Agribusiness Programs, Funding, and Incentives
BC Agri-Business Planning Program
The B.C. Agri- Business Planning Program offers two distinct streams of support for agri-businesses:
- Specialized business planning to enable producers and processors to make more informed decisions and strengthen their business
- Disaster recovery planning to help producers implement an immediate and long-term disaster recovery plan
Eligible applicants can access up to $5,000 for individuals and $30,000 for groups for business planning services from a Qualified Business Consultant.
Apply here
BC Agrifood & Seafood Market Development Program
Provides funding to support businesses to develop marketing skills, purchase market research, create marketing plans and expand export sales.
More info
AgriService BC
Find information and resources for multiple subjects including New Farmers, Agri-Tourism, Drought Management and the BC Agrifood Resource Guide.
BC Land Matching Program
The BC Land Matching Program (BCLMP) provides land matching and business support services to new farmers looking for land to farm as well as landowners interested in finding someone to farm their land.
Canada-BC Agri-Innovation
The Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program is designed to accelerate the pace of agrifood related innovation to enhance the sector’s competitiveness, sustainability, productivity and resiliency.
Innovation funding supports projects related to:
- Research and Development
- Pilot and Demonstration
- Commercialization and Adoption
Farm Adaptation Innovator Program
The Farm Adaptation Innovator Program (FAIP) seeks to build adaptive capacity and encourage the adoption of effective farm practices to help mitigate impacts related to climate change by supporting projects that:
- Promote innovation in farm practices, approaches and technologies that support climate change adaptation
- Demonstrate farm practices that reduce weather related production risks, and identify new production opportunities
- Develop informational and knowledge sharing resources and support increased sector capacity to support adaptation
Greenhouse Carbon Tax Relief Grant
The BC government is providing carbon tax relief to commercial greenhouses. The grant covers 80 per cent of the carbon tax paid on natural gas and propane used for greenhouse heating and CO2 production.
Innovation in Agriculture
The government innovation programs aim to transform ideas into new and sustainable solutions for the agrifood sector. The programs enable the development, piloting, commercialization and adoption of new products, practices, processes and technologies, making producers and processors more competitive and sustainable.
Insurance & Income Protection
Agricultural producers can protect their business against severe market volatility and disaster situations.
Agriculture & Seafood Programs
View all the current programs here.
Statistics and Data
Education
Educational Achievement – Percentage of population aged 25- 64 years
Source: Statistics Canada National Household Survey 2011 – Download .xlsx (contains data for each Comox Valley community)
Business Counts E-Newsletters
Tourism Industry E-Newsletters
Sector Research
Tourism
Discover Comox Valley Tourism Industry Updates
2018
2017
Strategic Plans
Strategic Plan
The Comox Valley Regional Economic Development Strategic Plan Update was prepared to guide economic development activities in the Comox Valley over the five-year period from 2013 to 2017.
It was prepared as part of the 5 Year Agreement between Comox Valley Economic Development Society and the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), as the contracted agency responsible for economic development services in the CVRD. The strategy will be successfully implemented with the continued participation and joint efforts of the region’s municipalities (Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland) and Regional District, K’omoks First Nation, and many other partners in the public and private sectors.
High-level references to economic development in the Regional Growth Strategy, Sustainability Strategy and available municipal Official Community Plans are referenced in the Plan. As the economic “department” for the regional government, as well as the individual municipalities, CVEDS can use its expertise and track record to determine the specific programs and actions that are most likely to achieve these regional objectives, in the areas over which CVEDS provides services and support.
Strategic Plans
Work Plan
VIVC Annual Report
Annual Report
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 Business Resource Centre
Last edited: September 20, 2020
Navigation Quick Links
We’re Here to Help You During the COVID-19 Crisis
If you’re a business in the Comox Valley join our e-newsletter for news and updates, including COVID-19 information.
Check the Comox Valley Businesses Services during COVID-19 webpage to view what level of modified business services are available locally during this difficult time.
