Hi Member, take a look at at the Support of Business Statement😷😷

E-NEWS

Weekly

April 13, 2021 | Issue 15

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From the Desk of the CEO...

This week brings another series of challenging issues for business to respond to. In response to calls and inquiries about customers who choose business locations to engage in protest behaviour that is counter to public health guidelines and municipal by-laws, and in cooperation with the Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area and the Brantford Police Service, the Chamber has developed a statement in support of businesses, with language within it that can be used by business owners and their staff in the event a client or customer is uncooperative in following the rules established for your business sector.

Safety for staff is paramount, and Brantford Police are prepared to respond to businesses experiencing challenges. Please continue to operate safely and within the public health guidelines, and be in touch with any issues you are experiencing. Additionally, businesses can now apply to receive rapid COVID-19 tests. See below for more information.

Stay safe, test negative, stay positive.

Dave

Businesses can apply for COVID-19 Rapid Tests

The Ontario government is accepting requests from Ontario businesses to receive rapid COVID-19 tests.

Businesses can sign up for the government’s rapid testing program by contacting:

COVID19Testing@ontariohealth.ca

For the manufacturing sector contact: TestingMEDJCT@ontario.ca

CHAMBER STATEMENT in

SUPPORT OF BUSINESSES EXPERIENCING PROTESTS

The Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant, through its membership, has received a number of questions and concerns regarding incidents of clients and customers choosing to ignore public health guidelines and mask/face covering mandates, and confusion over responsibility for enforcement.

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is legislation directed towards the “state” and includes persons in authority and our courts. Further to this, an individual’s rights are not absolute. Individual rights are always weighed and balanced against what is best for all in our society. Any person can launch a human rights complaint and/or initiate civil proceedings against a person/business/institution however, a business cannot violate a person’s rights under this legislation.

Download the statement

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.

For more information & to register...

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!

Welcome New Member!

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.

Click here to read the full release.

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.