Hoping everyone enjoyed the holiday season and some much deserved time off. We will resume regular office hours next week! |
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A year in review…
Although 2020 brought forth a series of challenges and curve balls to individuals and businesses, there were opportunities presented to manoeuvre, learn and showcase our entrepreneurial spirit.
At the start of the pandemic we quickly saw businesses adapt to closures by offering online sales, curbside pick-up and deliveries. We worked with our local business owners to help advertise the options they were providing to customers, showcase reasons and ways to ‘love our local’ and provide updates and resources to business owners to ensure they had the information to weather the storm. The highlight of the year was watching the new partnerships formed as businesses worked together to encourage and promote one other.
Through the summer we encouraged visitors to explore our outdoor attractions. Fortunately, we have space to social distance and share with new friends. Many people came from the nearby communities to enjoy the lake, walking trails and beautiful boutiques. The Stettler Pheasant Festival continued and saw many people from Edmonton, Calgary and in between enjoy the beautiful landscapes the County of Stettler provided. In that one weekend, the Stettler Pheasant Festival had a total impact of $60 752 on the community.
We celebrated our businesses and citizens with the annual Awards Gala. Although the room didn’t have as many people as we normally have, we were still able to celebrate some of the accomplishments in the community and allow friends to join in online. We partnered with the Stettler Public Library to use their technological skills and advice.
Although it has always been important, this year we saw a nation-wide campaign to encourage shopping locally. Everyone shouted from roof tops the importance of supporting your own local small businesses and it worked. Even through our local Heart of Alberta Dollar program we saw a 32% increase with a total of $83 120 being sold. Those are dollars staying directly in Stettler and supporting our very own businesses. Talking with our local business owners, many witnessed this support as locals flooded their stores for not just the essentials but for the perfect gift during the holiday season.
With the cancellation of many events came worries about what this could mean to businesses and not-for-profits. Once again Stettler came together to ensure nobody was left alone. Stores were flooded with support through Moonlight Madness, the Stettler Food Bank continues to receive donations and the Festival of Lights was still successful in raising over $90 000 for the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre. These are just a few ways the community came together to show why we are the Heart of Alberta.
To many a new year marks the start of new beginnings, hope, and optimism. This is what I wish for everyone as we move into 2021; may the new year bring you new opportunities, good health and wealth.
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Stacey Benjamin, Executive Director
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Think Local, Shop Stettler Future Promotions
As we move into a new year, we look forward to continuing to promote Think Local, Shop Stettler in a variety of ways. With this years goal of Inspire, Entertain and Educate; we have plenty of opportunities to let consumers know what you and your business have to offer.
We are looking for submissions from your businesses for a few upcoming promotions. The more businesses that participate in these promotions; the more interaction we will receive from consumers which in turn means more promotion for you directly. If you would like to discuss your participation in these and any other promotions, please contact Donna. We thank you in advance for promoting Think Local, Shop Stettler!
National Pharmacist Day- January 12
We are looking to show off the people behind the counter who work tirelessly to keep us all healthy! Send us a video clip or a still picture with a brief bio of your pharmacists introducing them to the world and let us celebrate them on this special day!
Deadline for submissions- January 7, 2021
Fun at Work Day- January 29
We are looking for businesses to showcase their staff having fun at work and we will create a video montage to be shared on Facebook. Ideas of fun at work activities include: dancing while mopping or sweeping, being silly while stacking shelves (one puts on, another takes off), telling a joke to our viewers, etc. Use your imagination and be creative! Videos need to be submitted in mp4 format (perfect to record on your phone) and in a horizontal frame. Videos should be no more than 20 seconds in length.
Deadline for submissions- January 26, 2021
Valentine's Day- February 14
Celebrate the day of love by showcasing the products and services you offer that are perfect for two! Whether it be an in store promotion such as a buy one get one, a meal kit to cook at home or a restaurant voucher for two, or the perfect gift idea for that special someone; let's show Stettler what you have locally this year! Want to "Share the Love" with another participating business? We are encouraging businesses to work together and make one of a kind gift packages helping consumers support more than one business with a single stop. Whatever you choose, let's "Share the Love" this Valentines Day!
*Gift Packages can be pre-ordered online through shopstettler.ca if advanced notice is given to set up. Discuss your promotional options with Donna asap.
