COVID-19 Programs and Measures – NPOs

Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)

Government of Canada

If you have a Canadian business with a viable commercial model, you could receive a financial aid from the federal government to weather the crisis.

The Business credit availability program (BCAP) includes:

The BCAP will promote access to financing for businesses in every sector and region.

For more information, contact your financial institution.

Some conditions apply.

COVID-19 – Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund, put in place by CED in Quebec, is designed to inject $62.5 million into businesses in the fishing, aquaculture and processing sectors.

The Fund has four components:

Storage capacity;
Adaptation of businesses;
Automation;
Market development.

To apply:

If you are a CED client Contact the advisor assigned to your project at the business office for your region.
If you are not a CED client Select your administrative region to find the business office for your region.

Some conditions apply.

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

Ministère des Finances

The Canada Emergency Business Account will make $80,000 available to eligible Canadian businesses in the form of an interest-free loan.

Every business could receive up to $60,000 to pay operating costs during the crisis. This loan will be supplemented by a second loan of $20,000 for those who were more impacted by the pandemic.

Businesses should contact their financial institution to request the loan and show that they paid between $20,000 and $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019 or that they have non-deferrable expenses.

Repayment of the balance of the loan at the latest by December 31, 2022 will generate a writeoff of 25% of the loan, up to $10,000.

Businesses have until June 30, 2021 to apply.

For more details, the list of participating financial institutions and complet admission criteria, visit program's website.

Some conditions apply.

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - CMHC

Please note that this program has ended.
CMHC will contact Quebec property owners to inform them of the procedure to follow to receive the Quebec bonus refund.
You can now apply for the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS).

This assistance offers business owners that rent to small businesses a forgivable loan of 50% of the cost of rent provided they offer tenants a rent reduction of at least 75% for the months of April, May, June, July, August and September, 2020.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria:

Own a building with at least one small business tenant that is affected;
Conclude (or have concluded) a legally binding agreement to reduce rent for the months of April, May, June, July, August and September, 2020.

Owners can apply through a specially designed portal.

Some conditions apply.

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The CERS was implemented by the federal government to support eligible businesses, charitable organizations, and non-profit organizations during the pandemic.

The subsidy can cover up to 65% of eligible expenses and can be combined with an additional rent subsidy of 25%: the Lockdown Support. The hardest hit businesses will have access to a rent subsidy rate of up to 90%.

The two aid measures will be available until June 2020.

Some conditions apply.

Canada emergency wage subsidy

Government of Canada

The federal government will make available to eligible businesses a wage subsidy to cover up to 75% of salaries.

This subsidy, for a maximum period of six months, retroactive from March 15, 2020 until June, 2021 is designed to help businesses retain or rehire their employees.

Eligibility critirea for employers:

Being an eligible employer;
Having experienced an eligible reduction in revenue; and
Having had a CRA payroll account on March 15, 2020.

Calculate your subsidy amount here.

To view the changes made to the CEWS, click here.

Some conditions apply.

Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF)

Government of Canada

The ECSF provides financial aid to charitable and non-profit organizations to help them adapt and increase front-line services offered to vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications are being accepted and must be submitted by July 27, 2020 for activities taking place between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

For more information, consult the Applicant Guide.

Some conditions apply.

FCC Advancer

Farm Credit Canada

If you are a Canadian agri-food or agricultural entrepreneur with a growing operation, you could be eligible for an FCC Advancer.

Some of the benefits:

Funds readvanced with no paperwork;
Lower payments than with a regular loan;
Ability to set your own interest rate.

Loan features:

Renewable, pre-approved loan;
Open variable rate;
Ongoing re-advance of funds;
Ability to make only interest payments;
Guarantee negotiated in advance.

Some conditions apply.

FCC line of credit

Farm Credit Canada

If you are a Canadian agri-food or agricultural entrepreneur, you could have access to an FCC line of credit to meet your cash flow requirements.

Some of the benefits:

Release of funds and consultation of information through your online account;
Immediate access to working capital;
Loan renewal based on your production cycle.

