As we all take measures to be socially responsible and adhere to public health authority guidelines, the Altitude Accelerator has transitioned to remote delivery of programs and services. Although in-person meetings cannot take place, we remain committed to providing support for our existing clients and welcome new ventures to work with us. Below you will find a collection of resources relevant for entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them whether this time of uncertainty.
Calls for COVID-19 Innovation
Call to action: Canadian manufacturers needed to help combat COVID-19 – directly supports businesses to rapidly scale up production or re-tool their manufacturing lines to develop products made in Canada that will help in the fight against COVID-19.
COVID-19 Challenges Procurement Program – Seeking near-to-market solutions that need support from NRC IRAP to refine and sell a solution that meets a COVID-19 related need.
Call for suppliers supporting Canada’s response to COVID-19
Ontario calls for innovative solutions to help fight impacts of COVID-19
Relief for Canadian Businesses
NRC IRAP Innovation Assistance Program (IAP) – $250 million funding to help small to medium sized businesses who have been unable to secure funding under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Deadline to apply: Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 at 11:59 pm EDT.
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) – helps Canadian businesses obtain financing during the current period of significant uncertainty. Export Development Canada and Business Development Bank of Canada will provide more than $10 billion in direct lending and other types of financial support.
Tax filing deadline extended to June 1, 2020
Tax payments deferred until August 31, 2020
Work Sharing Program – Temporary special measures for the downturn in business due to COVID-19
Wage subsidy – 10% for next 90 says, up to a maximum of $1375 per employee and $25000 per employer.
Employment Insurance – one week waiting period waived for sickness benefits to provide support for workers in quarantine.
Emergency Care Benefit – up to $900 biweekly for up to 15 weeks for self-employed people and others not eligible for EI sickness benefits.
Business Guides & Resources
COVID-19 Collection – MaRS, set of tools and tactics startups can use to prepare, plan, and respond to COVID-19.
How do we adapt to COVID-19? – BDO Canada
Managing cash flow during a period of crisis – Deloitte
Creating a business continuity plan – BDC
Creating a crisis communication plan – HubSpot
Managing the Impact of Global Supply Chains – EDC
Remote Working
How to set up your startup for remote working – Betakit
Guide to all-remote working – GitLab
Office ergonomics to help mind and body – MyAbilities
COVID-19 Updates
Government of Canada – Public Health
