Relief measures for businesses
COVID-19
Relief measures for businesses
We know what a huge impact COVID-19 is having on businesses. It's making it tough to stay open, make payroll and keep cash on hand.
During these uncertain times, Desjardins Business and Desjardins Capital are here for you.
Our support includes the following products and services:
- Financing
- Group insurance
- Property and casualty insurance for businesses
The federal government is also offering interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits.
Products the relief measures apply to
Because no 2 businesses are alike, we'll work to find solutions tailored to your situation. Additional measures may be announced as the situation develops.
Coordination with government programs
We're working closely with the federal and provincial governments to provide additional solutions and support during this challenging time. If you need more information, reach out to your account manager. They can work with you to find the right solution for your needs.
See all business support programs offered by the Government of Canada
See all support programs offered by the Government of Quebec
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
This federal program provides interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits experiencing temporary financial hardship to help cover their operating costs. Businesses that received the initial loan of $40,000 as part of this program can apply for an additional $20,000.
Learn more about the program on the Canada Emergency Business Account site - External link. This link will open in a new window..
Track the status of your application
You can view the status of your application on the Government of Canada's website - External link. This link will open in a new window. or contact the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201. The CEBA Call Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 9 PM ET.
Terms of the loan
- Interest-free until December 31, 2022 with no principal payments required
- The loan application must be submitted by March 31, 2021
- If the loan is reimbursed no later than December 31, 2022, you can benefit from the following terms and conditions:
- Total loan of $60,000
- No interest to pay
- Amount to repay: $40,000
- Amount written off: $20,000
- Loan of $40,000
- No interest to pay
- Amount to repay: $30,000
- Amount written off: $10,000
- If there's still a balance to pay on January 1, 2023:
- You can set up a 3-year repayment term (principal + interest) or keep the loan with a 5% interest rate.
- The loan must be repaid by December 31, 2025.
Eligibility
To quickly determine if your business is eligible use the CEBA Pre-Screen Tool - External link. This link will open in a new window..
To qualify, your business must (among other requirements):
- have an active business chequing account at the time of application
- have federal tax registration
- have paid up to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019
If your business has a 2019 payroll of $20,000 or less, you must have:
- a Canada Revenue Agency business number
- a 2018 or 2019 tax return
- eligible non-deferrable expenses of between $40,000 and $1.5 million. These expenses can include debt, rent, property taxes, utilities, communications invoices, permits, insurance, etc.
Apply for a loan
You'll need:
- your AccèsD Affaires login information (Note: Only primary administrators will be able to access and fill out the application.)
- a phone number and email address where we can reach you
If your business payroll is between $20,000 and $1.5 million, you'll need your 2019 T4 Summary with your employer number to answer some questions from the government.
If your business payroll is $20,000 or less, you'll need your Income Tax and Benefit Return (T1) and proof of non-deferrable expenses. Corporations must use the Corporation Income Tax Return form (T2).
If your business operates through a personal chequing account, you’ll need:
- To fill out the CEBA Pre-Screen Tool on the federal government site
- If you’re eligible, apply for a chequing account to start the loan application process
Please note that the information declared in your application will be subject to verification and audit by the Government of Canada. Please read the certification carefully before submitting your application.
Loan guarantees and co-lending programs for SMEs
The following support programs are for businesses experiencing temporary financial difficulty due to COVID-19. If you need access to cash to fund your operations or increase your working capital, we can help you figure out which program is best for you.
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) with Export Development Canada – Guarantee
- Flexible financing amount
- Simplified application process
To apply, contact your account manager.
Concerted Temporary Action Program for Businesses with Investissement Québec – Guarantee
- Loan amortization period of up to 60 months
- Moratorium on repayments of up to 12 months
- Specific conditions for the tourism industry
- Changes for certain businesses located in regions under maximum alert (red zones): loans of less than $50,000 are offered by Emergency Assistance for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses program - External link. This link will open in a new window.
To apply, contact your account manager.
BDC Co-Lending Program
- Maximum financing amount based on your business revenues
- Loan conditions tailored to your needs
To apply, contact your account manager.
Learn more - about the BDC Co-Lending Program - External link. This link will open in a new window.
Exclusive partnerships
We know that the current situation and the return to work of your employees raises concerns regarding your business. That's why we called upon partners to give you exclusive offers and preferred rates.
-
Health and wellness program
Learn more about the Optima program - External link. This
link will open in a new window.
Offer your employees and managers the support they need with Optima Global Health's assistance and coaching services.
-
Telemedecine offered by Medisys
Learn more about the Medisys
program - External link. This link will open in a new window.
With Medisys, you can offer your employees a virtual healthcare service.
-
E-business service
learn more about the services offered by votresite.ca - External link. This link will
open in a new window.
Speed up your digital shift with votresite.ca, especially during the pandemic.