Loan features:

Renewable, pre-approved loan;
Open variable rate;
Ongoing re-advance of funds;
Ability to make only interest payments;
Monthly statements;
No guarantee required.

Some conditions apply.

Purchase Order Financing

Business Development Bank of Canada

Do you want to take advantage of new business opportunities, but are short on cash? Receive financing for up to 90% of the purchase order.

Purchase order financing is the ideal solution for:

Accepting major contracts;
Preserving your line of credit and your working capital;
Extending your activities to national and international markets.

Advantages for your company:

Flexible terms adapted to the terms of the purchase order;
Payment in Canadian or American dollars;
Building trust with your clients and suppliers;
Peace of mind.

Conditions apply.

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The RRRF, managed by CED, is designed to help businesses and affected communities deal with the crisis and kick start their economic recovery.

The Fund makes it possible to:

Offer immediate mitigation measures for businesses that are in difficulty because of a lack of cash.
Prepare for post-COVID-19 through support focused on the economic recovery.

More than $280 million is available for eligible companies and organizations in Quebec.

For a complete description of the program, visit the SADC-CAE website.

Some conditions apply.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Employment and Social Development Canada

PLEASE NOTE!

BECAUSE OF THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19), CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THIS PROGRAM.

YOU CAN CONSULT THEM HERE.

Your business may be eligible to access a pool of foreign workers to hire on a temporary basis when Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not available.

You can hire workers under a variety of streams:

Skilled workers
Global talent / highly skilled workers
Workers in high wage or low wage positions
Agricultural workers
Academics

Fees and conditions apply.

Temporary wage subsidy for employers

Government of Canada

Take advantage of a wage subsidy equal to 10% of compensation paid from March 18, 2020 to June 20, 2020, up to $1,375 per employee and a maximum of $25,000 per employer.

Eligibility:

You are a or an:
- individual (excluding trusts);
- partnership;
- non-profit organization;
- registered charitable organization; or
- Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC) (including a cooperative corporation) eligible for the small business deduction.
You have a business number and a payroll program account with the Agency as of March 18, 2020;
You have paid a salary, stipend, bonuses or other compensation to an employee from March18 to June 19, 2020.

Some conditions apply.

Work sharing program – Temporary special measures in response to the slowdown in activities due to COVID-19

Government of Canada

During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Work-Sharing agreements fall under the COVID-19 temporary special measures. The Government of Canada has extended these measures to September 26, 2021. During the Special Measures, there are changes to this program and this page is not accurate at the moment.

Consult the Work-Sharing Program – COVID-19

Temporary special work sharing (WS) measures for workers and employers are in effect March 15, 2020 to March 14, 2021.

Eligibility:

You are experiencing a slowdown in commercial activities because of the global COVID-19 epidemic and have WS agreements:

Signed between March 15, 2020 and March 14, 2021;
That started or ended between March 15, 2020 and March 14, 2021;
That ended between June 23, 2019 and March 14, 2020 and that are in a mandatory waiting period.

applicant guide available here.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

Work sharing program – Temporary special measures in response to the slowdown of activities in the forestry sector due to COVID-19

Government of Canada

During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Work-Sharing agreements fall under the COVID-19 temporary special measures. The Government of Canada has extended these measures to September 26, 2021. During the Special Measures, there are changes to this program and this page is not accurate at the moment.

Consult the Work-Sharing Program – COVID-19

Temporary special work sharing (WS) measures for workers and employers in the forestry sector are in effect July 30, 2017 to March 28, 2020.

Eligibility:

Your company has been directly or indirectly affected by the slowdown in the forestry sector and you have:

Signed a work sharing agreement that ended between October 30, 2016 and July 29, 2017;
Entered into a work sharing agreement that was or will be signed between July 30, 2017 and March 28, 2020 (the date of the start of the agreement should be no later than March 29, 2020); or
Entered into a work sharing agreement that will start or end between July 30, 2017 and March 28, 2020.