Have a question that can’t be found on this website? Email Comox Valley Economic Development & Tourism at COVID-19@investcomoxvalley.com
Latest News & Current Updates
September 20 – Province updates measures to enforce COVID-19 public safety
September 17 – New plan maps next steps forward in B.C.’s economic recovery
September 16 – Prime Minister announces next steps for Safe Restart Agreement
September 10 – Economic challenges of COVID-19 matched by strong supports for people
September 8 – Government Announces Extension of Rent Relief for Small Businesses
August 31 – Government announces greater flexibility and extension of Canada Emergency Business Account
August 31 – Minister’s statement on report on hotel sector
Upcoming Webinars:
Small Business Resources
Please find links below with resources for small businesses from a variety of government and industry sources around COVID-19 and emergency preparedness.
For a comprehensive list of supports for businesses and individuals, click here
BC Economic Development Association: COVID-19 Resources for BC Businesses Guide here
- COVID-19: 7 steps to sustain your business through the disruption here
- COVID-19 Business Impacts Survey Results here
- Business Retention and Expansion Tools here
- Community Tips for Response & Recovery here
- Planning for Coronavirus – A Guide for Businesses and Organizations here
- Workplace and Employer Resources and Suggestions here
Go2HR: Health and safety resources here
- Job Board (browse jobs by sector) here
- Available courses here
- COVID-19 Human Resource information & updates here
- COVID-19 FAQs for Tourism Employees here
Google: for businesses affected by COVID-19 – Guidance on updating info and temporary closures here
Innovation Canada: Based on your story, learn what help is available here
- Find COVID-19 support and other programs and services here
Innovation Island: Digital Economy Response Program here
Small Business BC: COVID-19 Small Business Resources here
- BC Business COVID-19 Support Service here
- Small Business Marketplace here
- Supports for Small Businesses in BC here
- Sign this petition to save small business here
- Join Small Business BC’s Digital Meetups here
Work Safe BC: Information and resources for employers and employees here and latest announcements here
Re-Opening Resources
BC’s Restart Plan: main page and resources here
- Phase 3, beginning June 24, information here
- PDF version of plan – next steps to move BC through the pandemic here
- BC COVID-19 Go-Forward Management Strategy here
- Key Steps to Safely Operating Your Business or Organization and Reducing COVID-19 Transmission here
BC Ministry of Health COVID-19 Guidance here
- Gathering and Events (Sept 18) here
- Food and Liquor Serving Premises (Sept 18) here
- Restaurants, Pubs, Bars and Nightclubs (July 31) here
- Vending Markets (May 29) here
- K-12 School Settings (May 15) here
- Farms & Farm Workers (May 13) here
- Hotel Sector (May 11) here
- Retail Food and Grocery Stores (April 25) here
- Silviculture Sector (April 22) here
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Use these Tip Sheets by sector as guidance while operating during a pandemic here
- Agriculture here
- Food Processing here
- Restaurants and Food Services here
- Retail here
- Disinfection of Touchpoints here
WorkSafeBC
- COVID-19 and Returning to Safe Operation here
- Protocols for Returning to Operation by sector:
- Arts and cultural facilities here
- Offices here
- Restaurants, cafes, and pubs here
- Retail here
- Personal services here
- FAQs for returning to safe operation here
- Preventing Exposure to COVID-19 in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers here
- Media Backgrounder: Support for workplaces resuming operation here
- COVID-19 Safety Plan here
More helpful resources:
- Small Business BC’s Back to Business resources here
- Canadian Chamber Lays Out Ambitious Recovery Plan, Urges Governments to Focus on Economic Fundamentals and Bold Solutions here
- Town of Comox Temporary Patios & Parklet Programs here
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce Reopening Canada’s Economy – A National Guide for Business here
- BCRFA Restaurant COVID-19 Safety Plan Template here
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business: Pandemic Operational Plan Template here
- BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA): Business Re-opening Template here
- Physical Distancing poster here
- Do Not Enter If You Are Sick poster here
Financial Assistance Resources
Below are links to financial assistance and support programs for businesses and individuals.
Government of Canada: Support to Businesses here and Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan here
Province of BC: Financial supports in response to COVID-19 here
Business Development Bank of Canada: Resources here
Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19. With flexible and tailored solutions, BDC can help you through this situation with the right financing and advice for your business.
BC Hydro: offers billing help during outbreak here
- COVID-19 Relief Fund for Small Businesses here (application form to open week of April 13)
- The COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program provides customers the option to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty. Customers are encouraged to call BC Hydro’s customer team at 1 800 BC HYDRO (1 800 224 9376) to discuss bill payment options. Commercial customers will be eligible for relief on a case by case basis.
