In a world where businesses are still facing unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic, the Canadian government has stepped up to provide a lifeline. On September 14, 2023, the Department of Finance Canada announced a significant extension to the repayment and partial loan forgiveness deadlines for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA).
A Glimpse into CEBA’s Journey
Launched between April 9, 2020, and June 30, 2021, the CEBA program has been a cornerstone of Canada’s response to the economic challenges posed by the pandemic. With a whopping $49 billion in interest-free loans, it has supported nearly 900,000 small businesses and not-for-profit organizations, ensuring they could cover their operational costs during these trying times.
What’s New?
The recent announcement brings a sigh of relief for many. The deadline for CEBA loan repayments to qualify for a partial loan forgiveness of up to 33% has been extended from December 31, 2023, to January 18, 2024. This move acknowledges the hustle and bustle many Canadian businesses experience at the year’s end.
But that’s not all. If CEBA loan holders apply for refinancing with their respective financial institutions by January 18, 2024, they can enjoy an extended repayment deadline until March 28, 2024. This added flexibility ensures that more businesses can access the relief they desperately need.
From January 19, 2024, any outstanding loans, even those under the refinancing extension, will transition into three-year term loans with a 5% annual interest rate. The repayment date for these term loans has also been pushed back by a year, from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2026. In essence, businesses and not-for-profits that haven’t repaid or refinanced their loans will have an additional year to continue their repayments at a minimal borrowing cost.
Real Life Scenario
Still unsure? Here’s a real-life scenario to help you understand what these changes mean.
Meet Jasmine and Carlos: Owners of a family-run business. When the pandemic hit, they had to pivot to online orders and deliveries. They availed a CEBA loan of $40,000 to adapt to this new business model, investing in a delivery van and a revamped website.
As 2023 came to a close, they found themselves short of funds to repay the loan in full to benefit from the $10,000 partial loan forgiveness. With the new extension, they can now repay the loan in full by January 18th, 2024 to still benefit from the $10,000 partial loan forgiveness. However, if they still can’t repay by January 18th, 2024, their loan will convert to a three-year term loan with a 5% annual interest.
On the other side of town, Ravi, a yoga instructor, had taken a $60,000 CEBA loan to transition his in-person classes to a virtual platform during the pandemic. Ravi applied for $40,000 in financing from the bank that provided his CEBA loan to completely pay off his CEBA loan.
If he doesn’t get a response for the $40,000 financing from his bank till January 18th, 2024, he can still benefit from the partial forgiveness amount. Under the new refinancing extension, Ravi has until March 28, 2024, to secure new financing to pay off his CEBA loan and benefit from the $20,000 in partial loan forgiveness.
The Bigger Picture
The extension of the CEBA deadlines is more than just a financial reprieve; it’s a reflection of the evolving needs of the business community in these challenging times. By offering businesses a bit more flexibility, there’s a greater chance for stability and recovery in the Canadian business landscape. It’s not just about immediate financial relief but understanding the long-term ripple effects on the economy. Each business that weathers this storm contributes to the broader economic fabric, from job retention to community engagement. In essence, these measures are a nod to the importance of small businesses and not-for-profits in Canada’s economic tapestry.
We can help!
Navigating the intricacies of the Canada Emergency Business Account and its recent changes can be quite daunting, especially if you’re juggling numerous business responsibilities. If you want to discuss this further, feel free to book a FREE consultation with our experts by clicking here.
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