COVID-19 Programs and Measures – Self-employed workers | Employees

Bridge Financing Program

Business Development Bank of Canada

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.

COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad

Government of Canada

The COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad was introduced to help Canadians with no source of financing to come home.

Canadians and some Canadian permanent residents abroad who are directly affected by the impact of the COVID-19 can request a repayable emergency loan to help them return to Canada. To apply, contact:

The closest office of the Government of Canada

The Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 1 613-996-8885 (collect, if the service is available) or at CAN.finances.CV19@international.gc.ca.

Some conditions apply.

COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad

Government of Canada

The COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad was introduced to help Canadians with no source of financing to come home.

Canadians and some Canadian permanent residents abroad who are directly affected by the impact of the COVID-19 can request a repayable emergency loan to help them return to Canada. To apply, contact:

The closest office of the Government of Canada

The Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 1 613-996-8885 (collect, if the service is available) or at CAN.finances.CV19@international.gc.ca.

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 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.

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.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

Government of Canada

The Canada emergency response benefit (CERB) has ended.

Retroactive applications for period 7 (August 30 to September 26, 2020) are still accepted.
New recovery benefits are available betwen September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Some conditions apply.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

Government of Canada

The Canada emergency response benefit (CERB) has ended.

Retroactive applications for period 7 (August 30 to September 26, 2020) are still accepted.
New recovery benefits are available betwen September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Some conditions apply.

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The CRB, along with the CRCB and the CRSB, follows on the CERB, which has now ended.

The CRB offers eligible workers a weekly income of $500 for a maximum of 26 weeks.

To be eligible, workers must, in part:

Not be an employee or self-employed worker during the period covered by the application (or have had a drop in income of 50% or more);
Have not received one of the other income benefits available (see the list on the program website);
Not be eligible for employment insurance;
Reside and be present in Canada;
Have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, in 2020, or in the 12 months preceding the date of the application.

Some conditions apply.

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The CRB, along with the CRCB and the CRSB, follows on the CERB, which has now ended.

The CRB offers eligible workers a weekly income of $500 for a maximum of 26 weeks.

To be eligible, workers must, in part:

Not be an employee or self-employed worker during the period covered by the application (or have had a drop in income of 50% or more);
Have not received one of the other income benefits available (see the list on the program website);
Not be eligible for employment insurance;
Reside and be present in Canada;
Have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, in 2020, or in the 12 months preceding the date of the application.

Some conditions apply.

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The CRCB, along with the CRB and the CRSB, follows on the CERB, which has now ended.

The CRCB offers eligible workers who are caregivers weekly income of $500 for a maximum of 26 weeks.

To be eligible, the caregiver must, in part:

Be unable to work at least 50% of their work week because they are caring for a family member;
Be caring for a child under 12 years old or a family member whose school, daycare, or care establishment is closed because of COVID-19 or because that person is suffering from COVID-19, is in quarantine, or is at risk of serious complications;
Have not received one of the other income benefits available (see the list on the program website);
Not be on paid leave for this period;
Have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, in 2020, or in the 12 months preceding the date of the application;
Reside and be present in Canada.

Some conditions apply.

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The CRCB, along with the CRB and the CRSB, follows on the CERB, which has now ended.

The CRCB offers eligible workers who are caregivers weekly income of $500 for a maximum of 26 weeks.

To be eligible, the caregiver must, in part:

Be unable to work at least 50% of their work week because they are caring for a family member;
Be caring for a child under 12 years old or a family member whose school, daycare, or care establishment is closed because of COVID-19 or because that person is suffering from COVID-19, is in quarantine, or is at risk of serious complications;
Have not received one of the other income benefits available (see the list on the program website);
Not be on paid leave for this period;
Have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, in 2020, or in the 12 months preceding the date of the application;
Reside and be present in Canada.

Some conditions apply.

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The CRSB, along with the CRB and the CRCB, follows on the CERB, which has now ended.

The CRSB offers eligible workers a weekly income of $500 for a maximum of two weeks.

To be eligible, workers must, in part:

Be unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they may or do have COVID-19, they have received the recommendation to self-isolate, or they are at risk of serious complications in case of contagion;
Have not received one of the other income benefits available (see the list on the program website);
Not receive paid leave for this period;
Have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, in 2020, or in the 12 months preceding the date of the application;
Reside and be present in Canada.

Some conditions apply.

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The CRSB, along with the CRB and the CRCB, follows on the CERB, which has now ended.

The CRSB offers eligible workers a weekly income of $500 for a maximum of two weeks.

To be eligible, workers must, in part:

Be unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they may or do have COVID-19, they have received the recommendation to self-isolate, or they are at risk of serious complications in case of contagion;
Have not received one of the other income benefits available (see the list on the program website);
Not receive paid leave for this period;
Have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, in 2020, or in the 12 months preceding the date of the application;
Reside and be present in Canada.

