The City of Spruce Grove
ECONOMIC & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Keeping you informed!
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Our Economic & Business Development Department's newsletter keeps you informed about new development, new business, and other interesting happenings in our City. We will continue to provide updates on COVID-19 and business recovery resources. We make every effort to ensure the information on our COVID-19 Resource Page is current and relevant.
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ALBERTA'S RELAUNCH STRATEGY: STAGE 2 - CHANGES TO COVID-19 SUPPORT PROGRAMS
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Employment Insurance (EI) - Individuals have transitioned from CERB to EI for the purpose of providing income support to those who remain unable to work and are eligible, while introducing a new suite of temporary and taxable recovery benefits to further support workers.
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Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) - Individuals not eligible for EI, mainly those that are self-employed and those working in the gig economy, can apply for income support through the CRB program. Individuals can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period and may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021. Details about how you can apply will be available on October 12, 2020.
➡ NEW: Innovation Employment Grant - The Government of Alberta is launching this grant on January 1, 2021, whereby companies can receive up to 20% towards qualifying research and development expenditures. More details will follow once legislation is introduced in the fall of 2020.
➡ EXTENDED: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) - Extended to summer 2021. Applications for period 7 are open. Under the extended program, businesses with revenue decline can apply. Employers with a 3-month average revenue drop of more than 50% will receive a top-up rate equal to 1.25x the average revenue drop that exceeds 50%. This is up to a maximum top-up rate of 25%, which is attained at a 70% revenue decline.
➡EXTENDED: Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) - Canada has extended the CEBA application program to October 31, 2020 for businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 to access interest-free loans of up to $40,000. This program will be expanded to help businesses with fixed costs.
➡ Alberta Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant - Small and medium-sized businesses, co-ops and non-profits can 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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other supplies, and pay wages and rent. Applications will remain open for 4 weeks following the start of Stage 3 of Alberta's Relaunch Strategy.
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OTHER NEWS
➡ Invest Alberta Corporation Appoints Chief Executive Officer - Dr. David Knight has been appointed as the Legg as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Invest Alberta Corporation. Previously, he was the Principal Advisor to the Premier of Alberta, where his focus was on capital markets, investment, tax, sector diversification, and Indigenous equity participation. Invest Alberta is intended to provide high-end tailored support to investors and major new investment projects.
➡ Business Awards of Distinction - The Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating businesses in the Greater Parkland Region of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County. The awards will be held virtually on October 22. Catch the live stream on their Facebook page and YouTube channel.
➡ Spruce Grove Space Inventory - The following chart shows total inventory by square foot for the industrial, commercial, and retail sectors in Spruce Grove to date:
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NEW DEVELOPMENT
New developments in Spruce Grove will be featured in each newsletter. This edition features Preferred Carriers Inc.
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Preferred Carriers Inc. has expanded operations and recently moved into their new 19,540 SF facility at 384 Saskatchewan Avenue. Preferred Carriers is a full-service trucking company that specializes in oversized loads, flat deck and step deck hauling, and load brokerage services serving all of North America.
Ray Fennig opened the doors to Preferred Carriers in Spruce Grove in 2005, starting with one truck and his wife and daughter as his only employees. With over 40 years' experience in the trucking industry, Ray grew his business to 15 trucks by the end of 2006. Today, this family-owned business has 65 employees and has expanded their fleet to include 50 trucks and 65 trailers.
We are proud that Preferred Carriers calls Spruce Grove home. Congratulations, Ray, on your success!
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SPRUCE GROVE'S SUPPORT LOCAL CAMPAIGN
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The City of Spruce Grove has launched our Support Local campaign to encourage residents to shop local and to support businesses. Look for these messages on the Highway 16A digital billboards.
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CHAMBER SMALL BUSINESS WEEK |
Small Business Week takes place on October 21 & 22, presented by The Shop Local Company. The GPRC is excited to bring the first SBW to the tri-region. Learn more.
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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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