- Customers facing temporary financial hardship and possible disconnection of their service due to job loss, illness, or loss of a family member may also be eligible for BC Hydro’s Customer Crisis Fund, which provides access to grants of up to $600 to pay their bills.
Buy BC: New Buy BC Partnership Program E-commerce Funding Stream here
- The Government of BC has committed $300,000 to Buy BC E-commerce activities to support the immediate needs of the sector as a result of COVID-19.
- Up to $5,000 per applicant
- The application window will open May 15 at 9am PDT
- First-come, first-serve basis until funding has been fully allocated
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Response to Coronavirus here
- CECRA for Small Businesses here
- Dealing with Mortgage Payment Difficulties here
- Understanding Mortgage Payment Deferral here
- CMHC Expands Insured Mortgage Purchase Program here
Canadian Bankers Association: Canada’s Six Biggest Banks Take Decisive Action to Help Customers Impacted by COVID-19 here
Coastal Communities Social Procurement Initiative: supporting local government and First Nations social procurement through education, training and coaching here
Employment Insurance: Service Canada is ready to support Canadians affected by COVID-19 and placed in quarantine here
- Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months
- Benefits for the Self-Employed: If you operate your own business, or if you work for a corporation but cannot access EI benefits because you control more than 40% of the corporation’s voting shares.
- Work-Sharing Program: temporary special measures for employers affected by the downturn in business due to COVID-19 here.
- EI Sickness Benefits: provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement. Canadians quarantined can apply for EI sickness benefits
- Emergency Care Benefit: providing up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks. Application will be available in April 2020.
- Record of Employment: instructions for employers
- If your employees are directly affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) and they are no longer working, you must issue a Record of Employment (ROE).
- When the employee is sick or quarantined, use code D (illness or injury) as the reason for separation (block 16). Do not add comments.
- When the employee is no longer working due to a shortage of work because the business has closed or decreased operations due to coronavirus (COVID-19), use code A (Shortage of work). Do not add comments.
- When the employee refuses to come to work but is not sick or quarantined, use code E (Quit) or code N (Leave of absence), as appropriate. Avoid adding comments unless absolutely necessary.
Export Development Canada: Information for Canadian exporters impacted by COVID-19 here.
- New domestic mandate enhances EDC’s role in supporting all Canadian businesses through COVID-19 crisis here
- Business Credit Availability Program here
Facebook: offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for eligible small businesses across the countries where they operate. Small Business Grants Program information here
Farm Credit Canada: FCC’s response to COVID-19, including additional lending capacity here
FortisBC: Supporting BC during the COVID-19 outbreak here. COVID-19 may have financial impacts to FortisBC customers. They encourage customers to reach out and let them know if you are having difficulty with your bill so they can help find a solution.
Google:
- Ad credits for Google Ads small and medium-sized businesses here
- COVID-19: $800+ million to support small businesses and crisis response here
Granted Consulting: Use this COVID-19 Business Assessment Tool to help determine what resources and funding is available here
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada: ITAC Launches Stimulus Fund in Response to COVID-19 here
Innovative Solutions Canada: dedicated funding to help combat current and future outbreaks of COVID-19 here
Island Coastal Economic Trust: In collaboration with Tourism Vancouver Island and Innovation Island Technology Association have lunched 2 new programs to help foster business adaptation and recovery during and post COVID-19 here
Microsoft Teams: Rogers and Microsoft are offering a 6 month free trial of Microsoft Teams here
Work Safe BC: defers Q1 2020 payment here
United Way: COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund here
Call to Action
Supply products and services to support BC’s COVID-19 response here
Canadian manufacturers needed to help combat COVID-19 here
Help Canada Combat COVID-19 here
Foreign Trade Zone – Vancouver Island (FTZVI): If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, your help is needed. If you can say yes to the following, they want to hear from you by sending a short summary of your offer to ic.mid-dim.ic@canada.ca.
- You manufacture in Canada and/or have ready access to necessary inputs through your supply chain.
- You have equipment or facilities that can be rapidly re-tooled to meet medical needs, including for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and surgical gowns; sanitizers; wipes; ventilators; and other medical equipment and supplies.
- You have skilled workers who are able to respond and who could be available for work in the current circumstances.
