COVID-19 Response Update 18
I wish you and your families a Happy Spring, Easter and Passover holiday. 
 
This is a difficult time for many people, and although we may be physically separated during this holiday when we would normally be together, I would encourage you to reach out to friends and family and see how they are doing over the next few days. We will get through this and we will get through this faster if we follow the guidelines from public health and stay home as much as possible and ensure physical distancing.

Below is some key information and links to apply for the provincial programs that opened this morning.
Small Business Impact Grant Guidelines
Small businesses, non-profits, or charities ordered to close or substantively curtail their operations under the COVID-19 public health order may be eligible for the Small Business Impact Grant.

The one-time grant is equal to 15% of sales revenue from either April 2019 or February 2020, up to a maximum of $5,000 per business. You can choose which month will be used to calculate the grant amount.

You can use the grant for anything your business, non-profit or charity needs. The grant is stackable and can be used in combination with the Small Business Rental Deferral Guarantee Program and other provincial and federal Covid-19 programs to support small businesses.


Deadline to apply will be April 25.
If you have further questions about the program, email SmallBusinessImpactGrant@novascotia.ca

If you need assistance in completing the application, we would suggest reaching out to your accountant or feel free to reach out to us and we will help you the best we can.


WORKER EMERGENCY BRIDGE FUND
The Government will provide a one-time payment of $1,000 to bridge the gap between layoffs and closures and the federal government’s Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Read more about eligibility requirements and how to apply:  https://novascotia.ca/coronav…/worker-emergency-bridge-fund/

A toll-free phone line for applications for the worker fund will be open starting at 8 a.m.
Call 1-800-863-6582 after checking eligibility online.


UPDATE TO PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER
As of today, April 9, the Public Health order has been updated to include:
  • All privately operated campgrounds are closed up to and including May 1, 2020, and will be reassessed thereafter
  • Workers in the fishing and offshore industries must self isolate when they enter the province


NOVA SCOTIA SECURITIES COMMISSION LAUNCHES COVID-19 INVESTING INFORMATION WEBPAGE
The Nova Scotia Securities Commission has launched a new webpage and online video to provide COVID-19 investing information to the public.

The new webpage compiles all news, releases, notices and blanket orders issued to provide relief for a number of individuals or applicants from a regulatory requirement about COVID-19 by the commission, the Canadian Securities Administrators and the North American Securities Administrators Association.

The website can be found at  https://nssc.novascotia.ca/covid19

START UPS OFFERING SUPPORT TO SMALL BUSINESSES
Innovacorp has provided two of its investment portfolio companies, Securicy and LeadSift, $50,000 each to help them and their clients navigate the COVID-19 situation.

Securicy in Sydney will use the funds to deliver a free IT security offering to Nova Scotia small businesses, particularly those that can benefit from the company’s new offering for remote employees. Halifax-based LeadSift will use the funds to offer a free sales lead data analytics solution to local small businesses in the B2B market, who will be increasingly reliant on such a tool given reduced sales-related travel

LOCAL MANUFACTURERS RESPONDING TO MEET PPE NEEDS
Stanfield’s
Nova Scotia businesses are responding to the needs of our frontline workers in incredible ways. Local clothing manufacturing company, Stanfield’s, has retooled its production line to create medical gowns for health-care workers. The company has signed a new contract with government that will see it provide 480,000 gowns over the next few weeks.

My Home Apparel
After the Premier told people to “Stay the Blazes Home” at last Friday’s news conference, Miriah Kearney, founder and CEO of My Home Apparel of Truro, saw an opportunity to help raise money to support relief efforts. The company, who works with Stanfield’s, designed a collection of clothing with the slogan and is donating 100% of the proceeds to Shelter Nova Scotia, Feed Nova Scotia and the QEII Covid Response Unit.

The collection went online at 1 p.m. on Saturday and within 8 hours the company raised $45,000.

