• COVID-19 Response - List of Grants, Subsidies & Financial Support

Federal COVID-19 Support

Program Name
Description
Contact Details
Forage Growth fundSupport for businesses in the agriculture and food industry that have been significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis. Provides the opportunity to partner with an active investor to help stabilize the business for recovery.
Current focus areas include food processing and manufacturing; crop inputs and fertilizers; farm equipment manufacturing; distribution, merchandising and logistic companies
Forage Capital Partners
Tel: 403-215-5492
Email: rlethebe@foragecapitalpartners.com
Website: http://www.foragecapitalpartners.com/
FCC COVID-19 Support ProgramBusinesses have the opportunity to access an additional credit line up to $500,000 or an additional term loan up to $2.5M. Existing clients can also defer principal/interest payments.Farm Credit Canada
Tel: 1-888-332-3301
Email: csc@fcc-fac.ca
Website:https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/covid-19/program-details.html
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund: COVID-19 Interest-free loans to help businesses to allow them to continue their operations and to support businesses in projects that prepare for a successful recovery. Applied to through your Regional Development Agency (RDA)Contact details will vary between RDAs

Website:Contact details will vary between RDAs

Notes: These programs have been announced, but further details have not been released yet. It is recommended to keep an eye out for more details regarding these programs, as they may be valuable during the recovery phase.

Federal COVID-19 Support: Programs to Come

Program Name
Description
Contact Details
Canada’s Emergency Processing FundA $77.5M fund to help producers access more PPE; adapt to health protocols; automate or modernize their facilities, processes and operations; and respond to emerging pressure of COVID-19More details to be released
Website:https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/05/05/supporting-canadas-farmers-food-businesses-and-food-supply
Surplus Food Purchase ProgramAn initial $50M fund designed to help businesses redistribute existing and unsold inventory to local food organizations.More details to be released
Website:https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/05/05/supporting-canadas-farmers-food-businesses-and-food-supply


Notes: These programs have been announced, but further details have not been released yet. It is recommended to keep an eye out for more details regarding these programs, as they may be valuable during the recovery phase.

Other Federal Programs

Program Name
Description
Potential Funds
(% & max)
TimelineContact Details
Youth Employment and Skills ProgramWage subsidy for employers that hire youth in agricultural jobs. Additional funding can be provided for travel and accommodation costs if relocation is required. Up to 50%, to a max of $14,000Ongoing.

Work terms must completed by Mar 31, 2021

Tel: 1-866-452-5558
Email: aafc.yesp-pecj.aac@canada.ca
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/youth-employment-and-skills-program/?id=1557778999519
Agri-AssuranceSupports the implementation of third-party assurance certification projects that address market and regulatory requirements.

To be eligible, businesses must have less than 250 employees and annual revenues less than $50M.

Up to 50% to a max of $50,000Ongoing until Sept 30, 2022Farm Credit Canada
Tel: 1-877-246-4682
Email:aafc.assurance.aac@canada.ca
Website:http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/agriassurance-small-and-medium-sized-enterprise-component/?id=1517865477303
Agri-InnovateRepayable contributions for efforts in the commercialization, adoption, or demonstration of innovation that increase agri-sector competitiveness and sustainability. Up to 50%, to a max of $10MOngoing

Projects must be completed by Mar 31, 2023.

Tel: 1-877-246-4682
Email: aafc.cap-aip.pca-pai.aac@canada.ca
Website:http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/agriinnovate-program/?id=1515682916298

Notes:These are some other Federal programs, not directly related to the COVID-19 crisis, but may be valuable in accessing financial support if applicable.

Ontario-Specific Programs

Program Name
Description
Potential Funds
(% & max)
Timeline
Contact Details
Agri-food Workplace Protection ProgramFor modifications within an operation to implement social distancing measures (e.g. physical barriers) and improve health and safety in response to COVID-19. Includes temporary/permanent modifications, PPE, cleaning/disinfection, medical equipment/services.75%, up to a max of $20,000Ongoing, as long as funding is available

Projects must be completed by Nov 30, 2020

Tel: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Website:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/
english/cap/meatplants.htm
Addressing Labour Supply and TrainingFocuses on efforts to help build a strong labour force for agri-food and agri-product sectors through the implementation of new, enhanced or expanded approaches to attract, train and retain labour.Up to 90%Ongoing

Projects must be completed by Sept 30, 2022

Tel: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Website:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/
english/cap/
/labour_supply_training.htm
Agri-food Open for E-BusinessStream 1focuses on efforts to establish an online e-business and marketing presence to retain/expand sales.

Stream 2 focuses on efforts to develop and implement high-impact online e-business opportunities on a larger scale.

Stream 1: Up to $5,000
Stream 2: Up to 90%, to a max of $75,000
Currently closed, may reopen if funding remains

Projects must be completed by Nov 30, 2020 (Stream 1), or Sept 30, 2022 (Stream 2)

Tel: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Website:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/
english/cap/ebusiness.htm


Notes: These programs are specific to Ontario. The E-Business program is currently not accepting new applications, however, if interested, it would be good to keep in mind as they may reopen intake. The Agri-food Workplace Protection Program may be particularly valuable currently as the province slowly reopens.

Program Name
Description
Potential Funds
(% & max)
Timeline
Contact Details
Market Access InitiativeHelps businesses that are directly involved or support production, processing and/or sales of agri-food and agri-products and have been impacted by trade restrictions. There are streams that focus on accessing new, emerging markets; and sector diversification in domestic or export marketsUp to 75%, to a max of $20,000-$30,000OngoingTel: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Website: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/
cap/market_access.htm
Place to Grow: Funding for SectorsSupports collaborative efforts to address challenges within the sector relating to priority areas of Economic Development, Environmental Stewardship, and Protection and Assurance.Up to 50%. Max of $100,000 on eligible capital costsOngoing

Projects must be completed by Sept 30, 2022

Tel: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Website: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca
/english/cap/sectors.htm
Place to Grow: Strategic SolutionsHopes to accelerate the creation and adoption of innovative solutions to sector challenges, and improve sector competitiveness and sustainability relating to Economic Development, Protection and Assurance, Environmental Stewardship, and Research and Innovation. This program is meant for larger projects, with a suggested minimum government contribution of $250,000Up to 75%, up to $1M. Max of $500,000 on eligible capital costsOngoing

Projects must be completed by Dec 1, 2022

Tel: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Website: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/
english/cap/strat-solutions.htm


Notes: These programs are specific to Ontario. The E-Business program is currently not accepting new applications, however, if interested, it would be good to keep in mind as they may reopen intake. The Agri-food Workplace Protection Program may be particularly valuable currently as the province slowly reopens.