Help for Businesses

Last updated: February 16, 2022

Latest Updates:

General Masking Requirements are Lifted effective March 21, 2022 - Masking will still remain in certain indoor settings.
Ontario no longer requires businesses and organizations to check for proof of vaccination effective March 1, 2022.
Businesses and organizations may voluntarily choose to check for proof of vaccination and may use the Verify Ontario app, or other methods to do so. For more information, go to Ontario.ca/proofofvaccination
Province Launches Building Ontario Businesses Initiative (BOBI) - Initiative will strengthen supply chain security and boost domestic production of critical goods
Ontario’s Safe Employers Receiving up to $1.5 Billion Rebate - Rebate will support businesses, maintain jobs and help safe employers impacted by COVID-19
COVID-19 worker and employee screening - The COVID-19 Screening Tool for Businesses and Organizations
Free Rapid Tests Available for Small to Medium-sized Businesses - Richmond Hill Board of Trade is offering free rapid tests for small- to medium-sized businesses in Richmond Hill. Businesses (including non-Board of Trade members) with 150 employees or less

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting companies locally and globally. The Richmond Hill Economic Development team is here to support you – contact our team if you require assistance. Learn how Richmond Hill businesses are making a difference in the fight against COVID-19. To ensure the health and safety of our clients and staff, all business support activities will be conducted via phone and online.

Recover Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill drives economic recovery through innovation. The Recover Richmond Hill Action Plan focuses on entrepreneurship and partnerships to help local businesses thrive. The following provides a summary of the key measures of success for the 10 action items within the three goal areas as approved by Council in the Recover Richmond Hill Action Plan.

Goal: Delivering Business Support Programs

Launch a Business Support Hotline to assist local businesses to access reopening and recovery programs during predetermined times.
Deliver Re-opening Webinar Series, in partnership with the Richmond Hill Board of Trade to assist local businesses to develop reopening plans.
Continue to maintain online resource hub as a resource for local businesses to access information related to available support programs.

Goal: Supporting Investment, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Launch ShopHere, in partnership with Digitalmainstreet.ca to assist businesses to build or optimize their online platform.
Launch a Municipal Business Innovation Contest and Innovation Showcase to provide small businesses with the opportunity to partner with the City of Richmond Hill on innovative products and services.
Launch a Local Innovation Centre, in partnership with post-secondary partners, to support entrepreneurs, incubate new businesses and accelerate business investment.
Deliver Small Business Micro-grants, in partnership with York Region and the province of Ontario, to assist local businesses to implement recovery plans.

Goal: Encouraging Local Residents and Business to Shop Local

Permit the temporary creation and/or expansion of outdoor patios and retail areas to support local businesses through recovery.
Launch a Shop Safe Downtown Program featuring enhanced cleaning and safety, in partnership with York Region Public Health and York Regional Police, to promote historic downtown as safe shopping destination.
Work with the Richmond Hill Board of Trade and Village of Richmond Hill Board of Trade to support a business led Shop Local Marketing Campaign to encourage local residents to support local business.

Regional, Provincial and Federal Economic Recovery Programs

York Region

Government of Ontario

Ontario Outlines Steps to Cautiously and Gradually Ease Public Health Measures - Starting on January 31,2022. Ontario will follow a cautious and phased approach to lifting public health measures, with 21 days between each step.
Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program: Applications now open - Eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity will receive rebate payments for a portion of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these measures.
Ontario Providing Supports for Small Businesses - Province’s plan includes $10,000 grant for eligible small businesses and additional electricity-rate relief
Help for businesses in Ontario - Learn about available programs and supports for business recovery, and how to reopen and operate safely
COVID-19 testing for organizations - Learn about rapid testing on-site and find out if your organization is eligible to access free test kits
Workplace PPE Supplier Directory

Government of Canada

Canada announces targeted COVID-19 support measures to create jobs and growth - Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program until May 7, 2022 and and delivery of targeted support to businesses that are still facing significant pandemic-related challenges

BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada)

EDC (Export Development Canada)

Export Development Canada - EDC stands ready to support Canadian exporters impacted by COVID-19

Community Resources*

Additional Resources

Richmond Hill Board of Trade
- Protective Equipment Supplier Guide - Sourcing local personal protective equipment (produced by the York Region Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce)
Actors' Fund of Canada (AFC) - AFC supports entertainment industry professionals working in TV and film, music, theatre, and dance. The AFC can provide short-term emergency financial assistance for essential household bills and costs that cannot otherwise be paid
Canadian Federation of Independent Business - Coronavirus and small business: Keeping you and your employees safe
Canadian Manufactures & Exporters (CME) - Providing up to 175 small to medium-sized manufacturers in southern Ontario with in-depth productivity and technology assessments, aimed at stimulating investments and the adoption of new technology solutions
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) - Helping Canadian manufacturers meet critical shortages in the fight against COVID-19
ShopHERE powered by Google - Registered local businesses with fewer than 10 employees, restaurants with less than 25 employees and artists can apply to Digital Main Street’s ShopHERE program to have their online store built at no cost
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) - COVID-19: Keeping safe during the pandemic. Information, resources and updates to equip employers to face the months ahead

* Note: Community Resources are provided by external organizations and not affiliated with the City of Richmond Hill

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Help for Businesses

Recover Richmond Hill

Regional, Provincial and Federal Economic Recovery Programs

Community Resources*

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