Prevention, Planning & Advice
COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information here
Resources for Canadian businesses here
Plan Templates & Guides
Pandemic Preparedness for Business here
Emergency Preparedness BC: Find the below plans and more here
Pandemic Planning e-Course (Free): Understand a pandemic and what you need to do to prevent one. Offered by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety here
Printable Posters
Checklists and Recommendations
- How Workplaces can Prepare and Protect here
- Is Your Business Digitally Ready? here
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety tip sheets here
- COVID-19, Energy and Canada’s Economic Choices Going Forward here
- Is COVID-19 Forcing Your Digital Transformation? 12 Stepts to Move Faster here
- COVID-19 and Teleworking: Adapting Your Business Practices here
- Engaging Your Workforce in a Crisis Context here
- Business Preparedness Checklist COVID-19 here
- 5 tips for extending cash flow amid times of uncertainty here
- Working from home: Securing your new workplace here
- COVID-19: Managing and Pivoting During a Time of Crisis here
- Tech Soup Canada: Tips on Working Remotely here
- Small Business: Financial checklist before you call your banker here
PwC’s COVID-19 Navigator: Digital Assessment Tool to help you understand the potential impact to your business and gauge your readiness to respond here
Videos or Recordings of Recent Webinars
Canadian Business Resilience Network videos here
The Conference Board of Canada recordings and videos here
BDC’s Entrepreneur’s Learning Centre here
Golden Shovel’s 2020 Exceptional Economic Development Webinars here
Sector Specific Resources
Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic here
Agriculture
For our new Agrifood Resources during COVID-19 list of resources click here.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Industry questions and answers, as well as related links here
- Surplus Food Rescue Program here
BC Agri-Business Planning Program here
Intake for greenhouse carbon tax relief grants open here
Small Scale Food Processor Association: Ag-Food Entrepreneur & Supervisor Training Program here
Work Safe BC: Agriculture and COVID-19 Safety here
Construction
BC Construction Safety Alliance here
- Employer COVID-19 Site Inspection form here
- What if Physical Distancing is Not Possible? here
- Managing a Pandemic on Site here
- COVID-19 Prevention Procedures While Working on a Construction Site here
Building Supply Industry Association of BC (BSIA): COVID-19 response here
Province of BC: Guidance to BC construction sites during COVID-19 here
Vancouver Island Construction Association here
- Online courses available for Business & Leadership and Safety here
Work Safe BC: Construction and COVID-19 Safety here
Food Services
BC Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Guidance to Retail Food and Grocery Stores (April 25) here
BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association: resources here
- Stand Up For Service Campaign – Press Release here, Nomination Form here
- Blueprint for Reopening here
- BC Restaurant and Foodservices Industry Working to Develop Strategy for Reopening here
- List of BC restaurants who are offering takeout and delivery services here
- OneTable asking restaurants to share their story and make their voice heard here
- Restaurant Sector COVID-19 Impact Survey here
- Printable signage for restaurant owners and operators here
Restaurants Canada: Resources for foodservice operators here
Small Business BC: resources for the food & beverage industry here
Forestry
BC Forest Safety: COVID-19 resources here
Logging Tax: updates and info here
Work Safe BC: Forestry field work and COVID-19 safety here
Industrial Camps
BC Ministry of Health: Protecting Workers at Large Industrial Camps During the COVID-19 Pandemic (April 28) here
Province of BC: Interim Communicable Disease Control Guidelines for Industrial Camps here
Manufacturing
Canadian manufacturers needed to help combat COVID-19 here
Province of BC: Guidance to BC manufacturers during COVID-19
Work Safe BC: Industry information for manufacturing here
Mining and Smelting
Province of BC: Guidance to mining and smelting operations during COVID-19 here
Retail
BC Centre for Disease Control: Guidance for non-food retail (malls, shops and stores) here
Canada Post: COVID-19 latest updates & FAQs here
Comox Valley Businesses Services during COVID-19 here
London Drugs:
- Attention local small business owners: London Drugs want to help you sell your products, announcement here
- Register here
Retail Council of Canada: Coronavirus resources for retailers here
- Recovery Playbook here
- Retail Council of Canada Launches Framework for Retailers to Reopen Stores here
- Q&As for Retailers on COVID-19 here
- RCC applauds today’s update on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (April 15) here
- 2020 province Workers’ Compensation updates for retailers (April 13) here
- BC announces additional COVID-19 measures (March 26) here
Retail Insider: Articles and releases here
Work Safe BC: Retail and COVID-19 Safety here
Tourism Industry