Applicant guide available here.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

Work sharing program – Temporary special measures in response to the slowdown of activities in the steel and aluminium sector due to COVID-19

Government of Canada

During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Work-Sharing agreements fall under the COVID-19 temporary special measures. The Government of Canada has extended these measures to September 26, 2021. During the Special Measures, there are changes to this program and this page is not accurate at the moment.

Consult the Work-Sharing Program – COVID-19

Temporary special work sharing (WS) measures for workers and employers in the steel and aluminium sector are in effect August 19, 2018 to March 27, 2021.

Eligibility:

Your company has been directly or indirectly affected by the slowdown in the steel and aluminium sector and you have:

Signed a work sharing agreement that ended between November 25, 2017 and August 18, 2018;
Entered into a work sharing agreement that was or will be signed between August 19, 2018 and March 27, 2021 (the date of the start of the agreement should be no later than March 28, 2021); or
Entered into a work sharing agreement that will start or end between August 19, 2018 and March 27, 2021.

Applicant guide available here.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

Working Capital Loan

Business Development Bank of Canada

Get your operations back to their pre-pandemic level. Receive up to $2 million to cover your operational activities to increase sales, stimulate revenue growth or support your recovery plan.

Principal payments for this loan can be postponed for the first 12 months. Thereafter, they can be made according to a flexible schedule.

Eligibility requirements:

Your business has been impacted by COVID-19;
Your business was stable and financially viable prior to the pandemic;
You have a plan in place that demonstrates the effectiveness of this loan in adjusting your business;
The loan is for the maintenance or recovery of your business.

Conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

December 4, 2020 – Canada Emergency Business Account loans for eligible businesses will increase from $40,000 to $60,000. All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.

December 16, 2020 – New simplified home office claims process.

January 29, 2021 – Government of Canada introduces further restrictions on international travel.

February 4, 2021 – Government of Canada announces one-year ban for pleasure craft and cruise vessels.

February 9, 2021 – As of Feb. 15, non-essential travellers entering Canada at land border crossing will have to show a negative COVID-19 test from the previous 72 hours.

February 9, 2021 – Government of Canada addresses CERB repayments for self-employed individuals and announces interest relief on 2020 income tax debt due to COVID-19 related income support.

February 11, 2021 – Government of Canada to Invest $100 Million to Support Women Impacted by the Pandemic.

February 19, 2021 – Extension of the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) by 12 weeks to a maximum of 38 eligible weeks.
February 19, 2021 – Eligibility for the Canadian Sickness Benefit for Economic Recovery (CSBE) is being increased from two to four weeks.

March 3, 2021 – Continuation until June 5 of the Canada emergency wage subsidy, Canada emergency rent subsidy and lockdown support.

March 2, 2021 – Rollout of Funding Announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement Supporting Arts and Live Events Workers in Response to COVID-19.

March 18, 2021 – COVID-19: Up to another $44M to support Quebec businesses.

March 22, 2021 – The deadline for new applications to the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) has been extended to June 30, 2021.

April 14, 2021 – New pathway to permanent residency for over 90,000 essential temporary workers and international graduates.

April 19, 2021 – Budget 2021 Support for Small Business:
- Extension of Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support Beyond June 2021
- Extending the Canada Emergency Business Account
- Helping Hard-hit Businesses Hire More Workers
- Helping Small and Medium-sized Businesses Move into the Digital Age
- Supporting Business Investments
- Enhancing the Canada Small Business Financing Program
- Lowering the Cost of Doing Business by Reducing Credit Card Transaction Fees
- Removing Barriers to Internal Trade
- Supporting Jobs and Growth in All Communities
- Canada Community Revitalization Fund
April 20, 2021 – Restrictions for travelers from the U.S.A are extended until May 21, 2021.

April 22, 2021 – Commercial and private flights from India and Pakistan are suspended for 30 days. This measure could be extended beyond 30 days depending on the evolution of the situation.

Local investment fund (LIF)

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

WARNING!

