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COVID-19 Resources for individuals and businesses

Page updated on June 1, 2021

Resources for Businesses 


Visit Alberta Biz Connect for workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 begin to reopen and resume operations safely. 


Alberta Jobs Now - announced May 19, 2021

The Alberta Jobs Now program will provide up to $370 million to help private and non-profit businesses support much-needed jobs for unemployed and underemployed Albertans across the province and help Alberta’s economy recover.

Employers will be able to apply for a grant that covers 25 per cent of an employee’s salary for a 52-week period up to a maximum of $25,000 per employee. The grant can be used to cover salary or training costs. Employers who hire persons with disabilities will receive a grant 1.5 times higher than the amount they receive for other new employees. 

Employers will be able to apply at alberta.ca/jobsnow as of 9 a.m. on May 20. They can apply for funding for up to 20 new employees. Employers have until Aug. 31 to apply. A second intake will open on Sept. 15 and close on Dec. 31.

To be eligible for the program, private sector business or non-profit organizations must use the funding to hire unemployed Albertans in a new or vacant position. The new hire must reside and work in Alberta and must not have worked for the employer within the past 90 days.

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) 

Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021. 

Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (Government of Alberta)

The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant offers financial assistance to Alberta organizations (businesses, cooperatives and non-profits) that were ordered to close or curtail operations, and that experienced a revenue reduction of at least 30%, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.


To support businesses affected by the public health measures introduced in April 2021, a spring 2021 application period opened April 23.

Businesses, cooperatives and non-profits can use these funds as they see fit to help offset a portion of the impact of new public health measures or their relaunch costs, such as implementing measures to minimize the risk of virus transmission, which could include:

  • physical barriers
  • purchasing personal protective equipment and disinfecting supplies
  • paying rent and employee wages
  • replacing inventory and more

Spring payment: Applications open. Application intake closes May 31.

If an application for a previous payment was submitted on or before March 31, it will remain under consideration until a decision on eligibility has been reached.


NEW: ELIGIBILITY CHANGE: New businesses that began operations between March 1 and October 31, 2020 and meet the updated 30% threshold can apply for the SME grant starting February 4, 2021. 

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

Quick facts:

  • As part of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the RRRF is assisting businesses and organizations across Canada to mitigate financial pressures caused by the pandemic.
  • To help keep more people employed, and to sustain more employers for recovery, the Government of Canada is increasing the RRRF by $500 million, bringing total funding to over $2 billion – 25 percent of which is earmarked for the struggling tourism sector.
  • Almost $710 million of RRRF funding has been allocated to western Canada.
  • This expanded funding allows the RRRF to continue to be a backstop for eligible applicants, mirroring the support offered by other federal support programs as they evolve to meet the needs of businesses.

 Go to the eligibility criteria for:

Attention restaurant and café operators: 

Let us help you comply with the Covid-19 public health restrictions on indoor dining.  

The Town’s existing Temporary Use of Public Property policy allows for outdoor dining adjacent to restaurants, cafés and bars. 

The Planning and Community Development Department will expedite all patio applications.

There is no fee for a temporary use permit for patios or sidewalk sales. 

Some cases may require a development permit. Call 403-847-5260 to find out more or get started.

Resources for Organizations:

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) (Government of Alberta)

Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021. 

Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (Government of Alberta)

The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant offers financial assistance to Alberta organizations (businesses, cooperatives and non-profits) that were ordered to close or curtail operations, and that experienced a revenue reduction of at least 30%, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To support businesses affected by the public health measures introduced in April 2021, a spring 2021 application period opened April 23.

Businesses, cooperatives and non-profits can use these funds as they see fit to help offset a portion of the impact of new public health measures or their relaunch costs, such as implementing measures to minimize the risk of virus transmission, which could include:

  • physical barriers
  • purchasing personal protective equipment and disinfecting supplies
  • paying rent and employee wages
  • replacing inventory and more

Spring payment: Applications open. Application intake closes May 31.

First and second payment: Applications closed on March 31, 2021

If an application for a previous payment was submitted on or before March 31, it will remain under consideration until a decision on eligibility has been reached.

NEW ELIGIBILITY CHANGE: New businesses that began operations between March 1 and October 31, 2020 and meet the updated 30% threshold can apply for the SME grant starting February 4, 2021.

Alberta-based links:

Visit Alberta Biz Connect for workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 begin to reopen and resume operations safely.

Alberta's Recovery Plan

Alberta's Recovery Plan takes bold action to create jobs that get people back to work, build infrastructure and diversify our economy. We are building on our economic strengths to attract investment and position our province for prosperity. It's a plan for today that provides hope for the future.

Business Link 

Business Link is hub for Alberta entrepreneurs.

Covid-19 Continuity

This is an Alberta-based site dedicated to helping business leaders understand the challenges and opportunities associated with running your business operations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Business Impact Survey

Please fill out the COVID-19 Business Impact Survey to help gather information on what business' priority needs and required resources are at this time. This information is anonymous and will help Economic Development Officers working with municipalities across Alberta analyze the current impacts and prepare to assist with recovery.

Other Resources:

For assistance with any of these resources, please contact Town of Rocky Mountain House Economic Development Officer Jeff Hartling at 403-846-4260. Contact Jeff by e-mail.

Working Together to Meet Demand 

If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, the federal government is requesting your help. The Government of Canada is looking to hear from anyone that: 

  • Manufactures in Canada and/or has ready access to necessary inputs through their supply chain
  • Has equipment or facilities that can be rapidly re-tooled to meet medical needs, including for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and surgical gowns, sanitizer, wipes, ventilators, and other medical equipment/supplies
  • Has skilled workers who are able to respond and who could be available for work in the current circumstances
  • If you can help, you are encouraged to send a short summary of your offer to ic.mid-dim.ic@canada.ca.

Resources for Individuals

  • Government of Alberta - Emergency Financial Assistance
    If you are facing an unexpected emergency, you can apply for emergency financial assistance.
    If you are an existing Income Support recipient, contact your support worker.
    Otherwise, apply online or by calling the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre:

    Toll free: 1-866-644-5135
    TTY toll free: 1-800-232-7215 (ask to speak to Alberta Supports)
    Fax: 780-422-9681
    Email: hs.iscc@gov.ab.ca (responses may take 1-3 business days)

  •  Government of Alberta Emergency Isolation Support
    Financial support is available if you're unable to work because you are sick, required to isolate, or are caring for someone in isolation.
    Hotel rooms are available for people who must isolate or quarantine but cannot do so in their current homes. Call 211 if you need to access isolation hotels.




Page updated on May 10, 2021