BUSINESS RESOURCE & INFORMATION HUB
Important business updates and news -
Application – Outdoor Eating Areas and Lounges in the Downtown
A Discretionary Use application has been submitted by the City of St. John’s for potential outdoor eating areas and lounges to be located along applicable sidewalks and parking areas in the Downtown. 

The City wishes to allow the use of these areas by business to expand their operations, especially as social distancing is required during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of these spaces will be subject to a lease agreement with the City, which will outline the size of the space, hours of operation for the outdoor patios, and other requirements. Businesses within the “Downtown Mall” area will be able to lease this space outside the set mall hours.

Provide your comments by 9:30 a.m. July 2, 2020 to the Office of the City Clerk including your name and address to: cityclerk@stjohns.ca
Help for businesses seeking PPE
Are you in need of personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep your operations running, but are unsure of where best to source it? Or can / or are you manufacturing PPE for others? 

Th e Government of Canada has launched a new Personal Protective Equipment Supply Hub to help organizations sell and buy PPE during the coronavirus disease pandemic. Visit the  Personal Protective Equipment Supply Hub  to explore the resources and information available .
Expression of Interest: Committee to Review Mobile Vending
The City of St. John’s is seeking expressions of interest from individuals in the restaurant/retail sector to sit on a committee to discuss opportunities for mobile vending throughout St. John's.

Apply by Friday, June 19, 2020. See all details at: http://stjohns.ca
Main Street Recovery Fund (MSRF) for Atlantic Canada's Small Businesses
Small business is the backbone of the Canadian economy! And to enable them to bounce back fully, the Government of Canada recognizes the need to support entrepreneurs to ensure the survival of small businesses in our communities - committing over $43 million to 'main street businesses' in urban areas in Atlantic Canada from the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund.

MSRF provides funding to support businesses that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), or the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA).

Metro Business Opportunities will administer the program on behalf of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) in the City of St. John’s and City of Mount Pearl.

Eligible businesses can apply to receive a $25,000 MSRF loan. On exceptional basis, where need is clearly demonstrated, amounts can be up to a maximum of $40,000. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25% (up to $10,000). 

Apply online here or email MSRF@mboc.ca for further details. 
There has never been a more important time to shop right here!

As we adapt to online shopping, home delivery, and curbside pick-up, please support our business community and economy - so that once this pandemic is over, we can all continue to thrive!
Below are further listings of businesses operating in St. John’s metro, offering contactless services, products and promotions.

Follow along with -



Red Tape Reduction Initiative Seeks Feedback from Local Business Community!
Since the onset of COVID-19 and the implementation of a number of public health restrictions, the business community of Newfoundland and Labrador recommended a number of measures that would ease some of the pressures facing their industries.

One suggestion was an online tool where businesses could provide feedback on how to reduce government red tape.
Businesses are encourage to visit engageNL to complete the online questionnaire.

Written submissions are also being accepted and can be emailed to RTInitiative@gov.nl.ca

Feedback will be accepted until August 31, 2020.
Residential Construction Rebate
A new Residential Construction Rebate Program will allow homeowners to save money on construction and renovations, while also helping to stimulate the economy and employment in the province’s construction industry. Homeowners can qualify for the Rebate in one of two ways:

Renovation Projects - A 25% rebate is available for renovation projects for principal residences
New Home Construction - A rebate of $10,000 is available for new home construction on homes valued up to $350,000 before HST.

The Department of Finance, via the Canadian Home Builders Association, began accepting applications for the Residential Construction Rebate Program on June 8, 2020. 
Businesses with questions on operating in Alert Level 3 are able to email  covid19info@gov.nl.ca  
or call 1-833-771-0696
Opportunities & Further Supports
Youth Ventures 2020
Professional Development Seminars
St. John’s Day and Canada Day Celebrations Go Virtual

The City of St. John’s invites residents to celebrate St. John’s Days from June 19-21 with a series of online events and presentations, including a Container Gardening Online Workshop and a special virtual Music @ Harbourside Concert featuring Fergus O’Byrne and Jim Payne! For the complete listing of St. John’s Days events and to register for workshops and watch parties, check the  Events and Festivals page  on the City website.

Canadians from coast to coast to coast will be celebrating Canada Day together virtually, enjoying online content especially crafted for Canada Day. National celebrations will be broadcast on Canadian Heritage’s social media sites and on CBC.  The City of St. John’s has created a local Canada Day Celebration which will air at 6:30 p.m. on NTV and on City of St. John’s social media sites .
Virtual Event Listings
Further Support & Resources from the Federal, Provincial (NL) & Municipal Government(s) & Industry Associations
A PEC - Atlantic Provinces Economic Council - Click here

BOT - St. John’s Board of Trade -

CBA - Conception Bay Area Chamber of Commerce - Click here

MPCC - Mount Pearl Chamber of Commerce - Click here

CFIB - Canadian Federation of Independent Business - Click here

PLA - Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador - Click here
OA - Oceans Advance - Click here

NOIA - Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Industry Association - Click here

NATI - Newfoundland Association of Technology & Innovation - Click here

NEIA - Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industries Association - Click here

NLCA - Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association - Click here

HNL - Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador - Click here
Department of Community Services | Economic Development, Culture and Partnerships
(709) 576-8107 |  business@stjohns.ca | www.stjohns.ca