A SIX-MONTH MORATORY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR THE REPAYMENT (CAPITAL AND INTEREST) OF THE LOANS ALREADY GRANTED BY THE INTERMEDIARY OF THE FLI. THIS MORATORY MAY BE EXTENDED BY SIX MONTHS FROM OCTOBRE 1ST, 2020.

If you are starting or expanding a business, you could be eligible for financing in the form of various types of loans or loan guarantees.

Loans can cover eligible expenses such as:

Capital expenditures
Technology acquisition
Working capital for operations

You could get an interest-free loan to help you acquire at least 25% of an existing rural business that you plan to take over.

CALQ emergency aid for artists and organizations

The CALQ has made available special support drawn from existing program budgets to address situations in the short term, such as cash flow problems to deliver essential services for the next month and difficulties faced by artists abroad who are incurring additional expenses to return to Quebec.

Emergency aid for artists supported by the CALQ

Download the form
Send an email

Emergency aid for organizations supported by the CALQ

Download the form (French only)
Send an email

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only) Form(s) (in French only)

COVID-19 aid fund

The CIDAL’s COVID-19 aid fund gives eligible businesses recourse to an interest-free loan to cover their working capital (cash flow).

The loan offers a moratorium of up to 12 months and covers only expenses related to the company’s working capital.

Eligible businesses:

Cooperatives;
Private enterprises;
Social economy enterprises.

Eligibility criteria:

At least two full-time direct jobs;
Cash flow deemed insufficient to handle the situation;
Be a Canadian citizen, have a registered, valid business number in Canada and be at least 18 years of age.

Analysis criteria:

Show that the company’s current situation and needs are caused by the effects of COVID-19;
Long-term viability.

Some conditions apply.

Concerted Temporary Action Program for Businesses (CTAPB)

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Eligible businesses, including cooperatives, non-profit organizations and social economy businesses engaged in commercial activities, could benefit from financial support of at least $50,000 in a loan and loan guarantee to make up for cash flow shortages related to COVID-19 due to:

a supply problem for raw materials or products;
the inability to deliver or a reduction in delivery capacity for products and services.

The main terms and processes for receiving this aid are presented on the Investissement Québec website.

Eligible companies that want more information or to avail themselves of this funding can call 1 844 474-6367 or the phone number for their regional office.

NOTE : A new component has been added to this program for companies in the red zone : ABRUMA

Some conditions apply.

Emergency aid for small and medium-sized businesses (COVID-19)

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

SMEs affected by COVID-19 that need under $50,000 in cash can benefit from this aid introduced by the Government of Quebec.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria:

Be operating in Quebec for at least one year;
Be temporarily closed, likely to close or show the warning signs of closing;
Be maintaining, consolidating or resuming activities.

The lack of cash flow must be caused by:

an inability or substantial reduction in the ability to deliver products or merchandise;
a procurement problem for raw materials or products.

NOTE: A new component has been added to this program for companies in the red zone: ABRUMA

Some conditions apply.

Financial aid program for festivals and tourist events – component 1: major festivals and tourist events

Tourisme Québec

PLEASE NOTE!

HERE (IN FRENCH ONLY) ARE THE DETAILS OF THIS FUNDING PROGRAM FOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

The first component of financial aid for festivals and tourist events is for organizers of major festivals and tourist events.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria:

Attract a significant number of tourists;
Have a proven economic impact;
Have eligible costs of $6 million or more.

Financial aid forms (annual or three-year agreement):

Financial aid for performance;
Financial aid for growth.

Some of the eligible costs:

Administration;
Programming;
Site management;
Promotion.

Registration period:

Festivals and events taking place between November 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021: one month in Spring 2020 (usually in June);
Festivals and events taking place between May 1 and October 31, 2021: one month in the fall of 2020 (usually in November).

The program expires on March 31, 2022.

Some conditions apply.

Financial aid program for festivals and tourist events – component 2: tourist festivals and events

Tourisme Québec

PLEASE NOTE!

HERE (IN FRENCH ONLY) ARE THE DETAILS OF THIS FUNDING PROGRAM FOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

The first component of financial aid for festivals and tourist events is for organizers of major festivals and tourist events.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria:

Attract a significant number of tourists;
Have a proven economic impact;
Have eligible costs of $6 million or more.

