E-NEWS
Weekly

April 7, 2021 | Issue 14
From the Desk of the CEO...
This year’s Easter weekend was a mix of emotions, with another holiday impacted by safety restrictions, the implementation of the Provincewide Emergency Brake, increasingly vocal and active opposition to public safety measures, and most concerning, a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases and variants, balanced against spring weather, record stock markets, and increasing vaccine rollouts.
As business owners, and with many front-line workers, you are being asked to do, and to sacrifice, much more than ever imagined in entering your career or starting your company.
The Chamber is continuing to work hard on your behalf through our networks, fielding calls from members, and advancing the case of a safe, data-driven economic recovery, that best positions all businesses for success.
Please continue to reach out with your challenges and stories to best allow the power of the Chamber network to continue to help you. 

Stay safe, test negative, stay positive. 
Dave

SCIENCE TABLE COVID-19 ADVISORY FOR ONTARIO: Update on COVID-19 Projections as of April 1, 2021
What's Up at the Chamber?
Virtual Business after Hours
April 20, 2021
4:30pm - 5:15 pm
Hosted by Brant Waterways Foundation
Please join us during Earth week for an update on what the Brant Waterways Foundation is up to. The Foundation and it's partners will share information, updates and suggestions for protecting and enhancing our community and it's resources. 
Join us on April 22, 2021, to learn expert tips on co-op recruiting best practices, how to navigate the hiring process like a pro, and how you can access up to 70% funding to support your hire!
Who Will Be This Year's Award Recipients?
Join us as we live stream this year's awards!
Your registration will include a swag bag full of member products, a donation to St. Leonard's Community Services and a chance to win a Louisiana Grills Estate 860 BBQ from Strodes BBQ & Deli / Strodes the Pit valued at $3,500. Let's Celebrate our Members and our Community!
From the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Did you know that as a member of the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant you are also a member of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce? That is 60,000 members across the province and a strong voice at Queen's Park!

The OCC has posted all of their recent webinars in one place. Incase you missed one, you can see them all here. They also have a page Ongoing Updates which includes a wide variety of timely resources.
Non Profit News
The Sunrise Online Auction Opens Aril 21, 2021 @7:00 pm
The Brantford Sunrise Online Auction is looking for your help. Do you have a product or service you would like to donate? The online auction is in support of the Pediatrics Acute Response Clinic of the BCHS. For more information please contact brantfordrotarysunrise@gmail.com

City of Brantford: There are many ways to help....
We're looking for organizations and volunteers to provide assistance to low-income families who need help filing their taxes.
Have Your Say....
Just over a decade ago, it was recommended the Brantford Public Library expand to include a third branch. We are now looking forward to our next strategic plan and all the way to 2041, when Brantford's population is projected to hit 168,000 people. To guide us in our planning, we invite you to participate in our survey. For participating, you will have the opportunity to enter into a draw for an iPad, which can be used to enjoy all of our digital services.
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Ontario imposes a provincewide emergency brake
As of Saturday, April 3rd, Ontario is in a provincewide emergency break. The government intends to keep this in place for at least four weeks.
 
 
For questions about what will be open or impacts to your business, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659
You still have until 11:59 pm to apply
Ontario Small Business Support Grant: Extended to April 7th
Confirmed eligible recipients of the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will automatically receive a second payment equal to the amount of their first payment, for minimum total support of $20,000 up to a maximum of $40,000. 
If you've already received the first payment, you do not need to apply again.
If you haven't already applied, apply now.
Federal Government announces extension of Canada Emergency Business Account to help small businesses
The federal government announced that the deadline for new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) applications is being extended from March 31 to June 30, 2021.
 
This deadline extension applies to any new applications for CEBA loans of $60,000 or to new applications from businesses that have already received the $40,000 loan and intend to apply for the additional $20,000.
 
The extension will allow more businesses to access the support they need as Canada’s economy continues to deal with localized public health restrictions and, for a number of businesses, reduced opening hours or reduced demand for services. Extending the application deadline to June 2021 also aligns CEBA with the timelines of other federal government support programs for business. 
Additional COVID-19 Resources
*LOCAL ALERT* Regional Relief Recovery Fund, administered by Enterprise Brant: https://www.enterprisebrant.com/regional-relief-recovery-fund/
*LOCAL ALERT* Community Stakeholder Survey: BCHU Covid-19 pandemic response. Click here to take the survey
Recovery Activation Program helping local businesses go digital. Click here to learn more and apply
PD27 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy Self-identification Form for Employers. Click here
Government of Canada Covid-19 Alert App: click here to download
Support for your business from the Government of Canada. Click here to find out which supports best fit your business
Support for Individuals from the Government of Canada. Click here to find out which supports best fit your business
Business Resilience Service phoneline: call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession. The service is available 7 days/week from 8 am – 8 pm ET
Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA); This $55 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Click here to apply
Develop your Workplace Safety Plan with tools from the Government of Ontario here.