Consult this updated directory of the main programs available to help NPOs cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Federal government
- Provincial government
- Municipal government (Montréal)
- Private sector
- Other resources
1. Federal government
Bridge Financing Program
Business Development Bank of Canada
The Bridge Program provides eligible companies with financing in the form of a convertible note to match a current financing round being raised through qualified investors into Canadian start-up companies.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be Canadian incorporated with Canadian operations and senior management residing in Canada.
- Have previously raised at least $500,000 and be specifically impacted by COVID-19.
- Be part of traditional high-growth venture-capital backed industries.
- Have at least one qualified investor investing in the round being matched by BDC.
Interested companies must first speak to their investors.
For more information, please write to programrelaisCR@bdc.ca.
Conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
Bridge Financing Program
Business Development Bank of Canada
The Bridge Program provides eligible companies with financing in the form of a convertible note to match a current financing round being raised through qualified investors into Canadian start-up companies.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be Canadian incorporated with Canadian operations and senior management residing in Canada.
- Have previously raised at least $500,000 and be specifically impacted by COVID-19.
- Be part of traditional high-growth venture-capital backed industries.
- Have at least one qualified investor investing in the round being matched by BDC.
Interested companies must first speak to their investors.
For more information, please write to programrelaisCR@bdc.ca.
Conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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:
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
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:
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
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 December 31, 2020 to apply.
For more details, the list of participating financial institutions and complet admission criteria, visit program's website.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
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 December 31, 2020 to apply.
For more details, the list of participating financial institutions and complet admission criteria, visit program's website.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations
Canadian Heritage
This fund, administered by Canadian Heritage, will be divided among select departmental programs, portfolio agencies and key delivery organizations.
Funds will be distributed in two phases through a range of existing programs, funds and organizations.
The way funds will be distributed will depend on whether:
- Your organization is currently financed by Canadian Heritage;
- Your organization is currently financed by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Canada Media Fund or Telefilm Canada;
- Your organization is not currently financed by Canadian Heritage.
For more information, you can also consult the FAQ.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations
Canadian Heritage
This fund, administered by Canadian Heritage, will be divided among select departmental programs, portfolio agencies and key delivery organizations.
Funds will be distributed in two phases through a range of existing programs, funds and organizations.
The way funds will be distributed will depend on whether:
- Your organization is currently financed by Canadian Heritage;
- Your organization is currently financed by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Canada Media Fund or Telefilm Canada;
- Your organization is not currently financed by Canadian Heritage.
For more information, you can also consult the FAQ.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
Work sharing program – Temporary special measures in response to the slowdown in activities due to COVID-19
Government of Canada
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 in activities due to COVID-19
Government of Canada
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
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 forestry sector due to COVID-19
Government of Canada
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
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)
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
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
Find contacts
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
Find contacts
Federal measures
- As of 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.
- New simplified home office claims process
- Restrictions for travelers from the U.S.A are extended until March 21, 2021
- Launch on January 26, 2021 of Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (in French only)
- 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
- As of 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.
- New simplified home office claims process
- Restrictions for travelers from the U.S.A are extended until March 21, 2021
- Launch on January 26, 2021 of Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (in French only)
- 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
2. Provincial government
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 THREE 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.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
(in French only)
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 THREE 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.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
(in French only)
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
Emergency aid for organizations supported by the CALQ
- Download the form (French only)
- Send an email
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
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
Emergency aid for organizations supported by the CALQ
- Download the form (French only)
- Send an email
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
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.
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.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
(in French only)
Form(s)
(in French only)
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.
Learn more
(in French only)
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.
Learn more
(in French only)
Digital cultural initiatives – Call for projects
Ministère de la Culture et des Communications
The purpose of this call for projects is to provide financial support for digital initiatives that will promote Quebec’s cultural sector through funding of up to 90% of the project or $45,000.
Main project eligibility criteria:
- Give artists and rights-holders adequate compensation based on collective agreements or fee structures in force.
- Be complete and based on accurate data.
