Canada United, created by RMC is a movement to support local businesses across Canada. The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund (CUSBRF) was created to help small businesses with the cost of expenses to reopen safely, or adopt e-commerce technologies to conduct more of their business online.
Over $14 Million has been contributed by the Federal Government, RBC, and Canada United partners to support economic recovery due to COVID-19.
Qualified applicants will receive a relief grant of up to $5,000 to offset expenses related to 3 categories. The source of the following information is the CUSBRF Program Guide.
Purchase of Personal Protective Equipment may include equipment purchased to ensure operations are safe for both customers and employees. Eligible equipment costs are incremental costs associated with additional precautions for COVID-19, not normal ongoing business costs. Eligible equipment can include items such as: masks, face shields, gloves.
Renovation of space includes alterations specifically related to COVID-19 that are temporary or permanent, made to the applicant’s business to reduce the risk to customers or staff. These renovations can include: the building or purchase of physical barriers (plexiglass, sneeze guards, etc.), the creation of signage or floor markers, the building or purchase of sanitizing stations, and more.
Enhancement of website/ e-commerce capability involves developing or upgrading a website to better serve customers and pivot business operations as a direct response to COVID-19. Detailed description of enhancements must be provided including quotes where applicable. Enhancement of website can include: creating or designing a website, hiring external staff for copywriting to write/enhance descriptions found on the website, having professional photos taken for products, initial set-up fee for online e-commerce transactions, and more.
Visit the Canada United Small Business Relief Website
Download the Program Guidelines
If you’d like further information or have any questions about finance or accounting for your small business, reach out to us. We've proudly served Newmarket and the surrounding region for over 20+ years. We pride ourselves on delivering value to all our clients, and providing up-to-date expertise and knowledge.