Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
May 13, 2020For small and medium sized retailers and other businesses who haven’t met the eligibility requirements for existing COVID-19 government assistance, the government announced further measures to help fill in these gaps. Through the new Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), nearly $1 billion has been allocated to help these businesses and will be administered through Regional Development Agencies (RDA) and Community Futures Development Corporations.
Before applying, retailers must attest that they applied for other federal benefits (e.g. Canada Emergency Business Account benefit, the Wage Subsidy benefit and the Commercial Rent assistance for small businesses, etc.) and were either rejected, deemed ineligible or continue to experience hardship after receiving assistance.
Atlantic Canada
The government has allocated $110 million to support affected Atlantic Canadian retailers and businesses, with $66.75 million for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and $43.3 million through the Atlantic Association of CBDCs.
- For more on the ACOA funding, you can access the application here.
- For CBDC assistance please click on your province to see options are available to you: NFLD, PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick.
Quebec
The government has allocated $211 million to support the Quebec region through the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).
To apply, retailers can find their nearest SADC and CAE or call 1-800-561-0633.
Southern Ontario
The government has allocated $252.4 million to FedDev to support retailers and other businesses in southern Ontario. Of that, $39.4 million is being allocated to support small town “main street” businesses, such as retail shops.
To apply, retailers need to contact their local Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDC) office.
Northern Ontario
Retail stores are ineligible (Section II) to receive funding through this program in Northern Ontario
Western Canada
The government has allocated $304 million to help support western Canadian businesses through Western Economic Diversification Canada. Retail businesses with a sole proprietor are not eligible for this funding. Other impacted retailers can apply for interest free loans in two categories. Up to $40,000 or between $40,001-$1,000,000.
- For loans up to $40,000, retailers can apply here.
- For loans greater that $40,000, retailers can apply here.
Canada’s North
The government has allocated $34.3 million to help support retailers and other businesses operating in Canada’s north through CanNor. This funding will be provided to businesses in three ways:
- Increasing the level of funding available for immediate relief through CanNor’s Northern Business Relief Fund (NBRF)
- Targeted relief and stabilization measures for key sectors
- Financing options to Northern SMEs through support to the Community Futures Network
Retailers are asked to contact their regional office for more information on how to apply.
Nunavut Regional Office
Tel: 867-975-3757
Email: cannor.ecdevnu-devecnu.cannor@canada.ca
Northwest Territories Regional Office
Tel: 867-444-0659
Email: cannor.ecdevnwt-devecnwt.cannor@canada.ca
Yukon Regional Office
Tel: 867-335-0863
Email: cannor.ytinfo.cannor@canada.ca
