development and small businesses
FAQ’s | For Canadian Businesses and Workers Impacted by COVID-19
Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) | Providing businesses the tools they need during COVID-19
New Wage Subsidies Available | A 75% wage subsidy for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, to help businesses keep and return workers to the payroll.
The Canada Emergency Business Account | A new loan program that will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover operating costs temporarily.
City of Brampton provides a tax deferral and waives penalties for 5 months
Facebook Small Business Grants Program | Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries.
Wage Subsidy | Eligible small employers will receive a wage subsidy for a period of three months. This is equal to 10% of the remuneration paid during that period, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.
Defer Tax Filing | Businesses can defer the payment of any income tax amounts before September 2020.
Emergency Care Benefit | Up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks for workers who need to stay home due to illness, parents who need to take care of children, or those taking care of a sick family member.
Small Business Loan | Low-interest loans up to $100,000 if your business has been generating revenues for at least 24 months.
Purchase Order Financing | Cover up to 90% of the purchase order amount to ease cash flow to your suppliers.
Work-Sharing Program | Worksharing is an adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in normal business levels.
EDC | Export Development Canada | Under the federal government’s new Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP), Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) can now provide more than $10 billion of additional financing to customers facing economic challenges caused by COVID-19.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) |Small Business Help Centre – COVID19
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources and Funding
NGen announced $50 million in Supercluster funding to support companies responding to the COVID-19 by building a Canadian supply of essential equipment and products.
The Canadian Franchise Association | Resources for Dealing with COVID-19
Restaurants Canada | Food Services & Operators Updates and Resources
What Canadian Exporters Need to Know about COVID-19
Shopify Capital Canada |Launches in Canada providing cash advances to online merchants.

Health and Safety in the Workplace

Infection Prevention Resources

We remind businesses to put in place protocols for physical distancing and regular hand-washing in order to protect the health and safety of employees and the general public. Infection prevention resources are available from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Peel Public Health. The following are downloadable PDF files for your workplace:

New Workplace Safety Guidelines to help Businesses Adapt to the New Environment
Safe Work Playbook
Region of Peel | Health and Safety in the Workplace | Prevention Cleaning and Resources (printable PDF)
Mask Use Fact Sheet
Stay at Home Poster | Version 1 or Version 2
Guidance for Food Premises | Best Practices Sheet
Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace
What is an employee tests positive?

Public Health Ontario has guidance on hygiene, disinfection and cleaning procedures in public settings.

Mental Health – Resources for dealing with COVID-19
Mental Health @ Work

More information related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and infection prevention practices can be found here.

Tools

Retail Council of Canada | Retail Re-entry Resources for Employees and Customers

Guides & Plans

Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN)

In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce established the Canadian Business Resilience Network to help Canadian businesses navigate the COVID-19 reality and prepare for recovery. To learn more, click here.

Business Credit Availability Program

Business Credit Availability Program | Through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC). To learn more, click here.

BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada)

BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) for either a Small Business Loan, Working Capital Loan, or Purchase Order Financing. To learn more, click here.

Employment Insurance (EI) and Work-Sharing Program

Employment Insurance (EI) and Work-Sharing program from Employment and Social Development Canada (including temporary special measures), please click here.

Canadian Business Resilience Network

Tool Kit for Opening Canada’s Economy

Mayor’s Economic Support Task Force

Learn More: To learn more about the Mayor’s COVID-19 Economic Support Task Force, click here.
Upcoming Economic Support Task Force Tele Town Halls: Small Business Tele Town Hall | April 17 at 2:25pm
Listen to Past Economic Support Tele Town Halls: Small Business Tele Town Hall | April 17 Recording

Restaurant Tele Town Hall | April 6 Recording

Small Business Tele Town Hall | March 30 Recording

Call for Suppliers & Innovative Ideas

Are You an Ontario Business That Can Assist?

Reach out to the Ontario government if your business or organization can help communities withstand the pandemic and you have a solution for:

Virtual mental health services for people who are vulnerable or living in remote communities
Supply chain resiliency monitoring
Financial planning and advising for small businesses that can be delivered online at low-cost including advice about relief programs and how to apply. Ontario Together: here

Share Your Solution | Share Ideas to Help

Williams Osler Drive for #HealthcareHeros – Osler is requesting donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) from the community to help ensure we have adequate supplies over the coming weeks. Here’s how you can help

Keeping Food on the Table During COVID-19 | Ontario’s new online portal connecting employers to jobs

Companies Hiring in Brampton

Learn More

Brampton Companies Hiring as a response to the high demand during COVID-19

Webinars/ Events and Training

Brampton Entrepreneur Centre: Small Business Virtual Webinars and Events
BDC Experts and the challenges facing Canadian Businesses: How to cope with the impacts of COVID-19
CFIB Weekly Webinar: Helping Businesses Cope with COVID-19

Support Local Business

Looking to Support Local Brampton Businesses During COVID-19?: Support Local Brampton Campaign | Find out how you can help

The Downtown Brampton BIA has prepared a list of online shopping options and revised hours. Learn More.

The Brampton Board of Trade is working diligently to advocate for and support businesses throughout Brampton during this time. BBOT is also engaged in the Mayor’s Economic Support Task Force?. For additional resources Learn More.

Brampton Restaurants Providing Takeout and Delivery

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COVID 19 – Support for your Business

RECENT NEWS AND UPDATES

News & Announcements

Government Financial Support Programs & Funding Resources

Health and Safety in the Workplace

Tools

Mayor’s Economic Support Task Force

Call for Suppliers & Innovative Ideas

Companies Hiring in Brampton

Webinars/ Events and Training

Support Local Business