
COVID-19 | Support and Resources
Looking for guidance for your business during the current COVID-19 situation?
The WTC Winnipeg has created the following list of resources to help navigate available support programs. Our team of business and trade advisors are also here to answer your questions. Contact us by email at covid@wtcwinnipeg.com or 204.253.4888 / 1.800.665.2019 (toll free).
Financial Support
You can find bellow information on open federal and provincial government programs and initiatives that support businesses and business owners.
Use the “Find financial help during COVID-19” tool, which guides you towards programs that may help based on your answers to a few short questions.

Federal
Provincial
Free Online Resources
Free Online Webinars

Federal
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The government has announced an extension of the current CEWS rates until September 25, 2021.
The Canadian government is covering up to 75% of an employee’s wages for qualifying eligible employers to keep and re-hire employees and avoid layoffs. The Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers is another subsidy available to employer.
Learn more here: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
The government has announced an extension of the current CERS rate until September 25, 2021.
The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provides a direct and easy-to-access rent and mortgage subsidy of up to 65% of eligible expenses to qualifying businesses, charities and non-profits. This support is available directly to tenants.
Learn more here: Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
The HASCAP is available until September 25, 2021.
The Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) provides businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19, access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs.
Learn more here: Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
For Sector specific support: Support Sectors
For the complete list of available federal support: Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Provincial
Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave
The Manitoba Pendemic Sick Leave eligibility perido runs from May 7 to September 25, 2021.
The Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave program provides employers with up to $600 per employee for up to five full days of COVID-19 related sick leave, which do not have to be taken consecutively. Eligible sick leave related to COVID-19 includes testing, vaccinations and side effects, self-isolation due to COVID-19 symptoms, or care for a loved one in any of the previously mentioned circumstances.
Learn more here: Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave
Manitoba Bridge Grant
The Manitoba Bridge Grant is accepting application till July 16, 2021.
The Manitoba Bridge Grant – Stream A provides a one-time $5,000 grant to eligible Manitoba small- and medium-sized store-front businesses and organizations. The grant provides financial assistance to eligible Manitoba businesses and organizations that are required to fully close their premises to the public as a result of Manitoba COVID-19 public health orders. The Manitoba Bridge Grant – Stream B provides a one-time maximum of up-to $5,000 to eligible Manitoba full time home-based businesses.
Learn more here: Manitoba Bridge Grant
Manitoba Youth Jobs Program
The Manitoba Youth Jobs Program application deadline is August 31, 2021.
The program provides wage subsidies to permanent Manitoba-based non-profit organizations and private sector employers that hire eligible employees aged 29 and younger. Employers receive a 50% wage subsidy on all eligible wages earned by eligible employees up to a maximum funding of $25,000 per employer. The wage subsidy covers full pay periods that fall between May 1 and September 5, 2021. Employers are not limited in the number of eligible employees they can claim.
Learn more here: Manitoba Youth Jobs Program
For the complete list of available provincial support: Programs for individuals and businesses
To contact the Manitoba Economic Support Centre, dial 1-888-805-7554

Free Online Resources
- BDC: Support for Entrepreneurs Impacted by Coronavirus
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Business Continuity and Recovery Planning Guide
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Crisis Communications Planning Guide
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Workplace Recovery Toolkit
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business: Covid-19 Small Business Help Centre
- Statistics Canada: Covid-19 Related Data

Free Online Webinars
- The World Trade Centre Winnipeg: Roots and Recovery
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Webinars
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business: COVID-19 Webinars
- Chartered Professional Accountants Canada: Small business webinar series
- Tech Manitoba: Events & Training
- The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce: Webinars & Luncheon