The sold-out collection was restocked on Monday evening. You can view the collection, and other items My Home Apparel has at  https://www.myhomeapparel.com/

DEFERRED FEES
Government has deferred fees from 10 departments to offer some help around payment pressure. Fees include business renewal fees, permits, and licenses and will be deferred until June 30. A searchable database will be posted at  https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/fees  on Friday, April 10. Additionally, Workers Compensation premiums have been deferred, representing an additional $60m that can stay in the hands of businesses as we navigate the next several months. 

NOVA SCOTIA ACCESS CENTRES
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, government temporarily closed Access Centres across the province. On March 23, locations in Amherst, Bridgewater, Dartmouth, Kentville, Stellarton, Sydney, and Yarmouth reopened. The locations are by appointment only and for urgent RMV transactions only. 

Some of the services offered through Access Nova Scotia and Registry of Motor Vehicle Offices are available online at  https://www.novascotia.ca/sns/access/online-services.asp

IDEAS FOR MAKING STAYING INDOORS FUN THIS WEEKEND
Upcoming Yarmouth Chamber Events
COVID-19 Updates - Online Meeting

Tuesday, April 14 - 10:00am

Join us for an update meeting with regards to the current COVID-19 situation in our region.

There are a number of new programs we will talk about and we are expecting that the Wage Subsidy will be approved and details of its final form might be available.

If there are other issues/topics you would like to talk about please let us know.


Thursday, April 16 - 9:30am

Let's get Social VIRTUALLY!

Grab your coffee, tea, or whatever else you fill your cup with..we won't tell.. and join us for a virtual coffee!

Bring your questions, concerns, ideas, and your support!

We know that when we all work together we can create a community of stronger businesses as we grow from this experience together.


Friday, April 17, 2020
9:30am
Online Meeting using Zoom

Grant Thornton has been working on a number of things to help their clients and businesses in their communities. They look forward to hosting a virtual meeting with our members. The topics they plan to cover include:

  • Cash flow programs
  • Employee programs
  • Federal credit programs
  • Provincial credit programs
  • Cash flow management
  • Preparing to talk to your bank
  • Financial statement impact

Presenters will be:
  • Cody Lohnes
  • Louis Francoeur
  • Corrine Larkin

National Modelling
Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, released a  statement  today regarding national modelling of the COVID-19 epidemic in Canada.

Competition Bureau On COVID-19
The Competition Bureau released a  statement  yesterday regarding the exceptional circumstances businesses are facing through this outbreak.

International Chamber Of Commerce (ICC) And World Health Organization (WHO) Launch Worldwide Survey
In response to COVID-19, the ICC and WHO launched a survey for the private sector that is intended to gather more information about global business responses and develop solutions that will address the spread of the pandemic. 

The ICC-WHO  survey  will improve information flows between different sectors of the global economy and will help develop a framework for managing the economic and human consequences related to the pandemic’s spread. 

Parliamentary Finance Committee Appearance
Today at a virtual meeting of the House Finance Committee, we presented evidence and advocated on behalf of our members – and all Canadian business – as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 crisis. 

Susanna Cluff-Clyburne, our Senior Director of Parliamentary Affairs, spoke to the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs, the government's response and the need to get help to businesses more quickly. 

Leah Nord, our Director of Workforce Strategies and Inclusive Growth, spoke about the transition through the recovery period and the need for solutions “by small business for small business” and “by communities for communities.” These solutions will need to be driven by local and real time data, including labour market information.
COVID-19: Get financing and support for your business

Regardless of the size and scope of your business, these are challenging times for Canadian companies. Export Development Canada (EDC), along with our partners and the federal government, stand ready to support you. 

Our capacity to help Canadian companies was expanded under the $65 billion federal government Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP). Plus, the federal government recently empowered EDC to provide financial solutions to non-exporting companies. Other new assistance tools and programs are also being launched to help you protect your business. 

In our new webinar, presented in  English only COVID-19: Get financing and support for your business , a panel of experts will provide guidelines on how you can access the financial relief and safeguards available to you.

