Support for local businesses and non-profits

We recognize the difficulties to businesses caused by COVID-19 and are committed to helping them weather and recover from the crisis.

The Business Communications and Support Office is a single point of contact for Vancouver’s local business owners to:

Get information about re-opening protocols and business support programs
Learn about City initiatives to support businesses
Learn what City services for businesses are currently up-and-running
Make suggestions to the City about business and the economy
Respond to requests for information and assistance

How to reach our office

Fill out our Business Support Inquiry Form

We’re here to help by providing information about:

Provincial re-opening plan and protocols
Operating guidelines for businesses
City initiatives to support businesses
Federal, Provincial, and other organizations COVID-19 business support
City services operational update

The Vancouver Economic Commission is our economic development agency and provides support complementary to our services. Refer to their website to find resources for businesses and workers, and information on economic impact, mitigation, and recovery efforts.

The BC Business COVID-19 Support Service , facilitated by Small Business BC, serves as a single point of contact for businesses throughout the province looking for information on resources available during COVID-19.

The Canadian Business Resilience Network has the latest information, tools, and resources businesses may need to make it through COVID-19.

Is your business re-opening?

To re-open, businesses must comply with WorkSafeBC guidelines . Employers must post their COVID-19 safety plans in accordance with the order of the Provincial Health Officer

View a full list Provincial orders

Is your business temporarily closed?

Use one of our ready-made posters to let your customers know how they can reach you online.

Provincial re-opening plans and protocols

BC Restart Plan

BC's Restart Plan a four-step plan where restrictions will be gradually loosened as conditions improve.

Step 1 - Complete

What happened in Step 1 of the Restart Plan

Step 2 - Complete

What happened in Step 2 of the Restart Plan

Step 3 - Complete

What happened in Step 3 of the Restart Plan

Step 4 - Where we are now

The criteria for moving to Step 4 is more than 70% of the 18+ population vaccinated with dose 1, along with low case counts and low COVID-19 hospitalizations.

In Step 4, most province-wide restrictions can be lifted. Proof of vaccination requirements will continue in some settings. Regional restrictions may remain in place in areas with higher COVID-19 case counts.
Proof of vaccination requirement

As of Friday, April 8, 2022, at 12:01am, showing the BC Vaccine Card proof of vaccination to access events, services, and businesses will no longer be required.

Individual businesses and organizations can choose to continue requiring the BC Vaccine Card on their premises. The remainder of the Workplace Safety Order will expire, which means that businesses are transitioning back to communicable disease plans to reduce risk of all communicable disease.
WorkSafeBC guidance for re-opening

Operating guidelines for businesses during COVID-19

Guidelines for all businesses and employers
Easing restrictions

As of March 11, 2022, masks are no longer required by public health. Until April 8, 2022, proof of vaccination requirements remain in place.

Starting February 16 at 11:59pm, many restrictions will be eased. These activities can return to normal.

No restrictions on indoor and outdoor personal gatherings

Full capacity allowed for:
- Indoor and outdoor organized events
- Indoor events at venues
- Exercise and fitness, adult sports activities, tournaments, and swimming pools
Full capacity and fewer restrictions in restaurants, bars, pubs, and nightclubs:
- No limits on table size
- Normal liquor service hours
- Customers don't have to remain seated
- Dancing is allowed when wearing a mask indoors
Proof of vaccination

On April 8, 2022, at 12:01am, proof of vaccination will no longer be required under public health order to access businesses, events, and services.
- Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring proof of vaccination for entry.
- Federal proof of vaccination is still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel.
- Businesses will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan. They must follow communicable disease guidance from WorkSafeBC.
As of October 24, 2021, residents in BC are required to be fully immunized, at least seven days after receiving two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, to access:
- Indoor ticketed sporting events
- Indoor concerts, theatre, dance, and symphony events
- Movie theatres
- Licensed restaurants and restaurants that offer table service (indoor and patio dining)
- Pubs, bars, and lounges (indoor and patio dining)
- Nightclubs
- Casinos
- Gyms, exercise facilities/studios, pools, and recreation facilities
- Businesses offering indoor group exercise
- Indoor adult group and team sports for people 22+
- Indoor organized events with 50 or more people (for example weddings, organized parties, conferences, workshops)
- Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities (for example pottery, art, choir)
- Post-secondary on-campus student housing
Affected businesses can now download the BC Vaccine Card Verifier App from the Google Play and Apple App stores and use the app to verify customers BC Vaccine Card, or visually verify the person's proof of vaccination. A government-issued photo is also required for those 19+.

Mask guidance

Wearing masks in public indoor settings is not required by public health. Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises.

Provincial order

As of July 1, 2021, all sectors will transition to using communicable disease prevention guidance from WorkSafeBC .

To provide employers and workers with a better understanding of workplace requirements to implement communicable disease prevention, WorkSafeBC has posted OHS Guideline G-P2-21 Communicable disease prevention in advance of its effective date of July 1, 2021.
Fitness and other indoor group physical activities
Recycling and disposal facilities
Restaurants and eating establishments
Starting February 16 at 11:59pm, restrictions eased to allow:
- Full capacity
- No limits on table size
- Normal liquor service hours
- Customers don't have to remain seated
Proof of vaccination and masking still required.
Bars and drinking establishments
Starting February 16 at 11:59pm, restrictions eased to allow:
- Full capacity
- No limits on table size
- Normal liquor service hours
- Customers don't have to remain seated
- Dancing is allowed when wearing a mask indoors
Proof of vaccination and masking still required.
Gatherings and events
Construction
What you need to know
- There are no restrictions or orders about City or private construction activities
- Our Noise By-law has not been changed
- We are not enforcing physical distancing at construction sites
- Our staff continue to process and review applications to help ensure businesses can continue to operate
Services Centre access is by appointment only. Walk-in service and drop-in appointments are not available.

To help process your applications more quickly, we have moved to a digital approach for all applications, enquiries, and payments. Contact the Business Licence Office online

Who to contact
- Zoning and building clearance and property information: Contact us online
- Revisions: Please email your project coordinator
- Trades permits: cgtrades@vancouver.ca
- Get building plans: Online process and forms
- Engineering Services: engineering.clientservices@vancouver.ca
Inspections
- Building inspections: Find your district inspector (220 KB)
- Electrical inspections: Find your district inspector (336 KB)
- Plumbing, gas, and sprinkler inspections: Find your district inspector (153 KB)
Provincial operating guidelines

The Province has issued guidance to construction sites operating during COVID-19.
Manufacturing

City initiatives to support businesses during COVID-19

Posters and graphics for re-opening
Open with Care

We are pleased to partner with the city’s Business Improvement Associations to provide materials which businesses can use to promote shopping locally and to assist them to inform their customers about new protocols for visiting their shops, restaurants, and other businesses safely.
- BIA Open with Care campaign
We are proud to be supporting Open With Care by providing materials and distribution through our wide network. The Open With Care materials are available in:
- English
  - Icons (3 MB)
  - Industry icons (with text) (4 MB)
  - Industry icons (photo background (28 MB)
  - Industry icons (no text) (4 MB)
  - Community call-outs (1 MB)
  - Buttons (146 KB)
  - Floor decals (286 KB)
    (To add your own branding, request Adobe Illustrator files using our Business Support Inquiry Form)
- 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese) (1 MB)
- 繁体中文 (Traditional Chinese) (1 MB)
- ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi) (3 MB)
- Tagalog (305 KB)
- Tiếng-Việt (Vietnamese) (294 KB)
Materials included in package
1. Open With Care icons
2. Industry icons (with text): for businesses to use per their sector
3. Industry icons with photo: generic frames which can be customized for particular individual business or neighbourhoods
4. Industry icons (no text)
5. Community call-outs: for use as signage or on social media
6. Buttons: for distribution to customers via email or social media
7. Floor decals: for use inside businesses to indicate where is best for customers to line up for safe service
Food safety

Vancouver Coastal Health recommendations for preparing and serving meals to the public.
Repurposing public space
Temporary Expedited Patio Program

The Temporary Expedited Patio Program (TEPP) ended October 31, 2021. All TEPP patios must have been removed by November 1, 2021.

Year-around patio permits

Looking to have a patio this winter? You will need to apply for a new permit.

There are some additional requirements as a result of increasing your permanent occupant load. Find out more:
- Annual patio permit on public property
- Annual patio permit on private property
Food business survey responses
In May 2020, we surveyed Vancouver’s diverse food businesses to understand the impacts and challenges of the pandemic on their operations and supply chains.
Patio fee relief

As part of its ongoing measures to support businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council voted to waive all annual 2021 patio permit fees for small and large patios across Vancouver.

Although all annual 2021 patio permit fees have been waived for small and large patios across Vancouver, businesses are still required to apply for their annual patio permit.

Refunds or credits (if preferred) will be available to all businesses who have already paid their 2021 annual patio permit fee.
Remote work support
Relocation support

Federal, Provincial, and other organizations COVID-19 business support

Government of Canada
Direct financial support

The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) has been established to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) realize their full potential by adopting digital technologies.

CDAP comprises two separate funding components:
- Grow your business online - For smaller, consumer-facing businesses, including those in service industries, Grow your business online grants will help them adopt e-commerce technologies. For-profit businesses, including co-operatives and social enterprises, they are eligible for this $2,400 micro-grant. Businesses must also be registered or incorporated and have at least one employee. To start your application, visit either of BC's service providers Small Business BC or Alacrity Canada .
- Boost your business technology - The boost your business technology grant offers support to Canadian-owned small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to adopt new digital technologies. Eligible businesses will have access to a marketplace of digital adoption experts to help them develop a digital adoption plan tailored to their needs.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan has recently been updated. Programs have ended, been updated, and new ones have been added.
- The Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) will provide wage and rent subsidies for eligible organizations in the tourism and hospitality sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, festivals, travel agencies, tour operators, convention centres, convention and trade show organizers, and others. To qualify, organizations will need to have experienced a minimum 40% loss of average monthly revenue over a 12-month period as well as the current month. Subsidies will be provided for losses incurred from October 24, 2021, to November 20, 2021. The government intends to introduce legislation that would extend the program until May 7, 2022.
- The Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP) will provide wage and rent subsidies for organizations that have been deeply impacted by the pandemic but do not qualify for the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program. To qualify, organizations will need to have experienced a minimum 50% loss of average monthly revenue over a 12-month period as well as the current month. Subsidies will be provided for losses incurred from October 24, 2021, to November 20, 2021. The government intends to introduce legislation that would extend the program until May 7, 2022.
- The Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) helps businesses hire workers and increase workers’ hours or wages retroactive to June 6, 2021. The CRHP supports payroll as businesses grow, whether as a result of hiring staff, increasing shifts, or increasing overall pay. The online calculator is available to help prepare CRHP applications. The CRHP with the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), automatically showing applicants which subsidy will provides more support, based on the information entered. The CRHP will be available to support eligible employers for all claim periods from June 6, 2021, to November 20, 2021. The government intends to introduce legislation that would extend the program until May 7, 2022.
- The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and other community groups, as well as Indigenous communities to build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets. For full details view the application guide. After July 23, 2021, applications will be continued to be received should there be remaining funding.
- 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. HASCAP is available to businesses that operate in sectors such as tourism and hospitality, restaurants and those that primarily rely on in-person services. Business owners can apply for support until December 31, 2021.
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) provides $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) per week for up to a maximum of four weeks, for workers who:
  - Are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
  - Are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
  - Have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments, or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19. The government is proposing to extend CRSB until May 7, 2022, and increase the maximum duration of this benefit by two weeks (44 weeks total).
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) provides $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for up to 42 weeks per household for workers:
  - Unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares, or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19
  - Because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19. The government is proposing to extend CRCB until May 7, 2022, and increase the maximum duration of this benefit by two weeks (44 weeks total).
- The government is proposing the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit that would provide $300 a week to eligible workers who are unable to work due to a local lockdown anytime between October 24, 2021, and May 7, 2022.
Discontinued support programs
- Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) closed as of September 26, 2020.
- Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program is closed as of October 30, 2020.
- Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) provided interest-free loans of up to small businesses and not-for-profits. This program is now closed and no longer receiving applications as of June 30, 2021. Program repayment deadlines have changed : The repayment deadline for CEBA loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness is being extended to December 31, 2023, for all eligible borrowers in good standing.
- The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) ended on October 23, 2021.
- The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provided a rent and mortgage subsidy for eligible expenses to qualifying businesses, charities, and non-profits. This support is available directly to tenants and property owners. The program ended October 23, 2021.
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) provided support to eligible employers to cover part of their employees' wages. The program ended October 23, 2021.
Access to capital
- Business Development Bank of Canada Special Support Initiative - A variety of finance measures designed to increase cash flow.
- Export Development Canada Business Credit Availability Program
- Western Economic Diversification (WDC) Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) - The RRRF is an option for businesses that may not be eligible for other federal relief programs. Specific streams of funding for women owner/operator businesses, loans under $40,000, and loans over $40,000.
Other programs
- Work-Sharing Program provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while employer recovers
Province of BC
The Province of BC has introduced a variety of measures to support businesses and workers.
- The COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant provides grants of $1,000 to $10,000 to for-profit businesses that have fully closed as a result of the December 22, 2021, Provincial Health Officer orders . As of January 19, 2022, grant amounts based on number of employees or contracted staff are available for business that can re-open on January 20, with increased safety protocols and capacity limits. Additional funding is available if your business remains closed due to the January 18, 2022 , PHO orders . Applications will stay open until the end of February or until all funding is committed. The grant can be used to cover expenses like rent, insurance, employee wages, maintenance, and utilities. Businesses that receive grant funding may be contacted for information and documentation about their application and how they used their funding. Full details from the Province
- COVID-19 paid sick leave enables workers to take three days of paid sick leave if they need to stay home because of COVID-19. Employers are required to offer employees three days of paid sick leave if they need to stay home as a result of circumstances related to COVID-19. Details for employers or workers . The program will last until December 31, 2021.
- PST rebate available for capital investments rebates available for purchases or leases of select machinery and equipment, including tools, furniture, computers, software, and zero-emission vehicles. Deadline for paying PST on qualifying items is March 31, 2022. All rebate applications must be received by September 30, 2022. Review more details including eligibility and list of qualifying equipment
- The Province has announced making the temporary wholesale pricing model permanent permanent. This change will allow liquor licensees to purchase beer, wine, and spirits at reduced cost. This measure will apply to businesses such as restaurants, bars, and tourism operators with liquor licences.
Discontinued programs
- BC Hydro COVID-19 Relief Fund closed June 30, 2020. Applications are no longer accepted.
- The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant provided support for restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, gyms, and fitness centres impacted by the March 31, 2021, Provincial Health Officer (PHO) orders and the April 23, 2021, Emergency Programs Act (EPA) order. Intake for the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant closed June 4, 2021.
- BC Recovery Benefit , a one-time, tax-free payment closed to applications July 1, 2021.
- The Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program provided fully-funded grants to businesses to ensure they have the support they need during and beyond COVID-19. Intake for the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program closed on July 2, 2021 Applications past this date are not being accepted.
- The Launch Online Grant program provides funding to BC-based business to create an online shop and/or improve their e-commerce experience to attract new local customers and expand to new markets. Application intake closed September 30, 2021.
- The Fairs, Festivals, and Events Recovery Fund provided a one-time grant for up to 20% of your total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000 per event. Applications for the fund have now closed. Funding decisions were communicated in November 2021.
Other organizations
The Government of Canada has partnered with the People Outside Safely Together (POST) Promise program , an initiative launched by Canadian private sector organizations to help businesses across the country reopen safely.