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Applications for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2021 are now being accepted. Get your applications in early to avoid disappointment. |
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The Canada Summer Jobs 2021 program provides wage subsidies to employers from:
· not-for-profit organizations
· the public sector, and
· private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years. Funded employers are not restricted to hiring students — all youth aged 15 to 30 years may be eligible participants.
To respond to the needs of employers and youth in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the following temporary flexibilities are in place for CSJ 2021:
· Wage subsidies: Funded public and private sector employers will be eligible to receive a wage subsidy reimbursement of up to 75% of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage.
· Part-time employment: All funded employers may offer part-time placements (for example, fewer than 30 hours per week).
· Employment period: All funded employers may offer job placements between April 26, 2021 and February 26, 2022.
· Changes to project and job activities: All funded employers may amend project and job activities if the proposed project is impacted by COVID-19 restrictions after an agreement is signed.
For full details on the program and how to apply, click link below:
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Making the most of your supplier relationships | BDC.ca
First-rate supplier relations require continuous, long-term effort, Gude says. He recommends you start by identifying the few vital suppliers that contribute to your company's advantage over your competitors. "You have a vested interest in their...
Read more
www.bdc.ca
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Does your business utilize a CRM (Client Relationship Management) Program?
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Small and Medium Enterprise
Relaunch Grant
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Program expansion
Applications are now open for second phase. Job creators who have experienced a 30% revenue loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic will qualify for the program, lowering the threshold from the existing 40% revenue loss requirement. This 30% threshold will be available to impacted businesses retroactive to March.
Alberta businesses affected by the public health orders in effect from November 6, 2020 and later will also be eligible to apply for a second payment through the program.
Job creators that meet the program’s eligibility criteria will be able to apply for 15% of their pre-COVID-19 monthly revenue up to:
- a maximum of $5,000 in funding for their first payment, and
- a maximum of $15,000 for their second payment
Application intake for the second payment is not currently available but will open soon. More information, including updated eligibility criteria and how to apply for the second payment, will be outlined on this page when finalized.
Stay informed by visiting
https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx
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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The CEWS has been extended to June 2021, including changes to the rates and top-up calculation.
Changes to CEWS as of November 19, 2020 (Bill C-9):
- the subsidy is extended to June 2021
- the maximum subsidy rate for periods 8 to 10 will remain at 65% (40% base rate + 25% top-up)
- beginning in period 8, the top-up rate and base rate are is now calculated using the same one-month revenue drop
- for periods 8 to 10, use the new top-up calculation or the previous 3-month average drop, whichever works in your favour
- the deadline to apply is January 31, 2021, or 180 days after the end of the claim period, whichever comes later
- starting in period 9, the calculation for employees on leave with pay now aligns better with EI benefits
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you can now calculate pre-crisis pay (baseline remuneration) for employees who were on certain kinds of leave, retroactive to period 5
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the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) has been introduced for businesses, non-profits, and charities
The new Lockdown Support would be available retroactive to September 27, 2020, until June 2021, during periods when businesses are facing eligible public health restrictions. The government is providing the proposed details for the first 12 weeks of the program, until December 19, 2020. The proposed program would align with many aspects of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to provide a simple, easy-to-understand program directly to renters and property owners.
This backgrounder provides information for organizations that have been significantly affected by public health restrictions and may be eligible for additional support for certain rent or property expenses. If your organization is not subject to qualifying public health lockdown restrictions, but you are currently experiencing a decline in revenues, you may still be eligible for the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
Read more about CERS by clicking the below link.
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Deadline approaching! Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your business as a must visit destination! |
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Find out more about Destination Stettler membership opportunities and the benefits of becoming a member. Email us today! |
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Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
The Government of Canada and Community Futures organizations (CFs) understand the difficulties the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the small business community throughout the West. As a result, the Government of Canada has made funds available to the CFs to provide support and assistance to SMEs through the rural stream of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).
Small business owners impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for loans up to $40,000 through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).
The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund provides funding to support businesses that have not been approved for supports through the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) or the Emergency Loan Program delivered through Aboriginal Financial Institutions.