Financial aid forms (annual or three-year agreement):

Financial aid for performance;
Financial aid for growth.

Some of the eligible costs:

Administration;
Programming;
Site management;
Promotion.

Registration period:

Festivals and events taking place between November 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021: one month in Spring 2020 (usually in June);
Festivals and events taking place between May 1 and October 31, 2021: one month in the fall of 2020 (usually in November).

The program expires on March 31, 2022.

Some conditions apply.

Financial aid program for festivals and tourist events – component 3: innovation and opportunity

Tourisme Québec

PLEASE NOTE!

HERE (IN FRENCH ONLY) ARE THE DETAILS OF THIS FUNDING PROGRAM FOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

The third component of financial aid for festivals and tourist events is for organizers of innovative festivals and events that offer promising opportunities for promoting Quebec.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria:

Be developing the product;
Demonstrate the exceptional character of the project;
Be holding a one-time, non-recurring event;
Have eligible costs of $1 million or more.

Characteristics of the financial aid:

One-time, non-recurring;
Not exceed 25% of the cost of the project (maximum of $500,000).

Some of the eligible costs:

Administration;
Programming;
Site management;
Promotion.

Registration period:

Festivals and events taking place between November 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021: one month in Spring 2020 (usually in June);
Festivals and events taking place between May 1 and October 31, 2021: one month in the fall of 2020 (usually in November).

The program expires March 31, 2022.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Financing from the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec

The CDPQ is making available to Quebec companies affected by measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 additional financial aid of $4 billion.

To be eligible, businesses must meet the following criteria:

have been profitable before the start of the COVID-19 crisis;
have a promising outlook for growth in their sector;
be seeking financing of over $5 million.

Some conditions apply.

Joint loan program

Business Development Bank of Canada

Whether your business is directly or indirectly affected by the pandemic, it could receive between $1 million and $12.5 million in the form of a loan to meet its cash flow needs.

The loan is made jointly with participating banks.

Principal repayments on the loan can be deferred by 12 months.

Eligibility criteria:

Be a viable business pre-pandemic;
Meet your bank’s criteria.

Contact your primary financial institution to apply.

The loan is available until June 2021.

Some conditions apply.

Regional Tourism Partnership Agreement (EPRT)

The Government of Québec has renewed the 2016-2020 EPRT for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 to support tourism businesses suffering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to stimulate the economy of different regions through tourism benefits.

4 parts of the EPRT:

Support for tourism SMEs for the opening of the 2020 season (part 1)
Support for collective projects among tourism SMEs to adapt to the new health realities (part 2)
Support for development and structuring projects for the tourism offer (part 3)
Support for strategic downtown tourism businesses for Quebec tourism gateways (part 4)

Eligible businesses:

For-profit organizations;

NPOs;
Cooperatives;
Municipalities;
Indigenous communities, businesses, nations and organizations;
Sector, regional and representative tourism associations.

Financial aid, in the form of a non-repayable grant, varies by region and category of project.

For application dates, contact your regional tourism association. (In French only)

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Temporary aid program for music and variety show performances

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

This program is designed to compensate for revenue losses for artistic performances that were scheduled between October 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 and that have been cancelled or postponed because of government public safety guidelines.

Eligibility conditions:

Be a company legally constituted whose primary activities are presenting music and variety shows;
Have a head office and main place of business in Quebec.

For complete details about the program: Program Guide (French only)

Some conditions apply.

February 3, 2021 – COVID-19 – Additional support for businesses. (in French only)

February 11, 2021 – Investment of $65M to support the seed and start-up of innovative companies (in French only)

February 18, 2021 – Enhancement of the Concerted Temporary Action Program for Businesses (CTAPB): increase from $100,000 to $250,000 of the portion that will not have to be repaid of these loans granted to ski resorts, spas, hotels and other businesses in the tourism sector closed due to the pandemic. (in French only)

March 16, 2021 – Québec restaurant owners get a break with the unanimous adoption of the bill to limit meal delivery fees during a pandemic. (in French only)

March 18, 2021 – The compensation measure for the loss of ticketing revenues that could not be collected due to the public health guidelines will be extended until June 30, 2021.

