IN THE NEWS
Ontario Announces Guidelines to Support Proof of Vaccination Policy
FedDev Ontario Extends Funding and Expands Reach for Digital Main Street Initiative and Recovery Activation Program
If you missed our Federal Election Event on Wednesday, September 8th, here is the recording of the event where the following election topics were discussed:

  • Housing Crisis
  • Federal Deficit
  • Future Business Supports
  • Climate Change
  • Cashless Transaction Fees

Province Launches New Modern Ontario Business Registry
Ontario’s businesses and not-for-profit corporations are overdue for a new business registry that meets the needs of our modern economy and rapidly expanding digital world.

This modern online service will make it easier and more affordable for millions of businesses and not-for-profit corporations to access Ontario government services such as registering a business, incorporating a not-for-profit, and filing an annual return.
Ontario is in Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund encourages innovation by fully supporting promising early stage start-ups, accelerators, incubators, and community partners. With an annual commitment of $100,000 from York Region until 2023, this fund will support further development of the innovation network in York Region. 

Applications open September 1-30, 2021.

Accelerate Business Recovery: A Virtual Hub (the Hub)

Designed to support businesses as they emerge from the pandemic, in a flexible online format, the Hub will provide:
  • High quality skill development videos curated by York University in the areas of Digital Marketing, Strategic Planning and Financial Planning;
  • Short instructional videos created by local business leaders providing success tips in a variety of subject areas;
  • One-on-one Coaching and instruction available from experts in your industry. If you need a specialized consultant in the areas of Digital Marketing, Financial Planning and/or Strategic Planning consultants, we can provide access to the experts, all free of charge;
  • Mental Health Support is available if you've been struggling through the pandemic and could use some help, our Mental Health expert is waiting to help you, all free of charge.
  • An opportunity to enroll in the Foundations Certificate in Business Management, a $2,000 York University /Schulich School of Business course, absolutely free of charge to York Region businesses who have had a significant loss in revenue or who have had to close their doors during the pandemic. A significant number of seats will be reserved for Women and BIPOC business owners. 
The Hub is open to all York Region businesses free of charge, so be sure to share this initiative with your colleagues and other business owners in the Region.
Don’t delay, if you’re interested in learning new skills and getting answers to your business questions, check out the Hub today!
Send a message to our in-house Business Consultant if you're in need of support.

StaySafe COVID-19 Rapid Screening Program
Workplace Self-Screening Kits

  • Keep your employees safe with FREE COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self Screening Kits!
  • Free for all businesses in Aurora with 150 employees or less
  • Asymptomatic employees test themselves twice per week
  • Results take 15-20 minutes
  • Once order is received, we will arrange a date & time for pick-up.
OEB Announces New Electricity Rates / Program Update
The OEB has announced further updates to the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which provides rebates for charities and small businesses. As of May 1st, small business/registered charity customers can receive up to $1,500—for electricity and natural gas bills, respectively.
Government Updates

Please click on the links below to read updates from the municipal, provincial and federal governments

Update from Mayor Mrakas, Town of Aurora, read here

Update from Christine Elliott, MPP Newmarket-Aurora, read here

Update from Michael Parsa, MPP Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill, read here