FBA COVID-19 FINANCIAL UPDATE
June 18th Update
FBA Support
Newly Announced/Updated Programs for Businesses
Message to FBA Members
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
BC's COVID-19 Provincial Support & Information
COVID-19 Self Assessment: BC Government
Business Financial Support - Some Highlights
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extended to the end of August 2020 NEW
- Extending the Work-Sharing Program
- Establishing a Business Credit Availability Program
- Canada Emergency Business Account
- Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance NEW effective May 25
Resources:
- The Digital Economy Response Program (DER3) NEW April 27, 2020
- First West Credit Union "Weathering the Storm"
- Bellrock Benchmarking "Unprecedented Opportunity"
- Canada Homestay Network "Working Remotely"
- Business Examiner "Marketing & Promotions"
- Webinar "Leading in Turbulent Times" Thursday, April 9th, RECORDING AVAILABLE
- Webinar: "Relentless Adaptation COVID-19" Thursday, April 16th, RECORDING AVAILABLE
- Webinar "Negotiation during COVID-19" Thursday, April 23rd, RECORDING AVAILABLE
- Webinar "Building Resilience "Thursday, April 30th RECORDING AVAILABLE
- Webinar "Set Up Your Customer Experience" Th., May 7th, 9 AM PST. RECORDING AVAILABLE
- Webinar "Connecting Deeply in Times of Disconnection: Wednesday, May 14th RECORDING AVAILABLE
- Webinar "Creating Significant Moments of Personal Impact" Thursday, May 21st RECORDING AVAILABLE
- Webinar "Managing in a Time of Crisis" with Tom Peters, Thursday May 28th, RECORDING AVAILABLE
- Coming Up: "Keys to Performance and Well-Being" with Brad Stulberg, Thursday, June 4th, 9am PST REGISTER
The Compass Collective Offerings
Individual Financial Support - Canada Emergency Response Benefit
Microsoft Teams or Cisco Webex Conferencing Tools - Zoom Alternatives
Helping & Supporting Each Other
FBA Mission & Values
Downloads from FBA Members:
- Wealth Strategy-COVID-19 Wellington - Altus Private Wealth
- Personal Tax Measures - CIBC
- Update on Tax Measures - CIBC
- Wage Subsidy Program - CIBC - see UPDATED info below
- Lower RRIF Minimum Withdrawals - CIBC
- The Math of the Aftermath April 3 - CIBC
- Relief Measures for Businesses - CIBC
- COVID-19 Supports for Businesses in BC
- The Week Ahead April 13-17 2020 - CIBC
- Our lives and the economy - 3 months from now April 8 2020 - CIBC
- 2020_4_9 COVID 19 Canada Model
- Updated Apr 21st - Income Tax and Economic Policies for 2020-Norgaard Kratofil
- Updated Apr 27 - Income Tax and Economic Policies for 2020- Norgaard Kratofil
- May 14th Regional Relief and Recovery Fund - Norgaard Kratofil
- Updated May 18 - Income Tax and Economic Policies for 2020 - Norgaard Kratofil
FBA Support
During these challenging times, FBA members are here to help and support each other. Join a Family Business Advisory (FBA) Team and become a Mentor or Mentee.
Would you like us to set up ZOOM conferences on particular topics and/or bring a group of members together to discuss industry-related issues?
Could you use help from our Advisor Members?
Inquiries: 250-532-2402; info@fbavancouverisland.ca
VISIT OUR WEBSITE familybusinessassociationvi.ca) where you will find added Resources on COVID-19, including this regularly updated Newsletter.
Take Care & Be Safe
Newly Announced Federal Programs for Businesses
Business Credit Availability Program
Export Development Canada (EDC) is working with their federal partners and Canadian financial institutions to bring COVID-19 relief and support to Canadian businesses through the government’s new Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP).
On June 15th, Prime Minister Trudeau said that details will soon follow.
BCAP website
B.C. bans commercial landlords who forgo federal rent relief from evicting tenants
Small Business Hotline
The government announced on May 25th, a new customized financial advice service to help small businesses recover from the pandemic. The free hotline is meant to help vulnerable businesses with pressing financial needs navigate tax regulations and government supports to plan a path to recovery. Set up by the federal government in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the business resilience service hotline (1-866-989-1080) will be serviced by 125 business advisers and chartered accountants seven days a week.
Income tax filing and payment deadlines: CRA and COVID-19
Benefits, credits and financial support: CRA and COVID-19
Buried Benefit - Reimbursements of computer equipment expenses
Employers, this is a 'buried benefit' that can be overlooked. Thanks to Derrold Norgaard, Norgaard Kratofil for bringing it to our attention. You might want to consider this for some staff (and or owners) where you cut back salary a little and give employees a reimbursement instead. On April 22, 2020, the CRA released technical interpretation 2020-0845431C6 (F) on reimbursements for personal computer equipment to allow employees to work from home during the COVID-19 crisis. The release states that the CRA is willing to accept a reimbursement of up to $500 for such purchases that are principally for the employer’s benefit and supported by an invoice, so a taxable benefit will not arise.
