This email is sponsored by 6P Marketing
Your participation is CRITICAL.
 
T he chamber network is proud to be the Voice of Business in Manitoba. Our mission is to champion the issues and challenges of the business community, and to support you as you navigate the unprecedented obstacles that COVID-19 has created. It is crucial to hear from you so we can understand how to best advocate for a strong economic future for all Manitobans. In this second survey of our pandemic-focused series, delivered in partnership with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and Leger Marketing, we're examining the current state as we move towards safe restoration of services.

Please take 7-8 minutes to provide us with valuable feedback.

Once again, Leger Marketing is conducting this survey on our behalf to ensure the methodological soundness of study. All information collected is aggregated together to ensure respondent anonymity. Simply click the link to complete the survey before May 28/2020.
NEXT WEEK: Asked & Answered
Q&A with the Experts

Questions or concerns about a safe re-opening? What does it mean to operate at 50%? What constitutes a thorough cleaning regimen in your workplace? What about masks and gloves?

The COVID-19 pandemic is uncharted territory and we know that supporting safety and compliance with public health orders as we re-open businesses matters to all Manitobans. To ensure our members have the information they need to navigate this challenging time, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce are proud to be hosting two very special guests for our next Asked & Answered Q&A with the experts: Honourable Cameron Friesen, Minister of Health, Seniors & Active Living and Dr. Brent Roussin, Chief Public Health Officer of Manitoba.

Register now to join us for this exclusive conversation live via webinar. We'll discuss safe re-opening, workplace hygiene protocols and best practices, and how to maintain employee and client well-being.

Moderated Q&A to follow ( submit your question here in advance or ask it live) led by Chuck Davidson, MCC President & CEO and Loren Remillard, President & CEO, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. SPACE IS LIMITED!
PROVINCE OF MANITOBA UNVEILS DRAFT PLAN FOR PHASE 2: RESTORING SAFE SERVICES
Today, the Province of Manitoba released its preliminary/draft plan for Restoring Services: Phase 2 , which includes an increase to allowable gathering sizes as of tomorrow, May 22 (up to 25 people indoors and up to 50 people can congregate outdoors), as well as plans for additional business openings to be permitted in the near future. (NOTE: The initial date for Phase 2 implementation was to be no earlier than June 1, 2020, and a specific date for the actual roll-out has not yet been announced.)

If you're planning your business re-opening, you should check out the following excellent resources:


MCC staff will quickly assess the Phase 2 draft plan, and provide highlights shortly.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES - PROVINCE OF MANITOBA

As of today, Thursday, May 21, public health officials advised the number of lab-confirmed positive and probable cases in Manitoba remains at 290 , and there have been seven COVID-19 related deaths.

1) Manitobans should continue to self-assess online but no longer need to phone Health Links for a referral before visiting a COVID-19 screening location. If you've self-assessed and you are presenting with symptoms, you should make your way to a COVID-19 community screening location .

2) The Manitoba Gap Protection Program (MGPP) application process is open. The province will advance each eligible business the non-interest bearing forgivable MGPP loan of $6,000 -- a loan that will be forgiven on Dec. 31, 2020 -- if the recipient attests at that time the business has not received any major non-repayable COVID-19 federal supports developed in response to the pandemic.

3) The Summer Student Recovery Jobs Program provides wage subsidies to employers (private and not-for-profit sectors) to employ students aged 15 to 29. For program details and to submit your application online (it takes just five minutes to complete and responses are provided within just a few business days), click here .
UPDATES - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

NEW! 1) LEEFF: Applications for the Government of Canada’s Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) program opened on Wednesday through a subsidiary of the Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV). CDEV has formed the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation (CEEFC) to administer LEEFF. The financing will be available to companies with significant operations in Canada and annual revenues of more than $300 million. LEEFF is set to provide bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers that have been affected by COVID-19, and loans will be provided by CEEFC in cooperation with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and the Department of Finance. Applicants should register their interest at LEEFF-CUGE@cdev.gc.ca . For details: https://www.cdev.gc.ca/leeff-factsheet/

NEW! 2) CECRA: The application portal for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance will open on May 25. This program offers unsecured, forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners to reduce the rent owed by their impacted small business tenants and meet operating expenses on commercial properties. C MHC is taking a staggered approach and asks property owners to register on the following days once the application process has opened. Once registered, the portal will be available 24/7 for applicants to input data and upload documents. The deadline to apply is August 31, 2020.

  • Monday: Property owners who are located in Atlantic Canada, BC, Alberta and Quebec, with up to 10 tenants who are eligible for the program
  • Tuesday: Property owners who are located in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and the Territories, with up to 10 tenants who are eligible for the program
  • Wednesday: All other property owners in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and the Territories
  • Thursday: All other property owners in Atlantic Canada, BC, Alberta and Quebec
  • Friday: All property owners

3) RRRF : The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) will help western Canadian businesses cope with the financial hardship resulting from COVID-19, including businesses in the tourism sector, which are key to the regions and local economies. As the Regional Development Agency for western Canada, Western Diversification will work with key partners like Community Futures to disburse a total of $304 million to western Canadian businesses. WD is accepting applications on an ongoing basis and will review them on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the links below for eligibility criteria and to determine which funding stream is right for you:


4) CEBA : The federal government will expand the eligibility of the Canada Emergency Business Account (interest-free loans of up to $40,000) to include sole proprietors, those whose business relies on contractors, and family-owned businesses that pay employees though dividends. Although newly-eligible businesses must wait for the program criteria to be updated in order to apply, general CEBA information is available here.

5) BCAP : The federal government will expand the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) to mid-sized companies with larger financing needs. Support for mid-market businesses will include loans of up to $60 million per company, and guarantees of up to $80 million. Through the BCAP, Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (bdc) will work with private sector lenders to support access to capital for Canadian businesses in all sectors and regions.

To access the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce's Financial Measures Guide,
which includes information about all provincial and federal funding streams, click here .
Private Travel: Strategies for Post-COVID Meetings & Business Engagement
Join FastAir for a webinar on May 22, 2020 at 10:30 AM CST
  
This webinar is for any business leader, travel planner, or executive. The session will review strategies for travel planning as economic recovery begins. Particular attention will be given to the advantages of business aircraft and the benefits that are possible.

Register in advance:
Chuck Davidson, President & CEO
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
t: 204-948-0107
e: cdavidson@mbchamber.mb.ca