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.

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 On-Farm Support Fund (EOFSF)

La Financière agricole du Québec

This fund was introduced to help Canadian primary agricultural producers that produce agricultural products for resale and employ agricultural workers to reimburse part of the expenses incurred to:

limit the spread of COVID-19 on the farm;
improve the health and safety of all agricultural workers.

The aid is offered in the form of a maximum non-repayable contribution of $100,000.

Eligibility criteria:

Be registered with the MAPAQ;
Have had eligible expenses between March 15, 2020 and February 26, 2021;
Not have received other government aid for the expenses claimed;
Have employed at the same time for at least 4 weeks a total of 10 employees who worked at least 25 hours per week;
Have had a minimum payroll expense of $50,000 or anticipate reaching this amount by the end of the current financial year;
Have complied with the laws and regulations in effect with respect to the pandemic.

Applications will be accepted from December 14, 2020 to February 26, 2021.

Some conditions apply.

Emergency On-Farm Support Fund (EOFSF)

La Financière agricole du Québec

This fund was introduced to help Canadian primary agricultural producers that produce agricultural products for resale and employ agricultural workers to reimburse part of the expenses incurred to:

limit the spread of COVID-19 on the farm;
improve the health and safety of all agricultural workers.

The aid is offered in the form of a maximum non-repayable contribution of $100,000.

Eligibility criteria:

Be registered with the MAPAQ;
Have had eligible expenses between March 15, 2020 and February 26, 2021;
Not have received other government aid for the expenses claimed;
Have employed at the same time for at least 4 weeks a total of 10 employees who worked at least 25 hours per week;
Have had a minimum payroll expense of $50,000 or anticipate reaching this amount by the end of the current financial year;
Have complied with the laws and regulations in effect with respect to the pandemic.

Applications will be accepted from December 14, 2020 to February 26, 2021.

Some conditions apply.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Insured Mortgage Purchase Program (IMPP)

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - CMHC

As part of this program, the government is prepared to buy up to $150 billion in insured mortgage pools through the CMHC.

Eligibility for the NHA MBS:

All NHA MBS maturing on or before the maturity date indicated on the web site.

Participation rules:

Some conditions apply.

Insured Mortgage Purchase Program (IMPP)

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - CMHC

As part of this program, the government is prepared to buy up to $150 billion in insured mortgage pools through the CMHC.

Eligibility for the NHA MBS:

All NHA MBS maturing on or before the maturity date indicated on the web site.

Participation rules:

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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

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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.

Local investment fund (LIF)

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

WARNING!

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

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.

CALQ emergency aid for artists and organizations

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: $40 million budget from Fondaction for Quebec SMEs in the agri-food sector

Fondaction

Over the next year, Fondaction will make available to Quebec SMEs in the agri-food sector $40 million in funding to ensure their vitality.

Main eligibility criteria:

Profitability before the crisis
Strong prospects for growth
Solid management team

Business that would like to benefit from this funding should complete a form.They will be contacted by Fondaction’s investment experts who will evaluate their application and discuss flexible, personalized solutions.

It should also be noted that Fondaction has made its funding offer more flexible for projects of $500,000 or more.

Some conditions apply.

COVID-19: $40 million budget from Fondaction for Quebec SMEs in the agri-food sector

Fondaction

Over the next year, Fondaction will make available to Quebec SMEs in the agri-food sector $40 million in funding to ensure their vitality.

Main eligibility criteria:

Profitability before the crisis
Strong prospects for growth
Solid management team

It should also be noted that Fondaction has made its funding offer more flexible for projects of $500,000 or more.

Some conditions apply.

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

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)

Incentive Program to Retain Essential Workers (IPREW)

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Eligible essential workers during the pandemic could benefit from the IPREW to make up the difference between their salary and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

The application for aid can be completed online starting May 19, to November 15, 2020.

Workers will receive $100 for each eligible week of work, retroactive to March15, 2020, for up to 16 weeks.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria:

Earn a gross salary of $550 or less per week;
Have annual employment income of at least $5,000 and total annual income of $28,600 or less;
Be at least 15 years old when you apply for IPREW benefits.

Some conditions apply.

Incentive Program to Retain Essential Workers (IPREW)

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Eligible essential workers during the pandemic could benefit from the IPREW to make up the difference between their salary and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

The application for aid can be completed online starting May 19, to November 15, 2020.

Workers will receive $100 for each eligible week of work, retroactive to March15, 2020, for up to 16 weeks.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria:

Earn a gross salary of $550 or less per week;
Have annual employment income of at least $5,000 and total annual income of $28,600 or less;
Be at least 15 years old when you apply for IPREW benefits.

Some conditions apply.