Latest emergency supports for businesses

The Canada Emergency Business Account , provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits through their financial institutions. Up to 25% of the loan will be forgiven if repaid by December 31, 2022. HERE

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) applied at a rate of 75% on the first $58,700 earned by employees, representing a benefit of $847 per week. The program will be in place for a 12-week period, retroactive to March 15 and ending June 6, 2020. Eligible businesses of all sizes and from all sectors of the economy, regardless of the number of workers they employ, that suffer a drop of at least 30% in gross revenues due to COVID-19 in March, April or May, when compared to the same month in 2019, would be able to access the subsidy. HERE
Essential services list

Some members have asked for clarification on if their business is considered an essential service and if they can remain open during this time.

Businesses + services on the Government of Alberta’s essential services list HERE can continue to provide services at locations accessible to the public. They must have proper risk mitigation measures in place, such as sanitation stations and appropriate distancing between customers.View the list of essential services + businesses HERE


Businesses not on the list

If a business is not listed as an essential service, it can still continue to operate if:
  • it is not specifically prohibited from offering services in a location accessible to the public
  • the business doesn’t fall under previous business, workplace and facility closures

A business must still follow all other public health orders and guidelines, including maintaining physical distancing, and prohibiting people from coming to work sick.
For more info, email [email protected]


Follow guidelines

Workplaces that are not otherwise restricted or ordered to close can have more than 15 workers on a work site as long as they follow all public health guidelines, including physical distancing measures. Employers should:
• self-assess and find alternate ways to organize large group meetings
• cancel workplace gatherings of 15 + people in a single space (such as training events)
• employ mitigation strategies to limit risk
• continue business continuity planning to prepare critical operations for any potential interruption.
We are here for you...
If there is a gap in supports let us know. No question is off-topic or too small. We want to hear from you, reach out to us at [email protected]

In days to come, we will share more resources as they become available. Until then, see answers, supports + resources:
Chamber Resource Page HERE


Stay physically distanced & healthy.