The Province of BC has partnered with Small Business BC to establish an online non-medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Marketplace .

Our partner agency, the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) , has a comprehensive website outlining government and other supports for business.
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce Pandemic Preparedness
- Vancouver Board of Trade
- Small Business BC
- Shop Local BC provides grants for programs and campaigns that encourage Canadians to shop local through and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic

Changes to City services during COVID-19

Business licences
Building inspections and permits

Building on-site inspections and development permits, applications, and inspections are continuing with enhanced safety precautions.

The Development and Building Services Centre is currently closed except for those with an appointment or providing payment. Many services are available online, by phone, or by appointment. Our staff continue to process and review applications to help ensure businesses can continue to operate.

Contact the Development and Building Services Centre online
Vancouver Police Department
The Vancouver Police Department(VPD) has established a VPD liaison officer for the BIA to assist businesses with safety and security issues that may arise.

Staff Sergeant Kevin Bernardin will be reaching out to the various BIAs to provide them with information and be a conduit for any questions or concerns.
- Phone: 604-717-2764
- Email: kevin.bernardin@vpd.ca

Support for local businesses and non-profits

How to reach our office

Is your business re-opening?

Is your business temporarily closed?

Provincial re-opening plans and protocols

BC Restart Plan

Proof of vaccination requirement

WorkSafeBC guidance for re-opening

Operating guidelines for businesses during COVID-19

Guidelines for all businesses and employers

Fitness and other indoor group physical activities

Recycling and disposal facilities

Restaurants and eating establishments

Bars and drinking establishments

Gatherings and events

Construction

Manufacturing

City initiatives to support businesses during COVID-19

Posters and graphics for re-opening

Repurposing public space

Food business survey responses

Patio fee relief

Remote work support

Relocation support

Federal, Provincial, and other organizations COVID-19 business support

Government of Canada

Province of BC

Other organizations

Changes to City services during COVID-19

Business licences

Building inspections and permits

Vancouver Police Department

Contact information, partner agencies, and website policies