BC Restart Program - Effective May 19th
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance effective May 25
(see below under Business Financial Support))
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Applications started on Monday, April 27th.
Announced Friday May 15th: Extended to the end of August 2020
(apply below under Business Financial Support)
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund announced May 14th for $40K (or more) loans to companies that might not qualify for the original COVID-19 $40K emergency loans. See downloadable document, "Regional Relief and Recovery Fund".
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This newsletter contains information for some of the financial support available due to COVID-19, along with the application status. It will be updated as new information becomes available. Also see the Prime Minister's daily CBC News Network updates at approximately 8:00-8:15 am PST.
For your quick reference, you can also find this flier on the FBA website:
familybusinessassociationvi.ca, select COVID-19 at the top of the screen.
The link below provides information on ALL federal government support for businesses, industries and individuals: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#businesses
BC's COVID-19 Provincial Support & Information
COVID-19 Self Assessment: BC Government
Business Financial Support
Some highlights
Program: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy - now extended to the end of August 2020
Purpose: Avoiding layoffs and rehiring employees.
Application status: Applications started on Monday April 27th . The three ways to apply are covered in the website link below.
Make sure your business details and direct deposit information for your payroll accounts (RP) are up to date. This will ensure that any payments to you will be processed quickly and easily.
The first direct deposits will arrive on May 7th.
Description: 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.
This wage subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, help prevent further job losses, and better position you to resume normal operations following the crisis.
The subsidy is up to $847/week/employee. Employees cannot receive both the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the Emergency Wage Subsidy.
Online calculator enables you to calculate the benefits:
Website for more information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/wage-subsidy.html
Purpose: Avoiding layoffs and rehiring employees.
Application Status: Employers Apply HERE Employees Apply HERE
Description: The federal government is extending the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program from 38 weeks to 76 weeks for employers affected by COVID-19. This measure will provide income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers.
Website for more information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#businesses
Purpose: To help Canadian businesses obtain financing.
Application Status: These programs will roll out in mid-April, and interested businesses should work with their current financial institutions.
Description: On March 13, 2020, the Government announced the establishment of a Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) to help Canadian businesses obtain financing during the current period of significant uncertainty. The BCAP will support access to financing for Canadian businesses in all sectors and regions.
Through this program, Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) will provide $65 billion in direct lending and other types of financial support at market rates to businesses with viable business models whose access to financing would otherwise be restricted. By working in close cooperation with financial institutions, this program will fill gaps in market access and leverage additional lending by private sector institutions
Website for more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/financial-sector-policy/business-credit-availability-program.html
Purpose: Interest free loans for small businesses and not-for-profits.
Application Status: This program will is NOW AVAILABLE and interested businesses should work with their current financial institutions.
Description: The Canada Emergency Business Account provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced.
NEW Increased Eligibility, April 16, 2020: To qualify, these organizations will need to demonstrate they paid between $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019.
Business owners can apply for support from the Canada Emergency Business Account through their banks and credit unions.
Website for more information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#businesses
Purpose: To provide financial assistance on commercial rental space for small and medium-sized businesses for April, May and June.
Application Status: Effective May 25th
Description: The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program for small businesses, will seek to provide loans and/or forgivable loans to commercial property owners who in turn will lower or forgo the rent of small businesses for the months of April (retroactive), May, and June.
Implementation of the program will require a partnership with provincial and territorial governments who are responsible for property owner-tenant relationships.
Impacted small business tenants are businesses paying less than $50,000 per month in rent and who have temporarily ceased operations or have experienced at least a 70% drop in pre-COVID revenues. This support will also be available to non-profit and charitable organizations.
Website for more information:
https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/finance-and-investing/covid19-cecra-small-business
Resources
The Digital Economy Response Program (DER3) is a free service supported by Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) and powered by Innovation Island Technology Association (IITA). The program is open to individuals or businesses living or working on Vancouver Island, north of the Malahat, on the Sunshine Coast, or Gulf Islands. DER3 offers one-to-one business and technical consultations for businesses that are considering entering or expanding their online presence or putting technology-based tools in place to better serve their needs. When required, the program will also match businesses with regional service providers who can deliver contracted solutions. Please review the steps below, read our FAQ page or contact us with any questions.
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“Weathering Financial Storms” podcast provided by First West Credit Union, FBA Member: http://hyperurl.co/WealthBeingEp9
Their COVID-19 resource page ( www.islandsavings.ca/covid-19 ) is constantly being updated with not only information relevant to our members, but information that applies to all financial institutions.
A couple of helpful articles from that centre:
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Bellrock Benchmarking, FBA Member Blog – Unprecedented Opportunity – addresses why now is the time to hit a giant reset button on your business and emerge on the other end stronger, more profitable, and better to withstand any further turmoil that is sure to come again.
Another timely resource on Leadership: https://e-channelnews.com/business-leadership-in-times-of-crisis/ It’s a 20 minute interview between Julian Lee from eChannel News and Tara Landes, President of Bellrock, on the importance of leadership communication in times of crisis.