BC Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Guidance to the Hotel Sector (April 28) here
Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs): Info sheet here
Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE): Resources here
- Scenario Mapping During a Crisis here
- Working with Sponsors During Difficult Times here
Canadian Heritage: Emergency Support Fund for Heritage Organizations here
Destination BC: Emergency Preparedness for BC’s Tourism Industry here, Virtual Experiences Best Practices Guide here and specific info about the Coronavirus here
- BC’s Tourism Sectors to Benefit from $400,000 in Funding from Destination BC here
- The Road to Recovery Webinar Series here
- COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Report: Business Events here
- Messaging Guidance for BC’s Tourism Industry here
Destination Canada: COVID-19 Updates here
Discover Comox Valley: COVID-19 information and updates for residents and visitors here
Hotel Association of Canada: Information for Hoteliers here
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada: Indigenous Businesses Receive $306.8 Million Federal Stimulus Funding Package in Response to COVID-19 here
Tourism Industry Association of Canada: Updates and resources here
- State of Tourism in Canada During COVID-19 (April 13) here
Vancouver Island Coastal Tourism Resiliency Program: information here
- Register for the program here
- Webinar Archive with recordings here
Western Economic Diversification Canada: Support for tourism operators and SMEs here
Local Government Resources
City of Courtenay
Town of Comox
Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD)
Province of BC– Provincial news releases here. List of COVID-19 Essential Services here
- August 17 – B.C. creates new infrastructure program for arts and culture venues
- August 14 – Summer session focuses on protecting people, laying groundwork for recovery
- August 13 – Deadline looms for temporary layoff extensions
- August 11 – BC Ferries eligible for Safe Restart funding
- August 7 – Minister’s statement on July Labour Force Survey results
- August 5 – Applying for temporary layoff extensions reminder
- August 5 – Review of recall rights in B.C.’s hotel sector
- August 4 – State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response
- July 29 – Helping B.C. farmers maintain farm status
- July 22 – B.C.’s top doc tightens rules at restaurants, nightclubs as COVID-19 cases increase
- July 22 – Province bolsters COVID-19 support for local governments, transit
- July 21 – Tourism sector asks B.C. government for $680M stimulus package
- July 21 – Online digital marketing training to help people, businesses succeed
- July 20 – Wholesale liquor pricing for restaurants, tourism businesses takes effect
- July 17 – Supporting Canadian Workers and Businesses with a redesigned Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
- July 17 – Community Resiliency Investment grant criteria expanded
- July 13 – Feds to extend wage subsidy program until December
- July 13 – Delivery of packaged liquor from restaurants, pubs extended
- July 13 – New plan helps Island farmers adapt to climate change
- July 7 – State of emergency extended to continue COVID-19 response
- July 3 – Canada and British Columbia invest in infrastructure in the Vancouver Island region to create jobs and strengthen communities
- July 2 – B.C. families get additional $450 with boosted climate action tax credit
- June 30 – Support for Indigenous entrepreneurs helps bring agriculture to more communities
- June 29 – Supporting the growth of western Canadian business
- June 29 – New community program empowers youth to ‘Build Back Better’
- June 24 – BC begins next phase of safe restart plan
- June 24 – Province tables economic stabilization act, confirms COVID-19 supports
- June 22 – New act will help formalize, unwind emergency orders
- June 19 – Province announces next steps to support renters, landlords
- June 17 – British Columbians invited to have their say on recovery
- June 17 – Province provides grants to support people, rural economies
- June 16 – Province expands measures to support restaurant, tourism industries
- June 12 – Better access to gaming grants help communities during pandemic
- June 12 – More support for Island arts, culture during COVID-19
- June 11 – Minister’s statement on food service establishments, liquor services
- June 5 – Order extended to enable use of technologies during COVID-19
- June 5 – Thyme for a new round of farmers market program funding
- June 5 – Additional funding supports BC farmers, processors to move online
- June 5 – Closed hospitality businesses permitted to sell liquor stock during pandemic
- June 1 – Minimum wage increase takes effect
- June 1 – BC strengthens federal commercial rent program
- May 28 – Connecting people with jobs in BC’s agricultural sector
- May 27 – Provincial state of emergency extended in COVID-19 response
- May 25 – Province supports tourism marketing organizations to be ready for recovery
- May 22 – Patio, service area expansions support safe reopening
- May 15 – WorkSafeBC guidelines support safe reopening of businesses