March 19, 2021 – Vaccinating is winning – Vaccinating with companies is winning faster. (In French only)

March 25, 2021 – Budget 2021-2022

March 25, 2021 – Budget 2021-2022 – Less tax for SMEs. (in French only)

April 7, 2021 – Wearing a medical mask will become mandatory as of April 8, 2021, in all workplaces throughout Québec.

April 9, 2021 – COVID-19 - Additional aid to support businesses:
- Extension of the moratorium until September 1, 2021, for the repayment of principal and interest related to financial aid granted;
- Additional amount of up to $10,000 to compensate for the costs of closing a restaurant or training room. This additional support applies to AERAM-qualifying businesses and is intended to support establishments that had recently resumed operations but had to cease operations as a result of a re-closing order in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Additional support in the form of a non-repayable contribution of up to $45,000 for facilities that have been closed for more than 180 days, or $15,000 per month, for fixed costs incurred in the three months following the last month of eligibility under the closure. This additional contribution is in addition to non-repayable contributions from previous months, up to a maximum of 100% of the funding provided for businesses that have demonstrated cash flow needs;
- Addition of catering businesses to the restaurant category, with feedback available until January 1, 2021.
(Source: Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation, April 9, 2021 (in French only))

April 17, 2021 – The Québec-Ontario border will be closed as of April 19, 2021. See COVID-19 – Mesures relatives à la fermeture de la frontière avec l'Ontario (in French only).

April 22, 2021 – Beginning May 15, 2021, businesses that file an ABRUMA application may be eligible for loan forgiveness to cover fixed costs disbursed during the three months prior to the month of application, during the month of application, as well as during the months following. See more détails (in French only).

May 7, 2021 – Injection of an additional $3 million into SODEC's Aide aux initiatives innovantes program in of support recovery projects for cultural businesses.

May 11, 2021 – Special emergency measures update.

Call for proposals for NPOs that can provide technical support to businesses

The Ville de Montréal offers financing that covers up to 100% of project costs for NPOs that can help businesses overcome challenges related to COVID-19.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria:

Be an NPO legally constituted in Quebec or Canada;
Have a place of business within the Ville de Montréal’s territory;
Have respected previous commitments to the Ville de Montréal.

Non-exhaustive characteristics of the projects:

Offer immediate technical support related to COVID-19;
Have a large pool of businesses for the sector;
Make small businesses the priority.

Procedure:

Download and complete the online application form;
Send all duly completed required documents to: appel.solutions.c19@montreal.ca.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s) (in French only)

City of Laval’s COVID-19 loan

The City of Laval’s COVID-19 term loan offers eligible businesses financial assistance of up to $100,000 to cover their working capital costs.

Main eligibility criteria:

Apply for a minimum loan amount of $25,000
Operate in an eligible sector and offer B2B services or products
Have a Beacon score above 650
Have been in operation for more than 2 years
Was financially healthy before the current crisis

Main documents to be submitted:

Financial statements for the last 3 years and the current year
Business owner’s personal balance sheet and credit record
Cash budget for the next 12 months

To make an appointment, contact the Service du développement économique:

By phone: 450 978-5959
By email: lavaleconomique@laval.ca

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Emergency aid for small and medium-sized businesses (COVID-19) - Montreal

PME MTL

SMEs affected by COVID-19 that need under $50,000 in cash can benefit from this aid introduced by the Government of Quebec.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria:

Be operating in Quebec for at least one year;
Be temporarily closed, likely to close or show the warning signs of closing;
Be maintaining, consolidating or resuming activities.

The lack of cash flow must be caused by:

an inability or substantial reduction in the ability to deliver products or merchandise;
a procurement problem for raw materials or products.

