During this difficult time, the Town of Halton Hills is committed to supporting the business community.
We are monitoring the situation and are continuously gathering information and supports to help navigate through the available resources being announced through all levels of government.
We encourage businesses to visit the Government of Canada interactive business benefits finder for a list of government supports that your business may be eligible for.
Canada Business Benefits Finder
To support restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments, the Town has launched the 'Al Fresco in the Hills' initiative. It provides opportunities for additional dining space to help reduce revenue losses caused by necessary compliance with COVID-19 regulations.
Learn More about Alfresco in the Hills
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Economic Development Team with any questions or concerns. We will also be updating the business community on Town initiatives through our Invest Halton Hills newsletter.
Subscribe to the Economic Development E-Newsletter
For current Provincial Government announcements, visit the Ontario COVID-19 webpage.
Revised updates from Halton Region Public Health: Halton COVID-19 webpage.
Visit the Town of Halton Hills COVID-19 page for safety protocols and Town service updates.
Local Information and Updates |
Visit the Town of Halton Hills COVID-19 for safety protocols and Town service updates Town Partners with Chamber to Distribute Workplace Rapid Screening Kits to Small BusinessesThe Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Halton Hills have joined forces to provide free self-screening kits to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who employ up to 150 employees throughout the Town of Halton Hills. The goal of the program is to identify asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals and prevent them from spreading COVID-19 in the workplace, at home and around the community. The booking portal will be launched next week and kits can be picked up starting May 26 (supply and delivery dependent). SMEs are required to electronically submit screening metrics weekly. Accumulated data will be reported to the appropriate government officials. It is recommended that staff be screened twice weekly. Expression interest in the Halton Hills Chamber's Rapid Screening program. Halton Region ResourcesGlobal Business Centre Call to Action
Response Funding
Other Local Resources |
Retail Businesses |
The Retail Council of Canada has prepared a Retail Recovery PlaybookThe Playbook includes a comprehensive Retail Recovery Checklist.What are the guidelines that I need to follow?Businesses must follow public health measures and should review workplace safety guidelines, such as wearing masks, promoting physical distancing and frequent handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, installing physical barriers, staggering shifts, and using contactless payment options to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, in partnership with Ontario's health and safety associations, has released over 60 sector-specific health and safety guidelines, including guidelines for curbside pickup and delivery services. Business owners should review the guidelines and consult with local public health officials to ensure they have the information they need to protect workers, customers and the general public as the province prepares for the gradual reopening of the economy. |
Economic Support and Recovery Taskforce |
To continue to support the local business community, the Town of Halton Hills has established an Economic Support and Recovery Task Force in collaboration with the Acton and Georgetown Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and Chamber of Commerce. The move comes as a continuation of the Town’s efforts to bring together stakeholders and collectively work to support business continuity. Chaired by Mayor Rick Bonnette, the task force includes the Director of Economic Development, Innovation and Culture, other senior staff, key business stakeholders and representatives from the two BIAs and Chamber of Commerce. “These are unprecedented times,” said the Mayor. "And it is during times of duress that it is more important than ever that we work together to address the significant challenges faced by our business community.” The goals of the Economic Support and Recovery Task Force include:
Virtual Town Hall Presentation |
Province of Ontario |
Visit the Ontario Newsroom for the latest Provincial COVID-19 updates, funding and support announcements.Visit COVID-19: Help for Businesses in Ontario for more information on Provincial supports and resources.Ontario's "Stop the Spread" Business Information LineThe province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. Assistance is available from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open |
Government of Canada |
Canada's Economic Response Plan Supports for Canadian Businesses |
Tourism, Arts and Culture Resources |
Tourism GrantsOntario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative
Tourism AssociationsTourism Industry Association of Ontario
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Agri-Business Supports |
Ontario Providing Employers with Workplace Safety Guidelines Governments Invest $2.5 Million to Grow Agri-food e-Business During COVID-19 Canada and Ontario Supporting Agri-food Sector Supply Chain During COVID-19 Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Quarantine Assistance Program Increase to Farm Credit Canada’s lending capacity Canada’s Advance Payment Program Canada’s Deferral of HST Remittance and Customs Duty Payments Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Ins. Board’s Financial Relief Package Canada Emergency Business Account |
Non-Profit and Charity Supports |
In partnership with Halton Region, surrounding municipalities and local organizations, the Town of Halton Hills has established the Community Support Action Team (CSAT) to aid the community’s most vulnerable during COVID-19. The CSAT team is working with all local not for profit agencies and organizations to help those in need during this time. If you require support for funding, volunteers or resources, please contact us at 905-873-2600 x2273. In an effort to support community, arts and culture organizations, the Town has also compiled a list of various supports available to eligible nonprofits and charitable organizations below: Ontario Nonprofit Network COVID-19 Resources Canada Helps – A Charity’s Guide to Canada’s COVID-19 Governmental Supports & Programs Imagine Canada – List of Federal Government Measures to support Nonprofits/Charities Federal Government – Announcement of $350 million to establish the Canada Emergency Support Fund |
Other Business Resources |
Conference Board of Canada: Ontario Business Improvement Area Business Development Bank of Canada: |