Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Loans
If you’re a business that is holding an outstanding CEBA loan due by December 31, 2023 we have everything you need to know about CEBA loans. Levr.ai can also help you learn more about what options are available to ensure you get as much CEBA loan forgiveness (free money) as possible!
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Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities, providing employment opportunities, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. During times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses often face significant challenges.
Supporting small businesses is about nurturing the spirit of entrepreneurship and empowering individuals to pursue their dreams. It’s about fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and self-reliance.
CEBA Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) was organized and rolled out in December 2020 to stay afloat, pay their employees, and cover their operational expenses. By investing taxpayer dollars in supporting these businesses, governments recognize the immense value they bring to our society and seek to protect them from economic devastation.
By assisting small businesses, governments help create a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can flourish, leading to job creation, economic stability, and a vibrant business ecosystem.
CEBA Update – September 2023
At Levr.ai we’ve been keeping a close eye on any changes to the CEBA loan program that is scheduled to come due at the end of this year (2023).
In September, the Canadian government made an announcement regarding a program extension, and many small businesses are a little confused. We don’t blame you! Here’s what you need to know:
- There has been an extension to the repayment deadline from Dec 31, 2023 to Jan 18, 2024 citing that many businesses are extremely busy with year-end activities. These additional 18-days while an extension, for many this falls short of what was expected.
- Another component of the extension announcement is that any CEBA loans not paid in full by Jan 18, 2024 now roll into a 3-year term-loan accruing at 5% per annum (It previously was 2-year term-loan). This update was made in an effort to make monthly installments on outstanding CEBA loans more manageable (smaller).
- The biggest take away is that it’s still better to find a way to refinance your CEBA loan in order to take advantage of the loan forgiveness credit. For many small businesses that continues to be the best overall savings (lowest cost to borrow the full $60K) and the smart option to exercise. Learn more here.
What is CEBA, or a CEBA loan?
CEBA was a government program introduced by the Canadian government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide financial support (through loans) to eligible Canadian small and medium businesses. It offered interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to help small businesses cover their operating costs during the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
CEBA is administered by Export Development Canada (EDC), which worked closely with Canadian financial institutions to deliver the loans to their existing business banking customers.
CEBA loans were easily available through over 220 Canadian financial institutions in partnership with the Canadian government, CRA and EDC.
The loans are partially forgivable if certain conditions are met, making it a form of financial assistance for qualifying businesses in Canada. Continue reading to learn more about loan-forgiveness options available to small businesses that hold CEBA loans.
What role does Export Development Canada (EDC) play in Canada?
For some small businesses that only did business on Canadian soil before COVID-19, often they were not familiar, or interacted, with Export Development Canada (EDC). Since the inception and availability of CEBA loans—that has changed.
The EDC plays a crucial role in Canada’s international trade and business landscape. As the country’s export credit agency, EDC’s primary mission is to support Canadian businesses in their efforts to succeed globally.
Some of the key roles and functions of Export Development Canada (EDC):
- Export financing
- Export credit insurance
- Market knowledge and research
- Trade risk management
- Foreign investment support
- Access to capital (like CEBA loans)
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) support
Overall, EDC plays a vital role in promoting and strengthening Canada’s position in international trade. By supporting Canadian businesses in their export and foreign investment activities, EDC contributes to economic growth, job creation, and the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Are CEBA loans interest-free?
Yes, the CEBA loans are indeed interest-free, offering a ray of light and relief to small business owners during the challenging times brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic. This compassionate decision by the Canadian government aimed to ease the burden on entrepreneurs and provide them with much-needed financial support without the additional weight of interest charges.
The interest-free nature of the CEBA loans represented more than just a financial advantage. It symbolized empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to uplift small businesses during their darkest moments. It was a lifeline extended with a warm embrace, a gesture that acknowledged the hardships faced by entrepreneurs and sought to alleviate their worries.
By eliminating the burden of interest, the government sent a powerful message of solidarity. The absence of interest charges reflected a deep understanding of the emotional toll that financial stress can take.
However, any outstanding balance owed by businesses on a CEBA loan beyond the new deadline of December 31, 2023 will be converted to a 2-year term loan at 5 percent interest per annum.
Can I still apply for a CEBA loan?
No, as of 2022 your business cannot get a CEBA loan. The Canadian government closed the application period for the CEBA on June 30, 2021 and the funding period has now ended. As a result, no applications can be submitted, and no new funding will be provided by the CEBA Program.
The Canadian government has said CEBA eligibility criteria validations are complete for all applicants and the results of these validations are final. The opportunity for further resolution has now passed and applications will not be reconsidered by the CEBA Program.
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What were CEBA loan eligibility requirements?
- Is a Canadian operating business, and has been operating as of March 1, 2020.
- Applicant has a CRA federal tax registration for the business.
- Employment income paid in the 2019 calendar year was between $20,000 and $1,500,000.
- Businesses with $20,000 or less in employment income (2019) must:
- Have a CRA business number and filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return.
- Eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1,500,000. Those eligible non-deferrable expenses could’ve included costs such as rent, property taxes, utilities, and insurance. Expenses were subject to verification and audit by the Government of Canada.
- An active business chequing bank account with the financial institution that extended the CEBA loan, and was the businesses primary financial institution.
- Account was opened on or prior to March 1, 2020 and was not in arrears on existing debt/loans.
What businesses are excluded from the CEBA loan program?
- The business taking a CEBA loan could not be a government organization or body, or an entity owned by a government organization or body.
- Applicants could not have been a union, charitable, religious or fraternal organization or entity owned by such an organization or if it is, it is a registered T2 or T3010 corporation that generates a portion of its revenue from the sales of goods or services.
- The business could not have been owned by any Federal Member of Parliament or Senator.
- The business cannot promote violence, incite hatred or discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, colour, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, or mental or physical disability, contrary to applicable laws.
How much did the Canadian government loan to small businesses via CEBA loans?
CEBA loans provided much-needed financial relief during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In total, the Canadian government offered up to $60,000 through the CEBA program. Any small businesses that opted for only $40,000 in funding were able to apply for an additional $20,000 of financing through the CEBA program. Nearly 600,000 businesses took advantage of this extension under the CEBA program.
This injection of funds aimed to help small businesses stay afloat, preserve jobs, and navigate the stormy economic waters caused by the pandemic.
The Canadian government has provided great transparency on the CEBA program statistics stating it had approved CEBA loans for 898,271 Canadian businesses. CEBA loans totaled $49.2 Billion of approved funds, this money injected into the Canadian economy for small businesses to survive and thrive pre and post COVID-19 pandemic.
From a regional perspective businesses located in the province of Ontario received the most funding of nearly $20 Billion across 360,339 loans. Second was the province of Quebec, with $10 Billion funded across 182,923 loans. In third, the province of Alberta with roughly $7 Billion funded across about 125 thousand small businesses. For a complete breakdown of CEBA loans by Canadian provinces visit the Canadian government website.
CEBA summary data as of January 26, 2022 (modified April 24, 2023)
1 “CEBA loans” refer to $40,000 and $60,000 loans; “CEBA expansions” refer to $20,000 expansions provided to businesses with an existing CEBA loan
2 Funding approved by the Government of Canada may take up to 2 business days to be disbursed to CEBA applicants
3 Total excludes CEBA loans where applicants and/or Financial institutions have not provided provincial or territorial information
This financial support meant more than just numbers on a balance sheet. It allowed small business owners to continue paying their dedicated employees, covering rent and utilities, and meeting other essential expenses. It helped maintain the vibrancy of local Canadian communities.
The Canadian government’s decision to lend a helping hand to small businesses through the CEBA loans showcased the profound understanding of the human stories behind these ventures. It recognized the tireless efforts, sacrifices, and dreams of countless entrepreneurs who pour their hearts and souls into their businesses.
Is the government extending the payback date for CEBA loans beyond December 31, 2023?
At this time, there isn’t any information from the Canadian government and its organizations CRA or EDE about extending the payback period beyond the December 31, 2023 deadline.
There are a number of groups lobbying for an extension, like the NDP of Canada and Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) to name a few.
The Canadian government extended the payback date for CEBA loans, in 2022 to the end of 2023 demonstrating their understanding and empathy towards the challenges faced by small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. While another year has quickly passed and there are a number of small businesses across Canada hoping for another (unlikely) extension.
Why are CEBA loans due at the end of 2023?
The decision to set the due date for CEBA loans at the end of 2023 was undoubtedly a result of careful consideration and understanding of the unique circumstances faced by small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a response born out of empathy and a desire to provide breathing room for struggling entrepreneurs.
However with rising interest rates, the government has alluded it’s time for it to reappropriate this investment to help fund other business assistance programs.
The last extension on CEBA loan deadline for payback was recognition that recovery has taken more time for small businesses to recover from COVID-19 pandemic impacts and regain stability.
The end of 2023 as the due date symbolized a new beginning—a fresh start for small businesses. It represented an opportunity to turn the page on the difficulties of the pandemic era that is ending and embark on a journey towards renewed prosperity.
The decision to set the due date for CEBA loans at the end of 2023 was a tangible demonstration of the government’s belief in the resilience and tenacity of small business owners to continue to recover post COVID-19 pandemic.
Levr.ai can help you find the right loan—it’s easy and fast
Maximize your CEBA forgiveness credit
What is the CEBA loan forgiveness and do you qualify?
The Canadian government is extending up to 33 percent (or up to $20,000) loan forgiveness on outstanding CEBA loans of $60,000. If your business only took $40,000 of CBEA loans, you’ll be able to take advantage of up to 25 percent (or up to $10,000) loan forgiveness.
In order to qualify for the loan forgiveness of up to $20,000 on CEBA loans your business must be in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). And you must repay a portion of the CEBA loan on or before the December 31, 2023 deadline.
CEBA loan forgiveness is determined by the amount borrowed.
