To say it's been a trying time would be an understatement. No one could have anticipated that a year later we would still be in the midst of a pandemic. While we have struggled to maintain our positivity and stay focused on the light at the end of the tunnel, it's not always easy to admit to ourselves and to others that we are overwhelmed. If COVID-19 has shown us anything, it's that we are, pardon the cliche, all in this together. Challenging though it may be, you are not alone. There are many supports available to you, and we want to make sure you can access them quickly and easily.

You might be asking yourself the following questions:

What financial supports are available to me and my business?

Can I transition to a digital busines?

How do I prepare my business to reopen safely once the lockdown is over?

There are a number of resources available to assist small businesses in Ontario who have been impacted by COVID-19. The information you need can be overwhelming, but provincial guidance is available in a one-stop-shop location. Click here to access comprehensive COVID-19 Help for Businesses in Ontario. Please note that while some registrants will be eligible to receive certain financial supports, others will not be. Eligibility will depend on the nature of each registrant’s business.

But beyond the health of your business, are you considering your own health? It can be challenging to concentrate on your well being with so many competing priorities. Putting your personal well being and happiness at the top of your priority list may seem selfish, but the better you feel, the more prepared you will be to tackle the many pressures we are all facing as a result of the pandemic. Below you will find information, supports as well as useful tips to help you maintain your mental health and well being during this trying time.

• 5 tips for mental health during the pandemic - information from the Canadian Mental Health Association ("CMHA")
• Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic - resources from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health ("CAMH")
• Mental health, wellness and addictions support - resources from the government of Ontario
• Expert tips on how to stay mentally healthy this winter - information from a Canadian clinical psychologist