Canada to provide added support for small businesses through the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 20, 2020 /CNW/ – Today, during Small Business Week, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, announced an investment of $12 million in the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund.

This new fund, which is managed by the OCC, is supporting Canadian businesses across different sectors and industries with grants of up to $5,000. These grants are intended to help thousands of small business owners cover the costs of personal protective equipment, make physical modifications to their businesses to meet local health and safety requirements, and enhance their digital or e-commerce capabilities. This is especially important as we enter the second wave of the pandemic.

“Small business are at the heart of our communities. They create good jobs, grow our economies and bring life to our main streets. But they have also been among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ng.

“As we continue to fight this virus, small businesses face further losses, increased costs to reopening and an uncertain economic future,” added Ng.

“The Government of Canada is committed to doing whatever it takes to support small businesses and their communities. Their success is critical as we recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ng continued.

Canada United is a national fundraising campaign created by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in collaboration with private sector partners and provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, including the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). The campaign has been rallying support from Canadians for local small businesses in every corner of the country.

“The support announced today is yet another lifeline for resilient small businesses across Canada. These grants will help them cover expenses involved in reopening and allow them to build a stronger digital presence,” said The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. “As we’ve said from the very beginning of this pandemic, we will always be there for small businesses and the millions of hard-working Canadians they employ,” said Ng.

Today’s announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s wide range of COVID-19 emergency programs, such as the expanded Canada Emergency Business Account, the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.

“While the pandemic has undoubtedly challenged us in many ways, it’s also highlighted Canadians’ unwavering commitment to supporting one another during difficult times,” said Neil McLaughlin, Group Head, Personal & Commercial Banking, RBC. “We are incredibly grateful for the ways Canadians have supported their local businesses when they really needed it, and for the commitment of our partners who helped bring Canada United to life. And, now, with the Federal Government’s support, we are confident that the Small Business Relief Fund will make a significant difference in helping businesses prepare for the road ahead,” said McLaughlin.

“This is about government and the private sector working together as Team Canada working together to provide yet another lifeline for #ResilientSmallBiz across Canada.,” tweeted NG. “If you’re a small business owner, you can apply as of October 26th! Get the details: https://canada.ca/en/innovation-“

Small business owners who are interested in the program can also visit GoCanadaUnited.ca to learn more about the grant and eligibility criteria.

Read more top stories at TOtimes.ca and MTLtimes.ca.