CEBA loans of $40,000 or less you must repay $30,000 by Dec 31, 2023 to receive $10,000 of CEBA loan forgiveness. CEBA loans of $60,000 you must repay $40,000 to receive $20,000 of CEBA loan forgiveness. Note that any value of loan forgiveness is still subject to regular business taxes.
For the businesses that opted for the CEBA expansion, if you received a $40,000 loan and subsequently received the $20,000 expansion, the terms of your forgiveness have changed and are described by the Canadian government as follows:
Repaying the outstanding balance of the loan (other than the amount available to be forgiven) on or before December 31, 2023 will result in a single tranche of loan forgiveness up to $20,000 based on a blended rate:
- 25 percent on the first $40,000; plus
- 50 percent on amounts above $40,000 and up to $60,000.
For clarity, the portion of forgiveness based on a rate of 25 percent and the portion of forgiveness based on a rate of 50 percent are combined into a single tranche of forgiveness, which is only available if all other amounts outstanding are repaid by December 31, 2023. For example, if $60,000 is borrowed, no forgiveness is available unless $40,000 is repaid.
Note: some financial institutions may record your $40,000 loan and $20,000 expansion as two separate loans. For the purposes of loan forgiveness, borrowings and repayments on both loans will be aggregated.
What if I already repaid my first CEBA loan?
If you fully repaid your original $40,000 loan, claimed forgiveness, and thereafter received the $20,000 expansion. Repaying the outstanding balance of the $20,000 expansion (other than the amount available to be forgiven) on or before December 31, 2023 will result in loan forgiveness of 50 percent (up to $10,000).
How do I find the balance owed on my CEBA loan?
If you contact your financial institution that provided the funds you will be able to know the balance owing on your CEBA loan.
The Canadian government worked with over 200 financial institutions to distribute CEBA loans. It was encouraged to work with an institution that you also did everyday business banking with for the business, it’s likely your usual business banking institution.
Options if you cannot payback your CEBA loan.
Option 1: The Canadian government will be supporting the conversion of CEBA loans to a 2-year term loan at 5 percent interest per annum. This new business term loan will be facilitated through the financial institution that originally provided your CEBA loan in 2020.
While this seems like a smart and fair option – 5 percent interest is affordable considering the recent increased cost of borrowing in 2023. For those who use the full 2-years to pay back the loan, the cost to continue borrowing CEBA funds will be approximately $6,150 in interest on $60,000 CEBA principal.
Option 2 – THE BETTER OPTION – work with Levr.ai and explore how you can borrow the minimum amount required to pay back your CEBA loan and be eligible for loan forgiveness value. Think of this forgiveness as a discount or free money—because it is!
Let’s run the numbers, you’d be surprised that for MANY BUSINESS option 2 is the best option.
Example: you borrowed the full $60,000 and you’re in good standing with the CRA. This means if you pay back $40,000 on or before the Dec 31, 2023 deadline you’ll receive $20,000 of forgiveness.
Before the deadline you work with a certified lender to borrow $40,000 and get the max of $20,000 in loan forgiveness. This new $40,000 loan at 18 percent interest (per annum) over 2-years (say with a monthly payment of $1,997) will cost you $7,927 in interest. If you take $20,000 less the cost of borrowing for additional 2-years you still are up $12,073. Paying a total of $47,927 for $60,000 in funding.
The smarter option is clearly Option 2 vs. Option 1 of simply keeping the CEBA loan outstanding, do not receive any loan forgiveness, and pay an additional $6,150 costing you $66,150 for $60,000 in CEBA funding.
Book a free call with a Levr.ai lender expert and get as much as you can for loan forgiveness on your CEBA loan before Dec 31, 2023. Alternatively, you can create a FREE Levr.ai account, provide some quick information about your business and see all your loan options for over 25 certified lenders.
Maximize your CEBA forgiveness credit
Levr.ai can help you find the right loan—it’s easy and fast
If you have more questions about your CEBA loan, available is the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201 operated by the Canadian government. The CEBA Call Centre is available Monday to Friday from 9AM to 6PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), excluding statutory holidays.
Levr.ai can help take the pain out of finding the RIGHT financing optional for your business to get what it needs fast, and keeps your business growing.
Now that you have a better understanding of the ins and outs of CEBA loans, it’s important to review all your options. If you have experience applying for a business loan (really any kind of business loan) you will already know the work involved can be time-consuming.
Levr.ai is designed to make this process easier, faster, and more straightforward. A safe and secure platform allows you to collaborate with the key members of your team i.e. accounting, financial planner, and business operators to organize all the required financial statements and necessary business forecasts, plans, and documents. Having everything in one place makes it easier to apply with multiple lenders to secure the rates and loan repayment terms that are best for your business.
In addition to making the process of getting a loan better, Levr.ai’s free loans marketplace allows you to review options and compare offers from multiple lenders based on what is right for you and what allows you to achieve your growth goals.
Levr.ai also can negotiate exclusive loan rates with its expert team of certified financial advisors and loan industry partnerships.
To learn more about Levr.ai and business term loan options in the free loans marketplace, create a free account today.
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