General Details:
• Maximum loan of $40,000;
• 0% interest until December 31, 2022;
• No principal payments until December 31, 2022;
• Principal repayments can be voluntarily made at any time without penalty;
• 25% up to a maximum of $10,000 in loan forgiveness is available, provided the outstanding balance is paid back by December 31, 2022;
• If any part of the balance is not paid by December 31, 2022, the remaining balance will be converted to a term loan effective January 1, 2023; and,
• The full balance must be repaid no later than December 31, 2025.
For more information or to apply visit:
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Learning and Development Opportunities |
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Business Foundation Series: Startup Steps
Have an idea and considering starting your own business?
We will help you discover if entrepreneurship is right for you and show you how to take your idea and make it a reality. We will help you assess whether your idea is viable, as well as provide you with the tools, resources and guidance to help you along the way. You will learn the steps you need to take to start your business.
- Date: Jan 05 2021
- Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
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Please note:
This session is scheduled for 90 minutes to allow time for interaction, questions and answers, but may be a little shorter. This program is only open to Alberta entrepreneurs and small business owners and businesses operating in Alberta.
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Business Insurance 101 – Supporting Businesses during the Pandemic
Friday, January 15, 2021
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST
Free Online Event
Canadian businesses are facing uncertain and challenging times. COVID-19 has had a devastating financial impact, and business owners continue to face new risks and challenges. When it comes to commercial insurance, many business owners are seeing their premiums rise and may be finding it increasingly difficult to get the appropriate insurance to meet their needs in certain regions.
While there are no easy solutions to the problem, Canada’s insurers are pulling together to find creative solutions to support businesses across all sectors in accessing the insurance they need. Pete Karageorgos, Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Director of Consumer and Industry Relations (Ontario), will present some of the key economic dynamics affecting Canada’s property and casualty insurers, how the industry, governments and businesses are working in partnership to address the current challenges, and more importantly, tools and resources IBC and insurers are providing to support Canadian businesses.
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Alberta’s Economy: What Can We Expect in 2021?
With the pandemic still ongoing, Alberta’s and Canada’s economies are still struggling to gain traction. What are the key indicators to watch this year? And what tools can help us think differently about the new economy that is emerging?
- Date: Jan 14 2021
- Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
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Register today for an insightful economic forecast presented by Todd Hirsch, Vice President and Chief Economist for ATB Financial. Todd has worked as an economist at numerous organizations including the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Canada West Foundation and the Bank of Canada. He also taught economics at the University of Calgary for nearly a decade, both in the Department of Economics as well as the Faculty of Continuing Education. He has also been an instructor at the University of Alberta School of Business in executive education. Todd is also the author of three books. His latest, “Spiders in Space: Successfully Adapting to Unwanted Change,” was released in 2017. Todd has been recognized as one of Alberta’s most influential people. He’s received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the University of Alberta’s Alumni Honour Award, and an honorary degree from Mount Royal University.
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During this 14- week program receive instructional lessons, workbooks, and templates for how to draft your written Exit Plan. Gain clarity on the journey toward a sale and learn how to prepare yourself and your business to be
operated by your successor.
Exit Planning Masterclass Series Dates:
Jan 14th- 9:30am – 11:30am – Session 1
Jan 28th- 9:30am – 11:30am – Session 1- Q&A
Feb 11th - 9:30am – 11:30am – Session 2
Feb 25th- 9:30am – 11:30am – Session 2- Q&A
March 18th –9:30am - 11:30am – Session 3
April 1st –9:30am - 11:30am – Session 3- Q&A
April 15th –9:30am - 11:30am – Session 4th
*All attendees need to register prior to the close date of January 28th
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Find out more about other upcoming webinars as well as tools and information for your business by visiting: |
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Access Prosperity and the Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN) have developed a cohort-based incubator. This incubator will focus on three industries, an oil pivot, agriculture, and manufacturing. The aim of this incubator is to help early-stage entrepreneurs build and develop their startups through customer discovery, training on emerging technology, as well as support from industry experts, industry-specific programming, and access to coaching.
This incubator will include 50 hours of training over twelve weeks and is free to motivated entrepreneurs.
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Become an ATB Marketplace Vendor Today! |
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"Find and sell to local buyers. Grow your business. Give yourself and the economy a boost.
The ATB Marketplace is open to all Albertan business owners looking to sell products and services online. The platform is a great fit if you want to:
Sell your merchandise in an online store.
Get more eyes on your product.
Leverage ATB’s network to increase your brand awareness.
Contribute to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs."
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