- Applicants must demonstrate that they can carry out the project in its entirety, within the submitted budget, and in keeping with sustainable development principles.
- The applicant may submit only one project to this program.
The program is open from June 8 to July 31, 2020.
Conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
(in French only)
Digital cultural initiatives – Call for projects
Ministère de la Culture et des Communications
The purpose of this call for projects is to provide financial support for digital initiatives that will promote Quebec’s cultural sector through funding of up to 90% of the project or $45,000.
Main project eligibility criteria:
- Give artists and rights-holders adequate compensation based on collective agreements or fee structures in force.
- Be complete and based on accurate data.
- Applicants must demonstrate that they can carry out the project in its entirety, within the submitted budget, and in keeping with sustainable development principles.
- The applicant may submit only one project to this program.
The program is open from June 8 to July 31, 2020.
Conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
(in French only)
Digital transformation – Call for projects
Ministère de la Culture et des Communications
The government has set up financial support for digital transformation projects in Quebec’s cultural sector through direct credits of between $300,000 and $1,000,000.
Main project eligibility criteria:
- The project description must be complete and clear.
- Have at least one partner involved in the project implementation.
- Contribute to one or more of the credit provider’s areas of activity.
- The project strategy must be rooted in a digital approach.
- The project must relate to one or more of the following activities:
- Implementation of new business processes.
- Implementation of a system, tool or piece of infrastructure aimed at the discoverability, marketing, export, or improved monetization of cultural products.
- Development of marketing mechanisms that are tailored to current consumer practices.
- Deployment of digital infrastructure relating to one or more areas of activity.
The program is open from June 8 to December 1, 2020.
Conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
(in French only)
Digital transformation – Call for projects
Ministère de la Culture et des Communications
The government has set up financial support for digital transformation projects in Quebec’s cultural sector through direct credits of between $300,000 and $1,000,000.
Main project eligibility criteria:
- The project description must be complete and clear.
- Have at least one partner involved in the project implementation.
- Contribute to one or more of the credit provider’s areas of activity.
- The project strategy must be rooted in a digital approach.
- The project must relate to one or more of the following activities:
- Implementation of new business processes.
- Implementation of a system, tool or piece of infrastructure aimed at the discoverability, marketing, export, or improved monetization of cultural products.
- Development of marketing mechanisms that are tailored to current consumer practices.
- Deployment of digital infrastructure relating to one or more areas of activity.
The program is open from June 8 to December 1, 2020.
Conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
(in French only)
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.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
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
(in French only)
Find contacts
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
(in French only)
Find contacts
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.
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
Form(s)
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
Programme actions concertées pour le maintien en emploi (PACME–COVID-19) (joint action program for employee retention)
Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale
Please note that the program components Entreprises and Promoteurs collectifs have reached their maximum budgetary capacity. You can still check the possibility of joining a training project accepted under the Promoteurs collectifs component.
The PACME offers direct financial support to promote the training and management of employees of companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reimbursement of eligible expenses for corporate training programs:
-
100% of expenses of $100,000 or less;
- 50% of expenses between $100,000 and $500,000.
Projects are accepted until September 30, 2020 or until the funding envelope of $100 million runs out.
Businesses and self-employed workers should contact a business advisor for their region.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
Programme actions concertées pour le maintien en emploi (PACME–COVID-19) (joint action program for employee retention)
Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale
Please note that the program components Entreprises and Promoteurs collectifs have reached their maximum budgetary capacity. You can still check the possibility of joining a training project accepted under the Promoteurs collectifs component.
The PACME offers direct financial support to promote the training and management of employees of companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reimbursement of eligible expenses for corporate training programs:
-
100% of expenses of $100,000 or less;
- 50% of expenses between $100,000 and $500,000.
Projects are accepted until September 30, 2020 or until the funding envelope of $100 million runs out.
Businesses and self-employed workers should contact a business advisor for their region.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
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)
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)
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.
