Resources & information

The Valley REN team has compiled a list of relevant information for businesses and entrepreneurs as COVID-19 continues to impact the country and our economy

RESOURCES

FEDERAL SUPPORT

Rent relief

The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, which would provide simple and easy-to-access rent and mortgage support until June 2021 for qualifying organizations affected by COVID-19. The new rent subsidy would support businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop, by subsidizing a percentage of their expenses, on a sliding scale, up to a maximum of 65 percent of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020. Organizations would be able to make claims retroactively for the period that began September 27 and ends October 24, 2020.

Emergency loans

An expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), which would enable businesses, and not-for-profits eligible for CEBA loans—and that continue to be seriously impacted by the pandemic—to access an interest-free loan of up to $20,000, in addition to the original CEBA loan of $40,000. Half of this additional financing would be forgivable if repaid by December 31, 2022. Additionally, the application deadline for CEBA is being extended to December 31, 2020.

Wages
1. The extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy until June 2021, which would continue to protect jobs by helping businesses keep employees on the payroll and encouraging employers to re-hire their workers. The subsidy would remain at the current subsidy rate of up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible wages until December 19, 2020. This measure is part of the government’s commitment to create over 1 million jobs and restore employment to the level it was before the pandemic.

For more information click here

2. The CRSB provides $500 per week for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who:

  • Are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
  • Are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
  • have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

3. The CRCB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers:

  • unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19
  • because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.

Persons with disabilities 
Special one-time, tax-free, non-reportable payment

A one-time, tax-free, non-reportable payment of up to $600 to help Canadians with disabilities who are recipients of any of the following programs or benefits:

  • holders of a valid Canada Revenue Agency Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate,
  • beneficiaries as at July 1, 2020 of:
    • Canada Pension Plan Disability
    • Quebec Pension Plan Disability Pension,
    • Disability supports provided by Veterans Affairs Canada

If you are eligible but never applied for the DTC, or your certificate expired in 2019, you must do so by December 31, 2020 to determine your edibility for the spring 2021 one-time payment.

Seniors who are eligible for the one-time payment for persons with disabilities would receive a total of $600 in special payments. The one-time payment to persons with disabilities would be adjusted to provide a top-up for eligible seniors.

    SMALL BUSINESS

    LARGE BUSINESS

    INDIGENOUS BUSINESSES

    INDIVIDUALS

    NOT-FOR-PROFIT

    YOUTH

    PROVINCIAL SUPPORT

     

    ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
    GENERAL INFORMATION

    The provincial State of Emergency has been extended until November 29th, 2020.

    The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has developed pandemic tip sheets to help employers protect their workers and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The tip sheets are available at https://www.ccohs.ca/products/publications/covid19/

    Canada – Supports by Industry

    Province of Nova Scotia COVID-19 Dashboard – This provincial dashboard includes the latest information specifically pertaining to Nova Scotia, along with sections of advice to businesses and community organizations

    Government of Canada COVID-19 Dashboard – This national dashboard includes updates on the COVID-19 virus, self-assessment tools and highlights Canada’s response

    Government of Canada: Economic Response Plan Dashboard – This page links to support for individuals including those facing unemployment and those who are unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic

    Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses – This page breaks down the supports for both individuals and businesses from the Government of Canada

    World Health Organization: Getting your Workplace Ready for COVID-19

    Mental Health Resources – Where to get support in NS during the COVID-19 pandemic

    SURVEYS

    Final Survey Results Report – Oct. 27th, 2020

    Impacts of COVID-19 on Annapolis Valley Region Businesses – April 20, 2020

    FAQs FOR BUSINESSES

    We’ve compiled a list of FAQs for businesses, entrepreneurs, and employers. Please click here.

    toolkit for businesses

    Take the POST Promise

    Employers and Community Groups Factsheet

    FAQ Masks

    Face mask Required Sign

    Proper Handwashing  Sign

    Non-Medical Masks

    Guidelines for Municipal Elections

    Workplace COVID Prevention Plan

    Daily COVID Checklist

    Keeping Children Safe during COVID

    Maximum Occupancy Sign

    Physical Distancing Sign

    Valley Regional Enterprise Network Helping You Grow In the Valley
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