Top 10 COVID-19 resources
April 13th, 2020
The team at Startup Canada—like many organizations—has been working to bring together useful resources for entrepreneurs in this difficult time. Based on the sheer volume of information coming out in response to COVID-19, resources accumulate and it can become overwhelming to navigate.
As a result, we’ve decided to release a blog post each week listing the top resources to make it easier for entrepreneurs to find the information and support they need.
In no particular order, here are this week’s top resources for entrepreneurs in light of COVID-19:
1. Canada’s economic future depends on its startups
In this op-ed from the Globe and Mail, Yung Wu, CEO of MaRS Discovery District, outlines his thoughts on startups being key to properly shaping Canada’s economic future—through COVID-19 and beyond.
2. The McConnell Foundation: Spotlight on New Grants
At its recent meeting, the McConnell Foundation Trustees prioritized response to the COVID-19 emergency. This included short term funding for front line organizations; social innovations designed to support civil society organizations and small businesses; and an extension to a societal transition initiative in development.
3. Scotiabank: Canada Emergency Business Account
This is Scotiabank’s detailed FAQ page about the Canada Emergency business account.
4. Plain Language Guide to Obtaining Government Aid
Jennifer Robson—an associate professor in the Master of Political Management program at Carleton University—has created a plain-language guide to help Canadians access the government support they need in this time of crisis. It uses simple, easy-to-understand language to explain the ins and outs of the government’s various funding initiatives.
5. Innovative Solutions Canada: COVID-19 funding opportunities
Innovative Solutions Canada has dedicated funding to help combat current and future outbreaks of COVID-19 and other similar threats. The program will help support the Government of Canada’s fight against COVID-19 by funding R&D and testing prototypes in real-life settings that can help protect Canadians.
This site lists their various funding opportunities and streams. You can also sign up for their newsfeed to be notified when new funding opportunities are launched.
6. How a universal basic income could jump-start Canadian entrepreneurship after COVID-19
This opinion piece by Scott Stirett featured in Future of Good outlines the benefit of a universal basic income to helping people pursue their entrepreneurial goals.
7. BDC: 7 steps to sustain your business through the disruption
Advice from BDC Senior Business Advisor, Alka Sood, on creating a detailed continuity plan to sustain your operations and enable easier recovery once the crisis is over.
8. Mastercard enables higher contactless payments across Canada
Mastercard press release detailing the announcement of the increased limit of contactless payments to $250.00 CAD.
9. EDC: Financing Webinar April 16th, 2020
Thursday, April 16th, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm EST, Export Development Canada is hosting a webinar called: COVID-19: Get financing and support for your business. In it, they will show Canadian companies how to access the financial relief available to them.
10. BDC Capital to provide matching funds for venture capital investments
To encourage continued VC investment through COVID-19, BDC Capital is launching a program that will see it match investments made by Canadian venture capital firms. This piece in the Financial Post provides the full story.
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