Vol. 10 Issue 4, October 22, 2020
Hamilton's Labour Market Connection
Your weekly news & updates from WPH!
In this week's edition: Small business week; Economic Development Action Plan Survey ; Small & Medium Sized Employers: Skills Gap & Future Skills; Who's Hiring in Hamilton?; Hamilton LMI September, 2020
Small Business Week!

#HamOnt is made up of so many wonderful small businesses.
 Now more than ever, these businesses need support and recognition. You can support by: shopping local, leave positive reviews, engaging on social media, and remembering to support Hamilton businesses before looking elsewhere.

Great news for small businesses! Canada United Small Business Relief Fund deadline has been extended. Any small businesses that have/will incur unexpected costs related to COVID could be eligible for a Canada United Small Business Relief Fund (CUSBRF) grant of up to $5,000.

The Federal Government announced it has contributed $12 million to the CUSBRF. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is now able to extend relief grants to more small businesses and restart accepting grant applications from small businesses across all Provinces. Application window opens October 26.
Hamilton's Economic Development Action Plan
2021-2025

The City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Division and Tourism & Culture Division are working together to create the City’s 2021-2025 Economic Development Action Plan (EDAP). We want to gather the thoughts, ideas, opinions and priorities of our various stakeholders, including the general public.

The purpose of this short survey is to better understand your specific ideas, needs and priorities over the next five years to assist with the development of an updated Economic Development Action Plan for 2021 - 2025. Your input is an essential part of the development of this updated Action Plan. Your responses will help us consider and incorporate the opportunities and challenges facing the numerous workers, consumers and businesses in Hamilton, and provide current insights on the types of initiatives and activities we can undertake over the next five years to provide value to the community and attract new businesses to Hamilton.

This survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and your feedback will be used for the purposes of informing and educating the authors of the Action Plan. Your individual information will be held in strict confidence and will not be published or shared without your explicit consent, other than in an aggregated, non-identifying format.  The survey closes on November 1st.

Small & Medium Sized Employers: Skills Gap & Future Skills

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), which typically employ fewer than 500 employees, are the backbone of the Canadian economy, accounting for more than 90% of jobs in the private sector. Yet they face critical labour shortages and skill gaps that threaten their competitiveness—both with larger organizations and other businesses globally.

For many years, and across the country, SMEs have identified talent shortages. Surveys by different organizations repeatedly show SMEs reporting access to talent as a critical competitive issue. At the same time, there is limited data on the specific skills needed which vary across sectors and regions of the country.
Who's Hiring in Hamilton During COVID-19?

New job board provides opportunities for businesses and job seekers
With support from the city’s Economic Development Office we are sharing a new platform for Hamilton businesses and their local employment needs. During these unprecedented times there is a desire for real-time information on job opportunities across many sectors in our city.

Hamilton Labour Force Information:
September 2020

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Economic Development, and the Flamborough and Stoney Creek Chambers of Commerce, are closely monitoring and assessing new developments pertaining to COVID-19, as well as its impacts on Hamilton business.

Workforce Planning Hamilton | 905-521-5777| info@workforceplanninghamilton.ca | www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca