April 16, 2020 BC Gov News Release

To help B.C. businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the B.C. government, through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness and the Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, have partnered with Small Business BC (SBBC) to launch a new B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service.

SBBC is British Columbia’s premier resource centre for small business information and services, including business planning, financing, registration and any other issues related to starting and growing a business in B.C.

The service was announced this morning (April 16) and will serve as a one-stop resource to answer pressing questions about support available to businesses from the provincial and federal governments, industry, and community partners during this time.

As part of the support service, a dedicated website – https://covid.smallbusinessbc.ca – will feature announcements from industry and community partners, as well as a variety of important resources, including webinars and practical tools. Advisors can be reached by phone toll-free at 1-833-254-4357, by email covid@smallbusinessbc.ca and live chat.

Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Support will be available in several languages and a call-back feature will be in place to help manage high call volumes.

SBBC will also continue to provide usual services, like access to expert business advisors, educational services, and free easy-to-use resources in the context of COVID-19. 

Finally, a summary of all identified supports for B.C. businesses affected by COVID-19 is being updated regularly and is available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/business-management/small-business/covid-19_small_business_supports.pdf