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"Working Remotely" Jennifer Wilson, FBA Member with Canada Homestay Network, has years of experience in working remotely and her conference is a must watch.
Click HERE to access the Conference Recording for valuable tips on Working Remotely.
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"Marketing & Promotions" The Business Examiner, FBA Media Partner, is looking to help promote any businesses that are supporting the community, are still operating, or would like any announcements made. They have an email newsletter going out each week to try and talk about the positive things going on right now.
John MacDonald has also offered free advice/strategy to the FBA membership for marketing/sales planning when the crisis ends.
John MacDonald, BBA | Marketing Advisor
Office: 250.758.2684 - Extension 130
Direct: 604.751.0819
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Each week Results out of Edmonton, will feature free engaging speakers and thought leaders who have particular expertise in all things related to business excellence. You'll have the chance to ask questions and generate ideas for action in your own business.
Webinar "Leading in Turbulent Times" by John Spence, Thursday, April 9th RECORDING
Webinar "Relentless Adaptation COVID-19" Thursday, April 16th RECORDING
Webinar "Negotiation during COVID-19" Thursday, April 23rd RECORDING
Webinar "Building Resilience "Thursday, April 30th RECORDING
Webinar "Set UP Your Customer Experience "Thursday, May 7th RECORDING
Webinar "Creating Significant Moments of Personal Impact" with Drew Dudley, Thursday, May 21st RECORDING
Webinar "Managing in a Time of Crisis" with Tom Peters, Thursday May 28th RECORDING
Webinar "Keys to Performance and Well-Being" with Brad Stulberg, Thursday, June 4th
SITE FOR ALL PAST AND FUTURE RECORDINGS
The Compass Collective Offerings
Complimentary advice, workshops, and other resources
Individual Financial Support
Also see the above Work-Sharing Program
Purpose: Support for eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.
Extra 8 weeks available – CERB extended from 16 weeks to 24 weeks for workers who:
- stopped working due to COVID-19 or
- are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits or
- have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits or Employment Insurance fishing benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020.
Application Status: There are two ways to apply:
- Online
- Over the phone with an automated phone service:
1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041
Both of these services are available 21 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both services are closed from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. (Eastern time) for maintenance.
Description: The federal government is providing a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.
Eligibility Expanded: April 15th changes to the eligibility rules to:
- Allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB.
- Extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their regular seasonal work because of COVID-19.
- Extend the CERB to workers who have recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job because of COVID-19.
Website for more information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#individuals
Microsoft Teams or Cisco Webex Conferencing Tools
Zoom Alternatives
Information provided by Gabriel Dhahan, Bellrock Benchmarking
One recommendation we have is to either use Microsoft Teams (it’s already included in most organization’s Microsoft 365 accounts) or Cisco Webex, as Zoom has a poor track record around privacy/security and has come under increased scrutiny as a result of that. The long-term advantage to Microsoft Teams is its integration with the rest of Microsoft’s ecosystem and how well it supports team collaboration.
Once any virtual meeting platform is setup, organizations should ensure that end-users have a great Internet connection, have their room setup correctly, and are comfortable using the technology. Here’s some recommendations:
- Have everyone test their Internet connection with Speetest.net. Telus offers up to 940 MBbps (down/up) for $85/month and Shaw offers up to 600 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up for $110/month so people should upgrade if they can and get a better speed if their download/upload speeds are low.
- Take a look at Wirecutter’s recommendations for video conferencing tools: https://thewirecutter.com/lists/the-tools-to-ace-every-video-meeting/. I’m comfortable recommending their top picks for webcams (Logitech C920S HD Pro), headsets (Jabra Evolve 40 or 75), and other items (e.g. wireless routers, lighting, etc.).
Also, I posted this on LinkedIn and thought I’d share here. Seth Godin’s golden rules of video conferencing should be a must read for all who are going to be using videoconferencing:
- Sit close to the screen. Your face should fill most of it.
- Use an external microphone or headset (the better webcams are good enough for external microphone).
- When you’re not talking, hit mute.
- Don’t eat during the meeting.
- When you’re on mute during an audio call, you can do whatever you want. But when you’re on mute on a video call, act like you’re truly engaged. Nod your head. Focus on the screen. Don’t get up and feed your dog.
- Don’t sit with the window behind you. A little effort on lighting goes a very long way.
- When you’re talking, spend some time looking at the camera, not the screen. You’ll appear more earnest and honest this way.
- When you’re talking, go slow. No one is going to steal your slot.
- Don’t walk if you’re using a phone. And if you’re using a laptop, don’t put it on your lap.
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FBA - your business family.
Our Mission
To promote the sustainability and growth of Vancouver Island business families by providing education and support through community and shared experience.
Our Vision
We are an engaged and supportive community of vibrant Vancouver Island business families and advisors who connect, share ideas and learn from each others’ unique experiences.
Contact Us
P: 250-532-2402
E: fba@familybusinessassociationvi.ca
W: http://www.familybusinessassociationvi.ca
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