July 22, 2020
COVID-19
BUSINESS SUPPORTS AND RESOURCES
The City of Spruce Grove cares about you and your business. The City's Economic & Business Development Department continues to keep you informed about ongoing developments of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the City of Spruce Grove is operating a little differently, we remain committed to providing our businesses and residents the best service possible .
We make every effort to continuously update the COVID-19 Resource Page on our Economic & Business Development website to ensure that information and access to resources are kept current.
ALBERTA'S RELAUNCH STRATEGY: STAGE 2 - CHANGES TO COVID-19 SUPPORT PROGRAMS

The Government of Alberta 's " Opening Soon - Alberta's Relaunch Strategy " document has been updated to reflect which businesses are able to reopen during Stage 2 and what public health measures must be followed. In addition, Alberta Biz Connect continues to update their website to include a variety of relaunch workplace guidance documents as a method to help businesses reopen and resume operations safely.

On June 29th, the Government of Alberta announced Alberta's Recovery Plan and has already began accepting applications for the $5,000 Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant.
SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE RELAUNCH GRANT - As of June 29th, the Government of Alberta has allowed small and medium-sized businesses, co-ops and non-profits that have 500 or fewer employees to apply for funding of up to $5,000 to help open doors and have employees return back to work. These funds help businesses purchase non-medical PPE, and help pay their wages, rent, and other supplies that are needed in order to continue to reopen and operate safely. As of June 30th, businesses in Spruce Grove were eligible to apply. Applications remain open until August 30th or 4 weeks following the start of Phase 3 as per Alberta's Relaunch Strategy.

Changes to the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) - As of June 19th, the Government of Canada expanded their current CEBA program to allow the following businesses to apply: owner-operated small businesses without a payroll, sole proprietors that receive direct business income, and family-owned corporations remunerating in the form of dividends rather than payroll.

Changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) - As of July 8th, the Government of Canada is accepting applications for claim period 4 (June 7th - July 4th). In addition, the CEWS program is being extended until December 2020. More information and details regarding this extension will become available soon.

Changes to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) - As of June 16th, the Government of Canada has extended the CERB program from 16 weeks to 24 weeks for workers who have stopped working as a result of COVID-19, workers eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits, or workers that have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular or fishing benefits between December 29th, 2019 - October 3rd, 2020. This program continues to provide financial support to both employed and unemployed Canadians impacted by COVID-19. Canadians may apply through either Service Canada or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
OTHER NEWS

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney Welcomes $19 Billion Safe Restart Agreement - The Government of Alberta is launching the Safe Restart Agreement to help the province's economy to safely recover from the impacts of COVID-19, while helping Albertans to go back to work safely. This agreement will address all economic and public health related needs across all provinces for the next 6-8 months, while including funding for testing, PPE for front-line workers, child care, and mental health, while protecting the most vulnerable Canadians, such as senior citizens. The agreement will also include new funding for sick leave pay and funding to help offset some of the lost operating revenue facing municipalities, including for public transit.

Bill 33: The Alberta Investment Attraction Act - The Government of Alberta introduces Bill 33, whereby an arms-length corporation, Invest Alberta Corporation , will aim to attract job-creating private sector investment, while promoting Alberta as a prime investment location for businesses from across Canada and around the world. This act enhances Alberta's Recovery Plan, as it aims to boost investment attraction efforts in key markets with major partners around the globe. Invest Alberta Corporation will also instill investor confidence and drive high-impact investment in key sectors including energy, agriculture and tourism. In addition, they will also pursue investment opportunities in high-growth industries such as technology, aviation and aerospace, and financial services.
SPRUCE GROVE'S TEMPORARY BUSINESS SIGNAGE CRITERIA
The City of Spruce Grove will allow select temporary signage on City boulevards and business premises until August 30th, 2020. Business owners will be required to notify the City's Planning and Development department in advance, while outlining how long the temporary sign will be displayed for.
SPRUCE GROVE'S SUPPORT LOCAL CAMPAIGN
The City of Spruce Grove has officially launched our Support Local campaign . As a community, it is important that we continue to shop locally and support the businesses surrounding us during these challenging, yet recovering times. Look for these messages on the Highway 16A digital billboards.
CHAMBER OPEN FOR BUSINESS DIRECTORY
The Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce has partnered with GetintheLoop to showcase businesses within the region that continue to operate and serve their customers.

To learn more about this program, please contact the Greater Parkland Chamber at sparry@gprchamber.ca or contact Myles Ethier from GetintheLoop at myles.ethier@getintheloop.ca .
We will continue to frequently update our Economic & Business Development website at InvestSpruceGrove.ca as more information becomes available. If you have any questions, please e-mail a team member at Invest@SpruceGrove.org .

Thank you for your engagement.
Together, we all play an important role in keeping our business community healthy and safe.

From our team to yours,
Dave , Karla , Jamie-Lynn , & Anika
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