Government Revives Canada United Small Business Relief Fund with $12M Investment
As of October 26, 2020, the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund is opening a second intake period for applications from small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) of any industry located across the country. Established earlier this year, the program offers eligible businesses with pandemic support in the form of non-repayable grants of up to $5,000.
“By teaming up with the Canada United campaign, our government is able to give yet another lifeline for small businesses during Small Business Week. On the road to economic recovery, we will continue to do whatever it takes to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in every corner of the country.”
– Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade.
To support SMEs throughout the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund provides businesses with grants to cover expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE), renovations required for physical space guidelines, and for developing and/or improving e-commerce capabilities.
Government of Canada Invests Additional $12M Funding
Last week, the federal government announced an additional $12 million contribution to the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund in an ongoing effort to ease the burdens that small businesses across the country are facing. When it comes to fighting through this pandemic, every dollar, every additional customer, and every support program can truly make a difference.
“Canada United was created to kick-start an economic rebound by rallying consumers to give local businesses the support they need to re-open during these uncertain times. By bringing together government, business associations, and corporate Canada, we are looking to start a movement to get Canadians to buy local and support businesses across the country.”
– Neil McLaughlin, Group Head, Personal & Commercial Banking, Royal Bank of Canada.
Canada United continues to encourage support for local businesses from everyday Canadians and Corporate Canada to hasten the recovery of local economies and small businesses.
Learn About the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund
The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund is managed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national chamber network in support of other chambers and partners to help Canadian SMEs with their recovery efforts as a result of the pandemic.
“Small businesses are cornerstones of our local economies and key to thriving communities—creating jobs, driving innovation, and generating wealth for Canadians. Local businesses have always been there for us and now need our support more than ever.”
– Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
A relief grant may be accepted for any of the following eligible activities:
- Purchasing PPE such as masks, face shields, and latex gloves.
- Renovating physical space to adhere to local, provincial, or federal reopening guidelines.
- Developing or improving e-commerce capabilities for your business.
Successful applicants will receive a relief grant of up to $5,000. The program intends to support local businesses of all kinds from across the country.
The new intake period to apply for Canada United Small Business Relief Fund grants is open from October 26, 2020 until all funding has been allocated.
Eligibility Criteria:
- One application per ownership group;
- Small to medium-sized (SME) companies from all sectors and all regions of Canada;
- Both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations are eligible. Government organizations and municipalities are not eligible to apply;
- Be incorporated and operating as a business in Canada as of March 1, 2020;
- Have no more than 1-75 employees;
- Have minimum annual sales of $200,000 and not more than $3,000,000 (based on 2019 fiscal year annual sales);
- Have $2,000,000 of commercial general liability insurance that includes products and completed operations;
- Must not be receiving any other contributions from public funds towards the activities contained in the funding application;
- Be in full compliance with all government laws and regulations; and
- Must continue in operation after September 1, 2020.
Apply for Canadian Small Business Government Grants
To apply for non-repayable grant funding up to $5,000 from the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund, please visit the official application page as soon as possible.
For additional funding, women-led businesses located in southern Ontario can receive up to a $5,000 non-repayable grant to help rebuild, reopen, and revive their business operations through FedDev Ontario’s RRRF RE3 program. We also recommend Canadian SMEs look into the Digital Main Street Transformation Grant Program for training and guidance grants up to $2,500.
If you are interested in other government funding programs to support your business in recovery, innovation, or economic growth, please contact a member of the Mentor Works team, sign up for our Weekly Funding Newsletter, or visit our COVID19 Support Page.