- May 15 – Helping BC agriculture, food businesses plan for COVID-19 recovery
- May 13 – BC aims to give restaurants a liquor discount, expedite patio approvals
- May 12 – Buy BC e-commerce brings local foods, beverages online
- May 11 – Emerging Economy Task Force final report released
- May 6 – Premier outlines plan to restart BC safely
- May 4 – Government creates COVID-19 temporary layoff period
- May 1 – Online applications open for BC Emergency Benefit for Workers
- April 30 – Government takes action to help forest sector keep doors open
- April 29 – BC extending state of emergency to continue COVID-19 response
- April 24 – Funding to improve rural internet connectivity
- April 23 – Applications for BC Emergency Benefit for Workers to open May 1
- April 22 – Companies, societies, co-operatives now able to meet electronically
- April 16 – COVID-19 support service launched for BC businesses
- April 16 – New COVID-19 supports for businesses, local governments
- April 15 – State of emergency extended to continue BC’s COVID-19 response
- April 15 – More support for commercial truck drivers during COVID-19 crisis
- April 14 – Temporary foreign workers self-isolating in government-managed accommodations
- April 9 – Minister’s statement on March Labour Force Strategy
- April 9 – New virtual mental health supports for COVID-19 on the way
- April 9 – Applications open for temporary rental supplement
- April 8 – Civil Resolution Tribunal extends deadlines, waives fees for those struggling financially during pandemic
- April 8 – All BC Parks closing
- April 2 – Premier’s task force to support BC economy during, after COVID-19
- April 1 – COVID-19 Supply Hub connects needed medical supplies to health workers
- April 1 – Province supporting people with relief on power bills during COVID-19
- March 31 – Province extends state of emergency to support COVID-19 response
- March 29 – Guidance to retail food and grocery stores operating during COVID-19
- March 27 – Minister’s statement on COVID-19 support for arts and culture sector
- March 26 – Province takes unprecedented steps to support COVID-19 response
- March 25 – Supporting renters, landlords during COVID-19
- March 23 – BC announces $5B coronavirus aid package for individuals and businesses or view factsheet here
- March 23 – Prime Minister announces support for farmers and agri-food businesses under Canada’s response to COVID-19
- March 22 – Increasing hand sanitizer production to keep British Columbians safe
- March 21 – BC orders closure of ‘personal service establishment’
- March 20 – BC’s top doctor bans dine-in guests at restaurants across the province
Government of Canada: Resources for Canadian Businesses
- August 24 – New temporary public policy will allow visitors to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada
- July 31 – Government Announces New Extension of Rent Relief for Small Businesses
- July 31 – New mobile app to help notify Canadians of potential COVID-19 exposure now available
- July 28 – Government of Canada Supports Innovation in British Columbia
- July 28 – Over $95 million in relief and recovery funds flow to businesses in Western Canada
- July 20 – Government introduces legislation to support Canadian workers, businesses and persons with disabilities
- July 16 – More support for Canadians through the Safe Restart Agreement
- June 16 – Prime Minister announces extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
- June 10 – Minister Ng announces government partnership with private sector campaign to help businesses reopen safely amid COVID-19
- June 1 – Prime Minister announces support to help communities create jobs and restart the economy
- May 29 – Prime Minister announces additional funding for health, economic, and social support for Indigenous peoples and communities
- May 28 – Governments and international organizations come together to address economic challenges and sustainability
- May 25 – Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance now open for applications
- May 20 – Prime Minister announces opening of program to protect jobs and help businesses
- May 19 – Prime Minister announces expansion of support for workers and small businesses
- May 15 – COVID-19 wage subsidy program extended through August, Trudeau says
- May 13 – Regional Relief and Recover Fund (RRRF) applications now open
- May 11 – Prime Minister announces additional support for businesses to help save Canadian jobs
- May 8 – Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations
- May 7 – Prime Minister announces agreements to boost wages for essential workers
- May 5 – Supporting Canada’s farmers, good businesses, and food supply
- May 4 – Canada and international partners launch the Coronavirus Global Response
- April 25 – Trudeau announces $62.5 million for seafood, fish processors during coronavirus pandemic
- April 23 – Prime Minister announces new support for COVID-19 medical research and vaccine development
- April 22 – Support for students and new grads affected by COVID-19
- April 21 – Prime Minister announces further support to help Canadians in need
