BusinessTO Newsletter

BusinessTO News is a weekly newsletter that focuses on available resources and supports to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Toronto businesses. Learn about the current health situation, service changes and economic support at toronto.ca/covid19.

BusinessTO Support Centre provides one-on-one virtual support

The recently launched BusinessTO Support Centre is available to help businesses respond to the COVID-19 crisis with a focus on completing applications for government assistance such as the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), Work-Sharing and Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) programs as well as providing general business advice.

To get started:

• Schedule a one-on-one meeting with a business advisor who will help navigate the government application processes and provide information on other City programs. 
• Register for an introductory webinar to learn more about available supports and participate in a Q&A session.

Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program

The Canadian and Ontario governments announced a joint program to lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses affected by COVID-19. The Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA) will provide forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners experiencing potential rent shortfalls because their small business tenants have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. To receive the loan, property owners will be required to reduce the rental costs of small business tenants for April to June 2020 by at least 75 per cent and commit to a moratorium on evictions for three months. Further details about the program will be shared when finalized.

Financial support for businesses

• Extended grace periods for property tax, water and solid waste bills
• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program
• Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program
• Support for Indigenous Businesses

Chatbot launched to help answer COVID-19 questions

Survey results shed light on emerging business challenges

New data from the City of Toronto and Toronto Region Board of Trade’s business insights questionnaire identifies key COVID-19 challenges for the business community. Conducted April 10 to 17, the survey highlights the need for commercial rent relief and supply chain security among the main concerns. 

Toronto film industry joins xoTO Givebacks with COVID-19 relief efforts

Toronto film businesses are finding creative ways to help the city through the COVID-19 crisis. Unions, guilds and private companies are donating thousands of PPEs, costume designers created a sharable mask pattern, design companies are printing protective shields and trailer companies are supplying trailers for critical care workers. Visit Ontario Together to support the Province of Ontario’s response to COVID-19 with emergency products, services and innovative solutions.

Canadian health innovators making major impact

From predicting the spread of infectious disease to analyzing the DNA of the masses, MaRS summarizes how Canadian doctors, researchers and computer scientists are creating cutting-edge solutions that are transforming how we treat everything from cancer to COVID-19. 

Stay informed with upcoming webinars & events

How to Market Your Business Through the COVID-19 Crisis (Free)
Wednesday, April 29, 10 a.m. - Register

How to be Productive Working from Home & Plan during COVID-19 Crisis (Free)
Friday, May 1, 10 a.m. - Register

SBA Cyber Breakfast: Support for Small Business - Lets Keep the Lights On (Free)
Wednesday, April 29, 9:15 a.m. - Register 

Elevate Live (Free)
A 13-week virtual event series featuring thought leaders and entrepreneurs sharing current insights into the most pressing issues facing the tech industry.
Wednesdays, 12 p.m. -