Top 10 COVID-19 resources
April 20th, 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. Health and social support for northern communities
Press release from the Prime Minister announcing and outlining additional support to address immediate health, economic, and transportation needs in the North.
2. Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
If you want a more in-depth look at the Government of Canada’s programs to support the economy through COVID-19, you can get the full spectrum of information directly from them, here. The site is updated regularly.
3. Scotiabank: Canada Emergency Business Account
This is Scotiabank’s detailed FAQ page about the Canada Emergency business account.
4. Op/ed by Krista Jones of MaRS
Krista Jones is vice-president of venture services and founding executive of the Momentum program at MaRS Discovery District. She has been a builder of technology-based businesses for more than 30 years.
In this opinion piece originally published in the Toronto Star, Krista outlines the need for more support from the federal government for startups.
5. Fundica: COVID 19 Funding Infographic
Fundica is a funding platform that finds and pairs entrepreneurs with the appropriate funding to meet their needs. They created an infographic that makes it even easier to navigate the government’s COVID-19 funding initiatives for businesses in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and Prince Edward Island. This resource is also in both official languages.
6. How to Support Your Employees Mental Well-Being and Anxiety About Coronavirus
An article by Snapclarity providing tips to help support employee mental health in times of crisis.
7. Futurpreneur: Our Entrepreneurs in the Face of COVID-19
This article highlights some of the pivots that various entrepreneurs across Canada have made in light of COVID-19.
8. Mastercard: Ethoca to Bring Digital Receipts to Consumers through Collaboration with Microsoft
On April 15th, Ethoca, a Mastercard company, announced an expansion of its collaboration with Microsoft that will bring Microsoft customers simple access to their digital purchase receipts through their banks’ mobile applications, enabled with Ethoca’s Digital Receipts service.
9. BDC
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is one of the primary organizations providing businesses with funding and support through COVID-19. This website outlines their programs and is updated regularly with resources for navigating the crisis.
10. Federal Government Commits Additional $250 Million in IRAP Funding to Support High Growth Startups
On Friday, the federal government revealed plans to make an additional $250 million available through the existing Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) program, which provides advice, connections, and funding to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses.
Sign up for our mailing list to receive weekly updates on resources and support for entrepreneurs through COVID-19 and beyond.