Office Availability Survey
Our data collection is essential for effective, evidence-based advocacy. Data from our members and our stakeholders is used to identify policies that may require revision and to develop recommendations for change where required.

We are looking for evidence regarding the cost of commercial rental space in our region against surrounding areas including Edmonton and what drives businesses to locate or relocate outside of our region and what is attracting people to move.
Have an issue you want the Chamber to advocate for?
We have made it easier for you to let us know what hinders your business, what barriers you have or had, or what hoops you're jumping through. Simply tell us using our form on our website 
Extension of CERCA
The Government of Canada has extended CERCA for small business through the end of July 2020.

Property owners and small business tenants will soon be able to access funding for the month of July.

What you need to know:
  • Only those tenants approved in the April, May and June application are eligible for the July extension.
  • If a business had an average revenue decline of 70% or more in April, May and June, they are deemed eligible for the additional month of rent relief. However, not all tenants in the original application need to be included for the July extension.

To streamline the process and make it easier, we are removing the requirement to claw-back insurance proceeds and provincial rent supports from the CECRA for small businesses forgivable loan amount for both existing and new applicants. Existing applicants who are affected will be notified and will have any previously clawed-back amounts restored to their forgivable loan.

You can sign-up for CERCA updates from the CMHC and they will let you know when you can apply for the extension and how the process will work
Bill 23: Commercial Tenancies Protections Act
The Government of Alberta has introduced Bill 23 to provide protection for commercial tenants and businesses in Alberta to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic as a method to help restart the economy. As a result, these new measures aim to help address any gaps from the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program. 
Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant
The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant offers financial assistance to Alberta businesses, cooperatives, and non-profit organizations that faced restrictions or closures from public health orders, and experienced a revenue loss of at least 50 per cent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible job creators can apply for up to $5,000 through this program.

This relief for businesses and non-profits can be used to offset the costs they are facing as they reopen their doors. This includes the costs of implementing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as physical barriers, PPE and cleaning supplies, as well as rent, employee wages, replacing inventory and more.
  • Eligible job creators can apply for up to $5,000 through this program
  • Must have 500 or fewer employees
  • Full program details can be found in the program guidelines
  • To manage the expected volume of applications, during the first week of application intake (June 29 to July 3), a specific application day has been designated for specific regions of the province.
Note: This is not a first-come-first-serve process.
  • From July 4 onwards, organizations from all regions may apply at any time until application intake for the program closes.
  • For the Edmonton region, the application intake days are as follows (map can be found on page 13 of the program guidelines:
  • Tuesday June 30, 2020: South –Sturgeon County, Lamont County, Strathcona County, Leduc County, Parkland County and all municipalities within these boundaries except Leduc.
  • Wednesday July 1, 2020: Urban – Leduc
  • Friday July 3, 2020: Edmonton
  • Saturday July 4, 2020, onwards: Anyone may apply at any time until the program closes.

Application forms will be available when application intake opens at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 29 at the online application portal through the program webpage at www.alberta.ca/sme-relaunch-grant.aspx . 
 
If organizations applying can ensure the individual applying has the ability to make the necessary attestations (a signing officer for the organization) and that they have a MADI ( https://account.alberta.ca/ ).

Other information applicants require include:
  • Legal Business Name
  • Corporate Access Number (CAN)
  • Permanent Establishment Address
  • Financial Details of monthly revenue for:
  • Pre-COVID: April 2019, May 2019, or February 2020
  • Average monthly 2019 seasonal revenue for organizations operating seasonally
  • COVID: April 2020 or May 2020
  • Social Insurance Number (for Sole Proprietors only)
  • Banking Information
  • Financial Information including Branch, Transit and Account Numbers
  • Financial Institution Address
Specific questions about the program can be emailed to: SMErelaunch.program@gov.ab.ca
The Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks the Tourism and Economic Capacity Branch for the above information.
Shop Local Campaign


Like the image you see here?

You can pick up your own at Steve's No Frills in Spruce Grove , Ray's Market in Wabamun,  Freson Bros. Fresh Market  in Stony Plain and a few other places in the Greater Parkland Region!

If you would like to have these stickers available at your business, please contact our office for pick-up options! Stick it on your window, your car, or anywhere you can show it off!
Rural Business Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
Rural businesses will be able to apply for loans of up to $40,000 from the $95.7 million earmarked for Western Canada through the Government of Canada's Regional Relief and Recovery Fund.

Some loan highlights include:
  • No interest accrual or principal payments through December 31, 2022
  • If 75% of the loan is repaid by December 31, 2022, the remainder of the loan is forgiven
  • Blended principal and interest payments beginning January 1, 2023. Loans must be repaid by December 31, 2025
  • No prepayment penalties
Alberta's Relaunch Strategy
The Alberta Government has announced their plan to safely relaunch the economy from COVID-19.

The GPRC wants to echo the the message from the Government of Alberta: "We must ensure the sacrifices we have already made are not wasted. To be successful, we must stay vigilant to slow the spread: follow public health measures, practice physical distancing and good hygiene, and continue acting responsibly."

The plan to move forward requires careful monitoring and  respecting all guidelines  outlined by the chief medical officer of health.

Enhanced infection prevention and control measures, including physical distancing requirements of at least 2 metres, will remain in place throughout all stages.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check the Chamber's website for
our full events calendar!
Affiliate Updates
As the advocate for Alberta business, the Alberta Chambers of Commerce are your local resource, championing ideas, harnessing energy, and collectively moving forward sensible solutions for small business. Alberta Chambers of Commerce - where members matter and benefits count.
Since 1925, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has connected businesses of all sizes, from all sectors and from all regions of the country to advocate for public policies that will foster a strong, competitive economic environment that benefits businesses, communities and families across Canada.
This e-Blast is from: The Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce

Name: Kendra Wambold
Title: Communications & Media Specialist
Company: Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce
Contact: 780-963-4545