Top 10 COVID-19 resources
April 27th, 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. 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.
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. Backing Canadian Businesses Through COVID-19 and the Recovery
The Future Economy interviewed Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade—the Hon. Mary Ng—to outline the details of the government’s plans to support entrepreneurs and small businesses.
4. MaRS: 10 Canadian health innovators you need to know
This article from MaRS Development District highlights some of the doctors, researchers, and computer scientists creating cutting-edge solutions that are transforming how we treat everything from cancer to COVID-19.
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 leaders can make a difference to support employee mental health
A free recorded webinar by Snapclarity providing advice to help support employee mental health in times of crisis.
7. Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Last week, the government unveiled the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). As a Canadian employer whose business has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 12 weeks, retroactive from March 15, 2020, to June 6, 2020.
Learn more here.
8. Entrepreneur Town Hall with the Hon. Mary Ng
As part of our efforts to give a voice to Canadian entrepreneurs and share their feedback with the government, Startup Canada has been hosting a series of virtual Entrepreneur Town Halls with local Members of Parliament.
On Tuesday, April 28th, we’ll be hosting one with the Hon. Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. You can register and submit questions in advance, here. A recorded version will be made available, here, for those unable to attend.
9. Lessons on Awakening Entrepreneurship with Catherine Bell
In this webinar, award-winning author (The Awakened Company) and entrepreneur Catherine Bell will review some of the lessons she’s learned about entrepreneurship. Her method blends wisdom, traditions, practical know-how, and business research to provide a step-by-step recipe for successful entrepreneurship. You’ll learn how to customize Catherine’s recipe to build a solid foundation for your business.
10. Leadership Communications During the COVID-19 Crisis with Andrea Lekushoff
Join Andrea Lekushoff, Canadian PR leader and president of Broad Reach Communications, for a webinar exploring best practices for communicating during this unprecedented time.
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