Join us live on Thursday, Apr. 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. ET to learn about:
  • The assistance programs and resources available to your company through your financial institution, the federal government, and EDC
  • How to determine what assistance you qualify for, how to apply, and the timing you can expect 
  • How EDC is helping our customers with capital, insurance and knowledge in our newly-expanded role
  • Where to get information and who to contact 
The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a nonprofit organization that delivers an objectives-based program for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies.

CDL has announced a Rapid Response Innovation Program,   CDL Recovery  and they are asking for your help in recruiting ventures and teams for this accelerated, virtual program. 
 
The coronavirus is not only a global health crisis - it will change the way people live their lives and restructure business and economics in ways that remain to be seen. The goal of CDL Recovery is to leverage a curated network of highly competent   mentors and investors   to commercialize science based innovation in two specific areas or focus: 

  • Public Health: Rapid TestingDigital HealthVaccinology/ImmunologyVirtual Care, etc.  
 
  • Economic Recovery: Digital/Virtual WorkDigital Learning, AutomationSupply Chain Optimization and Logistics, Security, Surveillance and CybersecurityFood security, etc
                                             
Please note that the participant ventures for CDL Recovery are not just startups, and could include a solution developed by a large company, a team of individuals that are not incorporated, a partnership between a startup, SME or large company, or any other combination. To discuss prospective ventures that could leverage this unique opportunity please use this   Application Link  .
Essential Links for Federal Business Relief Programs

Here is the list of essential links to the Government of Canada’s programs to help those facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak that you can share with your members or post to your website.













Also of interest,  Bank of Canada Actions  to support the economy and financial system.
Symplicity Designs is a Halifax/Moncton based business consulting group and they are providing webinars on a daily basis for free to help you figure out how to navigate you way to the other side of this crisis. We highly suggest checking out their webinars.


In addition to this, we are utilizing our partnerships with our members, other Chambers and organizations in the region who have a number of webinars happening as well.




Looking for Hand Sanitizer?
Carleton Country Outfitters has the opportunity to place a large order for 20L pails of non-alcohol hand sanitizer.

If you are interested in purchasing a pail please contact Jennifer at the Carleton County Outfitters - 902-761-3000
Be sure to follow us on Facebook to see what we are doing to support our Doctors and Health Care Professionals with our H is for Hero campaign. Be sure to add the frame to your profile picture to show your support.

We have posters that you can hang up in your business, email Rebecca to get yours at rebecca@yarmouthchamberofcommerce.com
Brent Reid  | Commercial Account Manager
A brand of Parkland Fuel Corporation
245 Pleasant St. Yarmouth N.S. B5A 4K3
Cell – 902-844-2675 / Fax – 902-538-1285
Links (updated April 9)

Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus  .

Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada or has been in close contact with someone who has travelled and are experiencing fever (above 38 C) and/or new cough should complete the online questionnaire before calling 811. The online questionnaire can be found at:  https://811.novascotia.ca/

Government of Canada:  https://canada.ca/coronavirus
 
Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397 Nova Scotia Public Health offices: http://www.nshealth.ca/public-health-offices


New or updated resources/ Nouvelles ressources ou mises à jour :
 
News release : Canada Emergency Business Account / Communiqué : Compte d’urgence pour les entreprises canadiennes
 
Key Information Tools / Outils importants : 
 
New information on Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy/Renseignements nouveaux sur la Subvention salariale d’urgence du Canada :
 
Competition Bureau statement on competitor collaborations during the COVID-19 pandemic / Déclaration du Bureau de la concurrence à propos de la collaboration entre concurrents pendant la pandémie de COVID-19
 
Changes to Canada Summer Jobs program to help businesses and young Canadians affected by COVID-19/ Des changements apportés au programme Emplois d’été Canada pour aider les entreprises et les jeunes Canadiens touchés par la COVID-19
 
