COVID-19 resources for small and medium businesses, employers and employees have been collected below to help Heart of Orléans BIA Members and Associate Members during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Please note that information is changing rapidly. The links below are intended to direct you to the most up-to-date information.
Regular updates will follow. Please sign up for the latest COVID-19 news in Orléans, Ottawa by clicking here.
1. My Health
2. My Business
CRA – Income tax filing and payment dates
The deadline for businesses to pay any income tax amounts that become owing or due after March 18, 2020 and before September 1, 2020 has been extended to September 1, 2020. This means you will not be assessed any penalties or interest if your balance due is paid by September 1, 2020.
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
Through this program, Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) will provide direct lending and other types of financial support at market rates to businesses with viable business models whose access to financing would otherwise be restricted.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
To ensure that small businesses have access to the capital they need to see them through the current challenges, the Government of Canada has launched the new Canada Emergency Business Account, which has been implemented by eligible financial institutions in cooperation with Export Development Canada (EDC).
The COVID-19 Challenges Procurement Program
This program posts challenges seeking near-to-market solutions from small and medium-sized businesses (fewer than 500 staff) that need financial support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to refine and sell their product or solution to meet a COVID-19 related need.
Employer Strategies for Managing Novel Coronavirus Risks in the Workplace
COVID-19, also known as novel coronavirus, is a serious public health concern. Employers will be at the forefront dealing with a multitude of COVID-19-related issues, which could cause severe business disruptions. Employers are advised to prepare contingency plans to manage the COVID-19 novel coronavirus in North America.
COVID-19 Guidance for Food Premises and Food Delivery Services Providing Delivery or Takeout
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is recommending that any food premises (including restaurants, take out, take out counters, drive-thru, bakeries, fast food establishments, etc.) delivering food and/or providing take out during the COVID-19 pandemic take added precautions to protect their health and the health of those around them.
FREE 1/2 Hour Chat with Rhapsody Strategies
Catherine Fair, Master Coach from Rhapsody Strategies is offering a free 1/2 hour chat with Heart of Orléans BIA businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rhapsody Strategies , an award winning business coaching firm based in Ottawa, has worked extensively with BIA’s and Chambers throughout Ontario. They either have in the past or are currently working with The Heart of Orléans, Barrhaven, Downtown Rideau, Kitchener and Newmarket BIA’s as well as with numerous chambers of commerce. Their work typically involves developing board-wide strategic plans along with committee-specific strategies.
Rhapsody’s coaches work with business owners in one-on-one settings to help them realize their true business and personal potential. Business owners who find that the phrase “You’re meant for more” resonates with them, are typical Rhapsody Strategies’ clients.
Online Store, Payment Processing and/or Delivery Process Set Up
Is your company weathering the COVID-19 crisis? Do you need help getting your business to work in an online environment? Terradare Solutions is a local Ottawa business that provides services to clients locally and internationally. They provide automation, cloud services and creative technology solutions to help their clients increase their efficiencies through the use of technology and sound business processes. Given the current climate, businesses are having to think strategically, re-tool and pivot to ensure that their business both stays a float and provides ongoing revenue. We encourage you to reach out to Terradare for a complimentary call to find out how they might assist you with your online technology requirements i.e. setting up or refining an online store, payment processing, delivery process etc.
To schedule a call, send an email to Nicole Darechuk at [email protected] or submit a request direct through the Terradare Website.
Business Reopening Toolkit
As Ontario begins to reopen the economy, we encourage all Ottawa businesses to review the information in this Business Reopening Toolkit. This document has been prepared by the City of Ottawa, in consultation with Ottawa Public Health. It is intended to provide guidance to businesses to prepare for safe reopening, subject to direction from the Province of Ontario, and should not be construed as legal advice or to replace specific instructions that may be issued by Ottawa Public Health or the Province.
Develop your COVID-19 workplace safety plan
Learn how you can create a plan to help protect your workers and others from novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). This guide is for employers. Whether you are currently operating or planning for your workers to return to work, the guide will help you develop a plan to work safely.
Back to BIA Mentorship Program
Back to BIA Mentorship Program – As BIA businesses start coming back to work, we would like to offer you the opportunity to mentor with an expert. We have partnered with a few local mentors who have graciously offered a 1/2 hour free consultation to interested businesses to respond to questions, offer advice and/or share resources.
Updates on Provincial Programs
Three Provincial programs you should know about:
- Ontario Small Business Support Grant – provides eligible businesses with “dollar for dollar funding” starting at $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000.
- Property Tax and Energy Bill Rebates – These rebates will also be in addition to other rebates you may apply for through utilities themselves.
- PPE Grants of up to $1000 – Officially called “Ontario’s Main Street Relief Grant: PPE support”, this one is for businesses with 2-9 employees to compensate for unexpected costs to buy protective equipment for staff or clients.
3. My Family
Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020
The Ontario Legislature has passed the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020 to provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or daycare closures or to care for other relatives.
Physical (social) Distancing
In order to decrease transmission of COVID-19 in Ottawa, Ottawa Public Health is now recommending that all residents of Ottawa practise physical (social) distancing. Physical (social) distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. This will help to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Don’t miss what is happening in Orléans !
Sign up to receive email updates about Covid-19 in Orléans and to hear about our latest adventures!