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.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
(in French only)
Provincial measures
- Québec is adding $50 million in cultural assistance and will reimburse up to 75% of ticketing revenues that will not be collected due to health measures. This assistance will be provided between October 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. (in French only)
- The government is adjusting certain tax measures applicable to individuals and businesses
- Québec is increasing its support for SMEs in all regions. Highlights :
- An additional $50 million is earmarked for the Emergency Assistance for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses program (EASMP).
- Travel agencies can now benefit from the Tourism component of the CTAPB.
- SMEs already benefiting from the EASMP and taking advantage of the Assistance for Businesses in Regions Under Maximum Alert (ABRUMA) component will be able to obtain additional financial assistance of up to $50,000.
- The extension of the EASMP and CTAPB, with their ABRUMA component, to allow the payment of aid to companies in the red zone.
- A moratorium of up to four months may be added to the three-month moratorium already provided for the repayment of loans (principal and interest) under the ABRUMA component of the EASMP.
- SMEs that have been in business for at least six months will now be able to benefit from the EASMP, including the ABRUMA component.
- Sports and recreation businesses in the MRCs of Joliette and D'Autray, and in the Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec socio-sanitary region, in the red zone, will be able to benefit, under the ABRUMA component, from a loan forgiveness for the month of October, despite the 9-day rather than the 10-day closure.
- Québec also offers a simplified approach to help citizens deduct their telework expenses (in French only)
- Curfew in Québec: the list of acceptable reasons to circulate after 8 p.m. (in French only)
- Investment of nearly $1.5 million for support measures for self-employed workers (in French only)
- February 2, 2021 – Relaxation of confinement measures
- 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 16, 2021 – New rules in effect as of February 26th for all regions in the red zone (in French only)
- February 18, 2021 – Québec decides to allow movie theatres that reopen on February 26 to benefit from the Assistance for Businesses in Regions Under Maximum Alert (ABRUMA) program to cover their fixed costs up to $15,000.
- 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)
- Québec is adding $50 million in cultural assistance and will reimburse up to 75% of ticketing revenues that will not be collected due to health measures. This assistance will be provided between October 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. (in French only)
- The government is adjusting certain tax measures applicable to individuals and businesses
- Québec is increasing its support for SMEs in all regions. Highlights :
- An additional $50 million is earmarked for the Emergency Assistance for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses program (EASMP).
- Travel agencies can now benefit from the Tourism component of the CTAPB.
- SMEs already benefiting from the EASMP and taking advantage of the Assistance for Businesses in Regions Under Maximum Alert (ABRUMA) component will be able to obtain additional financial assistance of up to $50,000.
- The extension of the EASMP and CTAPB, with their ABRUMA component, to allow the payment of aid to companies in the red zone.
- A moratorium of up to four months may be added to the three-month moratorium already provided for the repayment of loans (principal and interest) under the ABRUMA component of the EASMP.
- SMEs that have been in business for at least six months will now be able to benefit from the EASMP, including the ABRUMA component.
- Sports and recreation businesses in the MRCs of Joliette and D'Autray, and in the Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec socio-sanitary region, in the red zone, will be able to benefit, under the ABRUMA component, from a loan forgiveness for the month of October, despite the 9-day rather than the 10-day closure.
- Québec also offers a simplified approach to help citizens deduct their telework expenses (in French only)
- Curfew in Québec: the list of acceptable reasons to circulate after 8 p.m. (in French only)
- Investment of nearly $1.5 million for support measures for self-employed workers (in French only)
- February 2, 2021 – Relaxation of confinement measures
- 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 16, 2021 – New rules in effect as of February 26th for all regions in the red zone (in French only)
- February 18, 2021 – Québec decides to allow movie theatres that reopen on February 26 to benefit from the Assistance for Businesses in Regions Under Maximum Alert (ABRUMA) program to cover their fixed costs up to $15,000.
- 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)
3. Municipal government (Montréal)
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)
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:
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
(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:
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
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.
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
Form(s)
Municipal measures (Montréal)
4. Private sector
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.
Learn more
(in French 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.
Learn more
(in French only)
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
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.
Learn more
Find contacts
Private sector measures
5. Other resources
You can also consult our other directories of programs not related to COVID-19.