AAFC – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Information for industry / AAC – Maladie à coronavirus (COVID-19) - Information pour l’industrie
 
AAFC – Local Food Infrastructure Fund - Infrastructure and Equipment Improvement Projects / AAC – Fonds des infrastructures alimentaires locales - Projets d’amélioration des infrastructures et équipements
 
Canada Emergency Response Benefit / Prestation canadienne d’urgence
 
Canadian Business Resilience Network / Réseau de résilience des entreprises canadiennes
 
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) / Programme de crédit aux entreprises (PCE)
 
Calling all suppliers – Help Canada combat Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) / Appel à tous les fournisseurs – Aider le Canada à combattre la maladie du coronavirus (COVID-19)

Export Development Canada COVID-19:
 
Business Development Bank of Canada – Support for Entrepreneurs impacted by coronavirus  :
 
Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic / Orientation sur les services et les fonctions essentiels au Canada pendant la pandémie de la COVID-19
 
Call to Action: Canadian manufacturers needed to help combat COVID-19 / Appel aux fournisseurs canadiens: Aidez à combattre la COVID-19
 
Prime Minister announces production of more medical supplies and equipment in Canada / Le premier ministre annonce la fabrication de plus de fournitures et d’équipement médicaux au Canada

Prime Minister announces more support for workers and businesses through Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan / Le premier ministre annonce un soutien supplémentaire aux travailleurs et aux entreprises grâce au Plan d'intervention économique du Canada pour répondre à la COVID-19
 
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan / Plan d'intervention économique du Canada pour répondre à la COVID-19
 
Stay Connected - app/Restez à jour – application :

COVID-19 subscription for Public Health Updates/ Inscription aux mises à jour sur la santé publique :
 
Business Supports / Appuis aux entreprises :
Department of Finance - Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses / Ministère des Finances : Plan d'intervention économique du Canada pour répondre à la COVID-19
 
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian businesses / Maladie à coronavirus (COVID-19) : Ressources pour les entreprises canadiennes
 
Work-Sharing Program - Temporary special measures / Programme de travail partagé - Mesures spéciales temporaires:

Canada Revenue Agency - Helping Canadians with the economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic / l’Agence du revenu du Canada - Aider les Canadiens avec l'impact économique de la pandémie de COVID-19
 
What Canada’s Regional Development Agencies are doing to help business during the COVID-19 pandemic/ Ce que font les agences de développement régional (ADR) du Canada pour aider les entreprises pendant la pandémie de COVID-19: 
English :  HTML  -  PDF version
French:  HTML  -  Version PDF
 
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Employment and Social Development Canada/Emploi et développement social Canada – COVID-19
 
Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Pandemic Preparedness for Business

Canadian Federation of Independent Business / Fédération canadienne de l’entreprise indépendante
 
Small Business BC
RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) : https://smallbusinessbc.ca/article/resources-for-small-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19/
 
BC Economic Development Association: #COVID19 Resources for BC Businesses
 
City of Mississauga’s Economic Development Office (EDO): COVID-19 Response
 
World Health Organization COVID-19 - Business and Employees / Organisation mondiale de la santé – Entreprises et employés
 
Council of Canadian Innovators – COVID-19 Slack Channel (you must create an account)
 
Facebook
English: Business Resource Hub:  https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/resource
 
Uber Eats

Innovative Medicines Canada
 
Innovative Medicines Canada: Statement on Canada’s Drug Supply / Déclaration portant sur l’approvisionnement en médicaments

Mastercard Canada—Understanding Intercharge / Comprendre l’interchange
EN :  https://www.mastercard.ca/en-ca/about-mastercard/what-we-do/interchange.html                            

PayPal
 
Food & Consumer Products of Canada – COVID-19 Operations Best Practices for Industry:
 
BMO COVID-19 Update

CIBC COVID-19 Support
 
Canada’s Premiers—Provinces and territories: Taking action on COVID-19