- April 17 – Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: New Support to Protect Canadian Jobs
- April 16 – Coronavirus: Trudeau promises rent relief for small and medium-sized businesses
- April 15 – Expanding access to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and proposing a new wage boost for essential workers
- April 14 – Minister Fortier Highlights Government Support for Businesses at Ottawa Board of Trade
- April 13 – Keeping Canadians and workers in the food supply chain safe
- April 8 – Ottawa boosts student job wage subsidy to 100% as March unemployment data expected to shatter record
- April 7 – Supporting Canadians to Think Critically About Online Health Information
- April 5 – Trudeau says help coming for students unable to find summer jobs
- April 2 – Government of Canada provides guidance on services and functions deemed essential to Canada’s critical infrastructure during COVID-19
- April 1 – Government announces details of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to help businesses keep Canadians in their jobs
- March 29 – How the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting immigration, refugees, citizenship and passport services
- March 27 – Trudeau promises 75% wage subsidy for businesses hit by coronavirus pandemic
- March 25 – Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses
- March 25 – Trudeau’s $82B coronavirus support package gets royal assent, officially passes
- March 18 – “COVID-19 financial help: EI benefits, bill deferrals and other emergency funds in BC”
- March 18 – “First Phase” of Canada’s “Economic Response Plan” announcement
Examples of Recovery & Re-Opening Plans
Province of Ontario: Reopening after COVID-19 plan here
Province of Saskatchewan: Phases of Re-Open here
Articles & News Stories
- April 22: New Zealand is reopening – how did it handle coronavirus differently than Canada here
Local Services
BC Ferries: Travel advisories here
- BC Ferries to screen passengers for COVID-19 as new regulations announced here
- Keeping Vital Goods and Services Moving here
BC Transit: Coronavirus Information here
- BC Transit and the Comox Valley Regional District implement services changes here
Comox Valley Airport: COVID-19 Updates here
Harbour Air Seaplanes: COVID-19 service updates here
Pacific Coastal Airlines: President’s message here
Personal Health Resources
The Public Health Agency of Canada is actively monitoring the current outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and working with the World Health Organization and other international partners.
BC 211
A program that matches seniors who need support with non-medical essentials, to volunteers in their community who are willing to help. To register for services, or to offer help, register here. More information available here
BC Centre for Disease Control
Information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus here
Lush Valley Food Action Society
Emergency Food Share Program is aimed at providing food to those in need in the Comox Valley, including those in need of financial and/or food delivery assistance.
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
Public health risk is being continually reassessed as new information becomes available. For up-to-date and reliable information about the coronavirus and Canada’s response to this issue, visit PHAC’s online resources here.
Prevention and Planning
You can find preventative information here on the PHAC’s website and call the Health Canada 2019 coronavirus information line at 1-833-784-4397 with further questions.
Thrive Health
BC COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool and new support app here. The app will let you receive the latest updates, trusted resources, and alerts. The Self-Assessment Tool is built in.
World Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have issued a joint statement on international cooperation as key to the containment of COVID-19. Read it here.
Banks
Bank of Montreal (BMO): COVID-19 support page, including updates here
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC): Financial assistance form, services, and updates here
Coastal Community Credit Union: Service updates, financial relief plan, FAQs here
Coast Capital Savings: member financial relief program, branch closures, and updates here
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC): Updates, financial relief program, and FAQs here
Scotiabank: Latest updates including message from CEO, financial relief, and COVID-19 FAQs here
TD Canada Trust: How they can help, mortgage payment deferral online application, and other information here
Business Resources
Business Success Stories
The Comox Valley’s entrepreneurs are innovators in their fields, expanding their operations and incredible examples of the range of business opportunities in the area. Check out some of the recent business news here, and contact us if you are considering starting or expanding your business to explore how Comox Valley Economic Development Business Counts services can support your success.
Business News:
Agrifood Statistics, Reports & Other Resources
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