SUDBURY -- Political leaders from across the Nipissing region gathered for a virtual conference with members of the local business community today, to outline what supports are available during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The cooperation between the different levels of government has been outstanding and it's making it easier," said North Bay Mayor Al McDonald.

McDonald was joined by Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli.

The politicians laid out details on various programs available to businesses, including Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

The plan has made $25 million available to financial institutions to be able to provide interest-free loans.

Up to $40,000 is available through the plan for businesses and not-for-profit organizations as well.

Rota said part of the loan can be forgivable.

"If you can manage to pay it off by December 21, 2022 $10,000 of that amount will be completely forgivable. So you can see where it really does help not only now where companies need it the most, but down the road when they get back on their feet, and they're running full steam they will have an extra $10,000 that they don’t to pay back, they can put it back in their business and continue to grow."

With so many businesses forced to close if they failed to meet qualifications to be deemed essential, Fedeli says a change in how business is conducted is necessary in the interim, saying there are ways for non-essential businesses to remain functional.

"There's nothing to prevent a business that's not on the list, from operating remotely. We're going to see a huge change in how we do business in Ontario. Developing online tools; communicating by telephone for those who don't have online services".

North Bay was one of the first in the area to waive penalties and fees on taxes.

With the timeline unclear of how long this pandemic will last, McDonald said those will be extended.

"I spoke with our CAO yesterday afternoon [Thursday] because the 30 days is coming up pretty quickly and he's agreed to extend them another 30 days and it will keep going until we know what the situation is or how long it's going to take us to get out."

Peter Chirico, the president and CEO of the North Bay Chamber of Commerce, was also present for the virutal conference and says business owners are nervous.

"It's really important that we support our local businesses during this time, support our local provincial and national manufacturers, and make sure that they provide us with those services that are going to be so badly needed."

Fedeli also highlighted how the Nipissing region qualifies for the Regional Opportunity Investment Credit, a 10 percent refundable corporate income tax only available in rural communities.

Chirico says the communication between different levels of government is key during this time.

"It's a little more reassuring when we hear from our provincial, federal and municipal counterparts as to what they're doing to make sure that we stay safe and that we're provided with the proper services that we need during this crisis."