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Driving Business Forward
A trusted name in business is only possible with dedicated owners and employees that put action into words. So many of our franchise businesses in the Southeast Alberta region have solidified their name recognition by stepping up during the last few months and adjusting to serve their customers and contribute to their community. With the generous sponsorship from RBC Dominion Securities Inc., another trusted name that has been dedicated to building relationships with their clients for over 100 years, the Franchise Business of the Year Award is given to a business that reflects the outstanding spirit and success of our region’s business community. Do you know a franchise business that has gone above and beyond? Nominate them for the Franchise Business of the Year Award today!
All nominations are also forwarded to the Alberta Chamber's Business Awards of Distinction. Click here to see this year's finalists.
Your Weekly Tune Up
Information For Business
5 Steps for Business to Relaunch
With the recent relaunch strategy announced by the Provincial Government, businesses will now need to shift focus to recovery readiness and determining strategies to return to work and reopen their businesses. See our 5 Steps for Business to Relaunch for a step by step guide with resources.
Canada Emergency Business Account Expanded
The program will now be available to a greater number of businesses that are sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll. See eligibility for business with less than 20,000 in payroll
Phase 1 Guidance Released by Government
The Government has released general workplace guidance, sector specific guidance and planning for operations resources on the  Alberta Biz Connect webpage . You can also find more guidelines on PPE and common questions and answers.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extended
The government announced CEWS will be extended to August 29, 2020 and additional types of organizations are now eligible to apply. Neither the 30% drop in revenue requirement nor the allowed types of payroll used in calculations have changed.   Read more .
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
The   government announced   the details of the nearly $1 billion in funding being provided to the Regional Development Agencies to help support SMEs. Find out if you're eligible . Within our community, SMEs will be able to apply for support through   Community Futures Entre-Corp   and provide them with contact information so they can connect with you when the application process is ready . Read more
Keep up with the latest
#YXHHeroes
Skinny's Smokehouse
Annie McGuire's
Mook Fabrics
Advocacy in Action
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) Program Expanded!
We have been advocating for changes to the CECRA to allow rent assistance for businesses without mortgages and the government has finally made the change! The CECRA program will now be administered for properties with mortgages, other forms of debt or no mortgages at all with the application process open in the second half of May. The website has been updated with new information and answers to questions that have been received concerning eligibility, role of property owner/landlord, mortgage requirements, and process. Visit the website and  Sign up  to receive details when they’re available. 
Medicine Hat College
Delve into the world of entrepreneurship, from generating an idea to writing a business plan. In this course, you will refine your start up idea as you prepare for the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification. You will learn all business areas of an entrepreneurship venture, such as legal structure and requirements, funding sources, intellectual property law, operations, marketing, advertising and finances. By course completion, you will create a comprehensive business plan to get your start up idea off the ground and into the market.

Re-launching your business? Consider taking our online course COVID-19 Safety (FREE Until June 30th)

Another MHC online course that is currently available for FREE is our Online Goal Setting Course . This online Goal Setting course explains the importance of goal setting to personal success, identifies common challenges faced on the road to achievement, and provides step-by-step strategies for realizing one's personal and professional goals.

Questions regarding training for your staff? Contact Wes Paterson, MHC Corporate Training Officer at wpaterson@mhc.ab.ca
Helpful Webinars
Q&A With The Canada Revenue Agency On CEWS
May 20, 2020
How to Restart Your Business in the Wake of COVID-19
May 22, 2020
Recovery & Overcoming Adversity with Business Link
May 21, 2020
See our Pandemic Training Calendar for more
More Resources
Support Local Page
Send us your hours of operation and promotions.
Weddingstar Masks
Use code CHAMBER40 to get 40% off
Know the guidelines for your business
Sparking Conversation
Have you updated your Google My Business Account to reflect service changes?
Yes
No
What is Google my Business?
Last week: Are you planning on reopening in Phase 1
Yes: 7% No: 7% I am already open: 79%
I can't reopen until phase 2 or 3: 7%
Useful Links
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