The City of Richmond COVID-19 Business Support Centre provides a centralized, virtual source of accurate and timely information and resources for local businesses who are being impacted by the current pandemic.
In addition to this website, businesses can access the COVID-19 Business Support Centre by:
Regular e-bulletins have been distributed to share key information on resources, support and initiatives for businesses impacted by COVID-19. These bulletins can be found below.
Mar 15 | Mar 19 | Mar 24 | Mar 30 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | May 5 | May 13 | May 20 | June 1 | June 16 | July 7 | Jul 21 | Aug 11 | Aug 25 | Sep 15 |
Oct 6 | Oct 20 | Nov 5 | Dec 15
The City of Richmond has introduced an expedited patio application process to assist businesses seeking to recover from closures and other impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Expedited Temporary Outdoor Patio program will allow restaurants, cafes and pubs to quickly expand outdoor seating, either by using private property, parking lots, or approved space on City sidewalks.
The program has been extended until October 31, 2021. In addition, the use of temporary coverings or other accessories necessary to operate outdoor temporary patios in inclement weather has been authorized with approval.
There is no cost to apply:
▪️ The guidelines and application form are available by contacting the Business Support Centre at 604-276-4114 or [email protected], or by visiting the City’s website found HERE.
▪️ Read the full news release.
The City of Richmond has launched a Business Resilience Program to help local entrepreneurs recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and adapt their businesses so they can emerge from the crisis thriving and able to withstand future economic shocks.
The program provides businesses with tools and resources from experts including videos, templates and worksheets that can be accessed at the user’s own pace. It is designed to take an entrepreneur through the process of assessing their current situation, developing new plans and taking simple and achievable steps to strengthen their business.
Users will also have access to an online community of local entrepreneurs sharing their best practices and ideas, bi-weekly ‘Ask an Expert’ webinars, as well as one-on-one support from the City’s Economic Development Office.
Access the program at no cost HERE.
In addition to ensuring public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting local businesses and economic recovery is a top priority for the City of Richmond. This report outlines some of the actions taken, underway or planned to help mitigate the permanent loss of businesses and jobs in Richmond, and to support economic recovery. View the report HERE.
With the re-opening of many businesses, PPE and safety supplies are in high demand. We’ve compiled a list of Richmond-made medical and personal protective equipment required to combat COVID-19. If you are a Richmond manufacturer or supplier of these products, or you are in the process of retooling to manufacture these crucial products, please contact us at [email protected]. View the list HERE.
Learn how your business can supply or manufacture essential goods and services to help the government combat the coronavirus. Support is also available for companies seeking to re-tool or pivot their existing operations. To view these procurement channels and resources, click HERE.
View our collection of job boards and local job listings for companies that are still hiring. Positions are in food production, logistics, health care, and technology. Information on employee support programs is also available. Find your next job or tell us your business is hiring by clicking HERE.
Explore Richmond’s New Community Hub
Discover how you can connect with Richmond and support local businesses on our new hub, We Are RichmondBC.
We are excited to announce the launch of WeAreRichmondBC.ca, a new online hub for Richmond residents and businesses. This new microsite connects locals to available resources, shares positive stories, and provides ways to explore and experience Richmond from home.
WeAreRichmondBC.ca is a joint effort by The City of Richmond, Tourism Richmond and the Richmond Chamber of Commerce joining forces to help bring our community together. On this site you can find information such as:
The closure of brick and mortar stores resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has forced local businesses to pivot from their everyday ‘business as usual’. This new way of life has led local businesses to find alternate means to distribute their products. To view the list, click HERE.
Richmond food businesses can join the Richmond Food Recovery Network for free to easily and securely find a home for their overstock, mislabeled, close to expiry, distressed and aesthetically-imperfect food. This surplus food can either be sold to another business to recover some of the cost, or donated to local charities to support those in most need. To join the Richmond Food Recovery Network click HERE.
British Columbians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are able to access income supports, tax relief, and direct funding for people, businesses, and services. This compiled list of federal and provincial financial benefits will be updated on an ongoing basis.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan has recently been updated as of October 2020. Programs have ended, been updated, and new ones have been added. A full list of financial support, loans and access to credit from the Government of Canada can be found HERE.
A full list of financial support, loans and access to credit from the Province of BC can be found HERE.
WorkSafe BC COVID-19 Safety Plan |
Employers in B.C. have an obligation under the Workers Compensation Act to ensure the health and safety of workers at their workplace and places where work is being done. With respect to COVID-19, this obligation includes protecting workers by following the orders of the Provincial Health Officer and guidance provided by the BC Centre for Disease Control.
As employers prepare to resume operations, they will need to have a safety plan in place that assesses the risk of COVID-19 transmission in their workplace, and develops measures to reduce these risks. WorkSafeBC will not be individually reviewing or approving the plans of individual employers, however the plan must be posted at the worksite. To help workers stay safe at work during the COVID-19 outbreak, WorkSafeBC has compiled the following industry-specific guidelines for safety plans: |
Orders, Notices & for businesses and employers: |
By Provincial order, as of March 30, the following measures are currently in force to prevent spread of COVID-19 and protect you and your loved ones:
Further orders and guidance for businesses from the Provincial Health Officer can be found here.City Order:The City of Richmond has enhanced enforcement measures to support provincial health orders. Businesses not in compliance with any of the provisions to the following bylaws can be faced with a maximum fine of $50,000.
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Essential Services: |
Essential services are those daily services essential to preserving life, health, public safety, and basic societal functioning. They are the services British Columbians rely on in their daily lives.
Any business or service that has not been ordered to close, and is also not identified on the essential service list, may stay open if it can adapt its services and workplace to the orders and recommendations of the PHO. |
British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) |
BCRFA blueprint and best practices for reopening. |
The following resources have been compiled to help businesses prepare for and respond to disruptions due to COVID-19. Please note, this list is not comprehensive and will be updated as more information becomes available.
