Winter has finally arrived! This week also brings a substantial amount of opportunity and information, and we look forward to assisting where we can.

We want to draw your attention to a funding opportunity for Advanced Manufacturing in the Province. There is a very short window for this application (details in the announcement linked). The $40 million investment in the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) program will help companies get the tools, technology, and talent they need to grow, compete and innovate in an increasingly competitive global market. The first round of applications will be open until February 10, 2022. Learn more and apply here.

The Chamber Network across Canada has consistently called for timely and related business supports, and metrics for re-opening, at the same time restrictions are announced. OCC Announcement here: OCC Calls for a Re-Opening Plan.

While these announcements remain difficult to time, the government should be recognized for some key supports recently announced. Federally, the CEBA Loan program has extended the forgiveness period and introduced a tool to assist in completing ROEs for lockdown impacted employees.

Provincially, the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program opens on Wednesday and is partnered with other tools such as the Reconnect Ontario funding. These tools and others can be found on our newly revitalized and comprehensive COVID-19 Resources Page. Our thanks to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for its assistance in its development.

If you have read this far looking for a Rapid Testing Kit update… thank you! Unfortunately, still no details from the province on when we can expect new deliveries of kits for distribution to business. We will advise our participants and waiting list when we are able to resume distribution.

Please stay positive, safe, and ask for help or assistance when needed. We are stronger together.

Dave

We know the lack of available test kits is very frustrating and disappointing. Please understand that we are doing everything we can to ensure your business is served promptly and safely.

There is a province-wide shortage of rapid test kits and have run out. We placed an order in December for 20,000 kits and are waiting for the shipment to come in.

At this time, we cannot supply any kits. Please do not visit the office for more kits at this time. That said, your appointment still stands and you will be contacted as soon as we have more kits to ensure you are accommodated according to the timeline of your order. We will be serving businesses in chronological order.

We are offering a waitlist where you will be notified via email as soon as we're ready to take on more appointments. You will then be directed to the website, where you can place a new order. To be put on the waitlist, contact chamber@brcc.ca.

The expiry dates on these kits have been extended for one full year by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. You are safe to continue using these kits until January 2023. If you have any questions about this, please contact olivia@brcc.ca.

For more frequently asked questions regarding rapid test kits, please visit our webpage.

We appreciate your patience and understanding!

Employers can help to support employees’ mental health and reduce burnout in the workplace. Register by February 8th, 2022.

Learn more about mental health accommodations and positive approaches to support positive mental health in the workplace. Register by March 21st, 2022.

On February 3, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is launching their sixth annual Ontario Economic Report (OER). This free event features many amazing speakers.

January 25th is the deadline for employers to apply for funding for the Canada Summer Jobs Program

Please take 30 seconds to review your organization’s profile here!

Contact Greg Evans for more information.

This event has been moved to an online format due to COVID-19. Register here.

Join us to hear from MP Larry Brock and MPP Will Bouma who will speak on issues of concern to the business community of Brantford-Brant. Register here.

Come help us celebrate past president Ken McNaughton. Register here.