Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) application & extension

The government announced on May 15, 2020, that the CEWS would be extended by an additional 12 weeks, to August 29, 2020.As a Canadian employer whose business has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 24 weeks, retroactive from March 15, 2020, to August 29, 2020.

This wage subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, help prevent further job losses, and better position you to resume normal operations following the crisis.

To be eligible to receive the wage subsidy, you must:

• be an eligible employer
• have experienced an eligible reduction in revenue, and
• have had a CRA payroll account on March 15, 2020

You may also be eligible for the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy program that reduces the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

What if I’m self-employed or ineligible for CEWS? 

If you are self-employed or ineligible for the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy, you may still be eligible for the following programs:

• CMHC Mortgage Deferral Program
• Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) 
• Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA) 
• Regional Relief and Recovery Funds – for businesses in non-metropolitan areas 
• Futurpreneur Loan Program
• NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program
• Support for Farmers and Agri-Business

Other COVID Resources for Businesses

[Small Business BC] How to Pivot Your Business during COVID

[Small Business BC] PPE Marketplace for your Business

[go2HR] Industry Sector Best Practices Guides for Re-Opening

ICYMI: This Week in Business News

[CTV News] Commercial property rent relief and eviction ban extended in B.C. 
The federal government has extended rent relief for commercial property owners for the month of July, and the B.C. government says its order protecting commercial tenants from eviction also continues to be in place.

[Postmedia Solutions Group] Postmedia announces Local Marketing Grant Program
The program has two components: (1) A full marketing grant program to select businesses in the hardest hit sectors of our economy, including, but not limited to the Restaurant, Tourism and Hospitality sectors
(2) A match program whereby local businesses can apply for matching media investments from $500 to $15,000 to complement their new programs.

[Province of BC] Province opens applications for infrastructure funding to build stronger communities
The Province is now accepting applications from local governments, community groups and First Nations for nearly $160 million in infrastructure grants to help strengthen communities throughout British Columbia.

[Prime Minister of Canada] Support for Students with Paid Work Experience
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the launch of the Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG), which will support post-secondary students and recent graduates as they volunteer to serve in their communities’ COVID-19 response and gain valuable experience at the same time.

Chamber Updates & Opportunities

Back in 2015 after getting laid off and struggling to pay student debts we decided enough was enough. We needed to set off on our own if we really wanted to make it in the world of food and drink.

Now, 4 years later, we make five products sold across BC, have a small facility in Esquimalt and a big shiny 2,000L tank. Thanks to everyone who’s supported us along the way! We couldn’t have done it without you.

• Esquimalt Farmer’s Market – every Thursday!
• Tudor House Liquor Store
• Red Barn Market Esquimalt
• Salish Sea RV Haven