Businesses can avoid permanent layoffs and severance payments
CERB has already paid out more than $41 billion, surpassing its $35-billion budget
The estimate is uncertain, due to the lack of precedent for this kind of program
The previous estimate was $252.1 billion, before recent pandemic measures
The pandemic has dealt a blow to the travel, retail and oil industries
Applications open Monday but business groups have warned that landlords may not take part
The terms are designed to make sure companies using the program receive bridge loans, not bailouts
The government also hinted that more help for business owners may be on the way
As cities start to ease restrictions, economic recovery will hinge on a resilient services sector, according to a report
No region was spared from the deterioration in housing starts