NOTE : A new component has been added to this program for companies in the red zone : ABRUMA

Some conditions apply.

October 1, 2020 – Montreal freezes property taxes for 2021. (in French only)

November 6, 2020 – COVID-19 and public transit: extension of the suspension of annual transit passes until March 2021. (in French only)

December 3, 2020 – Ten steps in 2021 to prepare a resilient, green and inclusive recovery.

January 13, 2021 – Extension of the deadlines for the payment of municipal taxes in Montreal in 2021: the payment due in March will be due in June and the payment due in June will be due in September.

March 17, 2021 – Small Business Emergency Assistance Program - The City of Montreal announces the renewal of agreements with PME MTL and an extension and enhancement of emergency financial assistance for businesses.

March 18, 2021 – Summer revitalization of downtown: The City of Montréal and the Government of Québec invest $25 million. Read the details of the measures to support the downtown area [PDF]. (in French only)

March 19, 2021 – Financial support for retailers - Montréal significantly increases its financial assistance to retailers. (in French only)

March 30, 2021 – Free on-street parking in the downtown area from 6 p.m. on Fridays and throughout the weekend has been extended to September 6, 2021.

May 7, 2021 – Promoting local purchasing and mobilizing the social economy sector: Montreal invests $4.5 million to support the restaurant and bar sector (in Frebch only).

Business assistance – Temporary support for working capital – COVID-19

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

SODEC is offering financial assistance in the form of revolving credit, a term loan or a loan guarantee of between $10,000 and $2,000,000.

Main eligibility criteria for the company:

Have its head office in Quebec and demonstrate that it is primarily controlled by people whose tax residence is in Quebec.
Have been in operation for at least one year.
Be experiencing uncertainty and temporary difficulties due to COVID-19.
Demonstrate that the company’s financial structure has good potential for profitability.

Conditions apply.

DEL's COVID-19 Loan

DEL's COVID-19 Loan offers eligible businesses located (or that plan to be located) in the DEL region with a term loan of up to $100,000 (repayable in 12 months) at an interest rate of 6% to provide them with the working capital they need to get through the current crisis.

Main eligibility criteria:

Apply for a minimum loan of $25,000.
Be legally constituted.
Operate in an eligible industry and offer B2B services.
Have a Beacon credit score that is greater than 750.
Submit a project with demonstrated economic benefits in terms of maintaining jobs.

Main documents to be submitted:

Financial statements for the last 3 years and the current year.
Entrepreneur’s personal financial statement and credit report.
A cash budget for the next 12 months.

Conditions apply.

FCC – COVID-19 support program

Farm Credit Canada

The FCC – COVID-19 support program has two components:

1. Deferral program for payments and credit line

Deferral of principal and interest payments for up to six months for existing loans;
Deferral of principal payments for up to 12 months;
Access to an additional credit line of up to $500,000.

2. Term loans for eligible clients

Term loan of a maximum of $2.5 million, with no fees, with an interest-only payment option for 18 months and a maximum amortization of 10 years.

For more information, please contact your local office or call the Customer Service Centre at 1 888 332-3301.

Some conditions apply.

GoodSpark Fund

With its GoodSpark Fund, Desjardins is financing projects that contribute to our regional socio-economic development and recovery.

Project eligibility criteria:

Be socio-economic in nature (impactful and sustainable).
Make a significant impact on people and communities.
Be in line with communities’ priorities, as determined by the caisse mergers.
Meet a collective need.
Engage main community partners in the project.
Be consistent with sustainable development principles.
Does not seek to fill a performance gap that existed before the pandemic.

Conditions apply.

Joint loan program

Business Development Bank of Canada

Whether your business is directly or indirectly affected by the pandemic, it could receive between $1 million and $12.5 million in the form of a loan to meet its cash flow needs.

The loan is made jointly with participating banks.

Principal repayments on the loan can be deferred by 12 months.

Eligibility criteria:

Be a viable business pre-pandemic;
Meet your bank’s criteria.

Contact your primary financial institution to apply.

The loan is available until June 2021.

Some conditions apply.